Thousands of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters are expected to join the MILF’s expanded central committee meeting to be presided by Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim on March 9-11 in Butig, Lanao del Sur to discuss the stalled Mindanao peace process.

Mohagher Iqbal, who chairs the MILF’s panel in the peace talks with the national government, said the event is intended for consultation with the various sectors of the Bangsamoro society.

"The MILF is holding a consultation meeting. We are inviting members of the media on the last day, March 11. A press conference will be held at 8 a.m.," said Iqbal.

It was recalled that Butig is the place where the then MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim died on July 13, 2003.

Eid Kabalu, MILF civil-military chief, said the gathering is also an expanded meeting of the members of the group’s central committee, which is also the front’s highest policy-making body.

"We expect scores of participants and attendees because practically all the front’s leaders will be there. No politician was invited, but everybody is welcome," said Kabalu.

"This activity has already been coordinated with the government through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities," he also said.

From Camp Darapanan in Shariff Kabunsuan, a convoy of tens of vehicles will travel to Butig, escorted by armed MILF guerrillas.

Kabalu said the arming of the MILF guerrillas was approved by the government through the CCCH.

At present, the negotiation with the government has again hit a snag due to the government peace panel’s insistence on using constitutional parameter for the creation of the homeland of the Moro people through the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

But this has consistently been opposed by the MILF, with front leaders saying they won’t budge an inch from their stand.

Kabalu said all aspects of the Mindanao peace process will be tackled at the Butig meeting, and the stakeholders who are expected to attend will hear an update on the negotiations.

Last month, United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney visited the MILF’s Camp Darapanan and met with Murad and other rebel leaders.

Kenney reiterated the US commitment to help in the peace process.

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