Source: LUWARAN 

Moros in Western Mindanao particularly in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan welcomed the inclusion of these provinces as part of the jurisdiction of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT), a report reaching Luwaran today. Government and MILF peace panels have decided to include these provinces as additional coverage of the IMT, thereby affording the ceasefire foreign monitors to actively intervene in case infractions of the ceasefire take place in these areas.

Hassan Khattab, a long time member of the MNLF but is now an active member of the MILF, told Luwaran by phone that the inclusion of Sulu is a testimony that the MILF really cares for this island province, where hundreds of combatants of the MILF are awaiting the IMT to visit their province.

Abu Majid of Basilan likewise expressed optimism that with the IMT presence in his province trouble like that of the eight-hour fierce fighting in Al-barka town on July 10, 2007 would be easy to contain.

The fighting resulted in 23 Marines (the government said only 14) were killed and 17 firearms captured by MILF mujahideen and five martyred on their part.

In Tawi-Tawi, Dr. Alpha Amirulhaj, a member of the MILF Technical Committee, told Luwaran by phone that he was gladdened by the inclusion of his province in the IMT coverage is the best gift his people could receive during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The latest Terms of Reference (TOR) of the IMT adopted by the government and MILF peace panels last August 27, 2007 empowered it to conduct advocacy and information campaign in the provinces of its coverage in order to make the people feel the presence, importance, and tasks of this group.

The two Parties also decided to maintain the acronym IMT, saying it has already been in everybody’s lips and its credibility known far and wide.

However, they failed to include Sweden as new member of the IMT in view of report that with the change of government in this country the enthusiasm to serve in the IMT has dramatically eased.

The MILF and the government will try to reach out to their embassy in Manila whether Sweden is still committed to join the IMT.

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