Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte speaks at a press conference in Davao City, Monday. Duterte expressed openness on the return to the Philippines of Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, to participate in peace talks.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – A top official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed confidence in the incoming administration of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte after the latter vowed to address the problems of the Bangsamoro people.
MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar was scheduled to speak with Duterte at 6 p.m. Monday but their meeting was pushed back to 11 p.m. due to the large number of well-wishers waiting to meet the presumptive president.
Although their chat was informal, Jaafar said he is confident that the incoming Duterte administration can solve the decades-old problems of Mindanao.
“Malaki ang kumpyansa namin sa administrasyon ni Duterte,” he said.
The MILF official also declined to comment on Duterte’s plan to appoint members of the Communist Party of the Philippines in his Cabinet.
“Wala po kaming comment sa bagay na iyun. Maaaring iyun ay kanyang panukala, proposal at hindi pa naman umiiral ang panukalang iyan,” he said.
The MILF and the Aquino administration earlier signed a peace deal aimed at creating a new autonomous political entity in Mindanao.
However, the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a key component of the peace talks, was derailed after 44 police commandos were killed in a clash with the MILF and other groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.
Jaafar joined Duterte’s first batch of visitors at the Matina Enclaves Residences, his temporary headquarters until he assumes office on June 30.
Duterte took until the wee hours of Tuesday morning to entertain some 60 well-wishers.
Some of his guests included former TESDA chairman Augusto “Buboy” Syjuco, former Laguna Governor ER Ejercito, Senator JV Ejercito, talent manager Annabelle Rama and several religious leaders.
Duterte’s top picks for various Cabinet positions are also reportedly expected to call on him. He is set to receive well-wishers and foreign diplomats until Wednesday