In a statement, Murad said, both panels agreed to discuss the ancestral domain issue once the formal talks begin after the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

“While we expect lengthy, arduous and even heated deliberations on both issues, we, in the MILF, are approaching the negotiating table with much hope to resolve every obstacle along the way,” Murad said.

The MILF expects the government to reciprocate the same outlook and commitment.

“Or they may again choose the path of war as they had rudely shown in the all-out war waged by President Joseph Estrada in March 2000 and the unprovoked attack on MILF positions in Buliok complex in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on February 11, 2003,” he said.

Murad admitted that “peace making” is not as easy as what some people imagine.

“It is war, minus the bullets and bombs.  It requires two parties in the conflict to collaborate to make peace, but only one (party is needed) to make war,” he said.

However, Murad said there would be no compromises on the people’s right to self-determination.
“This is a fundamental right of people that no one, no group or power, has the right to deprive the Bangsamoro people of this right,” he said.

Murad cited a provision in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement that states, “the negotiation and peaceful resolution of the conflict must involve consultations with the Bangsamoro people free of any imposition in order to provide chances of success.”