Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Although the government has been warming to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), they do not intend to leave the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hanging.
“We’re now waiting for the reconstitution of the executive order that will reinstall the Bangsamoro Transition Commission,” Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday. “That group will be mandated to craft a new enabling law to replace the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
The previous administration’s peace negotiations with the MILF culminated with the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. However, the law was barred at Congress due to questions on its constitutionality.
Dureza said that they took care that the MILF would not react negatively to their collaborations with the MNLF and that their panels have in fact met. The two groups, who both hold claim over Moro representation in Mindanao, have a history of tension.
Related: Duterte to hold simultaneous talks with MILF, MNLF
The negotiations are part of a number of talks that the government is currently pursuing, including negotiations with the MNLF and New People’s Army (NPA).
Misuari’s warrant to be lifted
The government is also attending to the legal status of Nur Misuari, MNLF Chairman. Misuari has a pending arrest warrant due to his involvement in the 2013 Zamboanga siege that displaced about 100,000 residents.
The warrant still stands, “but it is being addressed now,” Dureza said.
Dureza did not say how soon it will be lifted, as it will be left to the discretion of judges.
Dureza believes Misuari was “a big help” in retrieving hostages from the Abu Sayyaf last month and he showed “real cooperation.” He said Duterte maintains that Misuari is an “important player in the peace process.”
Related: Duterte: Nur Misuari wants peace talks held in Malaysia
“[The president] determines the kind of game we have to play,” said Dureza, likening Duterte to a team captain or coach. “As a peace adviser, I have to follow the normal procedures, like what we did with the [NPA] consultants.”
NPA talks
Dureza is also set to attend the second round of talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
They are expected to continue working on the mechanics of the ceasefire agreement they previously signed.
“[We] need mechanisms like [those on] monitoring, how you go about complaints of violations,” said Dureza. “The more difficult part will be the discussion on the comprehensive agreement on socio-economic reforms. So let’s manage our expectations.”
Related: Government, communist rebels to tackle economic, social reforms
“Peace negotiations and peace settlements is a long tedious process it goes back to historical [roots],” said Dureza, who expressed confidence in the talks. “Context should not be lost in our work.”
Dureza is leaving for the second round of talks in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday night.
