British Embassy Manila statement on the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) weapons
British Charge d'Affaires Trevor Lewis welcomed the first phase of decommissioning of the weapons of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
Charge d’Affaires Trevor Lewis said:
The decommissioning of 50 high-powered and 25 crew-mounted weapons, and transition to civilian life of 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, is a significant and welcome step in the peace process. With legislation still pending in Congress, this event underlines the continued commitment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to pursue its objectives through political rather than violent means. As with any peace process, the process of normalisation is linked to political milestones, the next of which will be the passage of legislation to make the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro a reality. We commend the government of the Philippines led by President Aquino for its continued significant effort to bring peace and development to the peoples of Bangsamoro for the long term benefit of the Philippines as a whole.