They’ll return, says governor

ARMM reaches out to call brothers home

COTABATO CITY: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Mujiv Hataman is confident his compatriots who have fled to Sabah will return home once there is peace in southern Philippines.

“You must remember the reason for them to be in Sabah is because of the conflict in this region.

“If there is no conflict and there are economic opportunities in this region, then my Bangsamoro brothers will be pushed to come back,” said Mujiv.

The governor said the ARMM was strategising on how to entice them home.

“For us, our brothers in Sabah are additional human resources. When economic development starts in this region, we will need skilled workers,” he added.

Mujiv said that during the framework agreement signing ceremony between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malacanang Palace in Manila on Monday, he had spoken to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

“He told us that there was a lot of concern in Sabah about the presence of our Bangsamoro brothers in the state.

“I told him that we understand their concern and the ARMM and Sabah Government should work together to address the problem of migration,” said Mujiv.

Mujiv also said he was in talks with Malaysian companies which were interested in investing in Mindanao, including big oil palm plantation companies.

On the threat by Nur Misuari – who founded the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and launched the Moro rebellion 40 years ago – that the peace deal would bring instability in southern Philippines and Sabah, Mujiv said: “I have high regard for Nur Misuari. However, he is no longer influential in the MNLF.”

Mujiv added that he did not think that the peace deal with be scuttled by sabotage.

“The Philippines government has learnt from previous failed peace agreement (in southern Philippines) and the current president (Benigno Aquino III) is sincere in addressing the problem,” he said.