November 19, 2000, The Philippine Star, Safeguards eyed for ceasefire with MILF,

November 19, 2000, The Philippine Star, Safeguards eyed for ceasefire with MILF, 

As part of its efforts to woo the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) back to the negotiating table, the government is drawing up safeguards for a prospective ceasefire with the rebel group. National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre said these measures should help remove some of the irritants that have hounded peace efforts between the two sides in the past. 

  
"The effectivity of the ceasefire has to be mutually agreed upon, with effective mechanisms to prevent violations," Aguirre said. He reiterated the government's optimism that once the fine-tuning of the government's peace strategy falls into place, the peace talks with the MILF can resume. 

  
The government discussed its peace strategy with the MILF during the meeting of the full membership of the National Security Council (NSC) in Malacañang last Nov. 6. Aguirre said these fine-tuning measures include  Muslim participation in the peace process and third-party mediation. 

  
"We will reconstitute the government peace panel to become very effective. We will include in the process Muslim local executives, governors and mayors so the Muslims are adequately represented," he said. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari will be tapped as panel adviser, he noted. 

  
Aguirre also said the government is likely to offer a ceasefire to the MILF, although the mechanisms have to be drawn up so violations could be minimized. The NSC, he said, also decided to allow third-party mediation to comply with the MILF's request for such a move. Earlier, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) indicated that it is willing to mediate in the peace process. All these initiatives, Aguirre said, should show the MILF that the government remains sincere in maintaining peace and order in Mindanao.