MILF deputies vow to press ahead with peace talks as they announce successor
The Philippines' largest rebel group finally confirmed the death of its leader Hashim Salamat and announced his replacement yesterday, vowing to press ahead with peace talks.
The death of the 61-year-old founder of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on July 13 was kept secret by his deputies for weeks in order to prevent demoralisation and grief within the ranks of the 12,000-strong separatist movement, sources said.
They said it was too early to say whether the MILF would break into factions along ethnic lines following Salamat's death. Salamat had kept them together by stressing Islam as their common denominator. With him gone, they said the MILF had lost a religious leader of international prominence.
The MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, Ghazali Jaafar, and spokesman Eid Kabalu said their group would continue to pursue peace talks with the government.
'The death of brother Salamat will not stop the MILF from pursuing a peaceful, political and comprehensive agreement with the Philippine government,' Mr Jaafar said.
'We are still determined to achieve lasting peace and our commitment to resume peace talks has not changed,' Mr Kabalu added.