MILF, govt peace panels form TWGs on power- and wealth-sharing

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have created their respective technical working groups to resolve outstanding issues on power-sharing and wealth-sharing.

During the ongoing formal negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian peace talks facilitator Ghafar Tengku said the creation of the TWGs of both parties was “a sign of progress” as they move closer toward a comprehensive compact to end hostilities in Mindanao.

“Our negotiations are proceeding with undeniable momentum,” government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said.

The TWGs were tasked to delve into the details of power-sharing and wealth-sharing issues. Their outputs will be presented to both panels for approval.

On the government side, panel member Miriam Coronel-Ferrer will head the working group on power-sharing, together with Upi, Maguindanao Mayor Ramon Piang, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Attorney General Jose Lorena and presidential political affairs Undersecretary and 1986 Constitutional Commission member Chito Gascon as members.

Government panel member Senen Bacani will head the TWG on wealth-sharing with fellow negotiator Yasmin Busran-Lao as adviser. They will be joined by Environment Assistant Secretary Anselmo Abungan and National Economic Development Authority Regional Director Ma. Lourdes Lim.

On the MILF side, Habib Macaayong will lead the TWG on power-sharing while the working group on wealth-sharing will be headed by Benjamin Domato.

Leonen admitted that the last stretch of the negotiations will be “complex.”

“As we mentioned during the last round of talks, our principals will be confronted with issues that will require difficult decisions. (I am) sure that our principals will be willing to make them and communicate them through us so that we can work on these concerns,” Leonen told his MILF counterparts.

For his part, MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said both sides must “persevere” – adding that he “expects every sort of obstacles and complications… (as the) bargaining becomes more intense in the final stage.”

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