The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group, has agreed to help prevent violence on a troubled southern island in Mindanao during conduct of its national and local elections, Major-General Anthony Alcantara said on Saturday. "We have secured a commitment from the rebels not to disrupt the elections on May 10," southern Mindanao’s army commander told Reuters.
Alcantara said the rebels had agreed to ward off any polling precinct and not to disperse their forces from May 3 to 13. "We're not allowing anybody with guns in polling areas except soldiers and police officers," he continued.
On Friday, easefire "panels" from both sides signed an agreement. Toks Ebrahim, head of the MILF's ceasefire negotiators, stated that they would tell their forces to resist violence which would disrupt both the elections and other peace talks. He told media that they we’ll restrain their forces to avoid violence during the elections.
This year’s elections will provide fresh hopes for achieving peace and progress not only in Mindanao but in the whole nation as well. From a pool of ten yearning presidential candidates possessing different plans for the country, only one will get the highest government position in the archipelago.
The newly elected leaders must act fast if we want the Philippines to attain sustainable development and fare well in the international level so as not to get left behind. This will only happen if we choose and put into position the right set of leaders the country has ever needed for such a long time. Vote wisely. Do not settle on the crowd’s favorite or on what people endorse to you. Vote on the candidate whom you really believe in and you would entrust your loved ones’ future.
