JOLO, Sulu - Governors of the five provinces under the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has expressed their full support to the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The governors issued the statement after attending the formal exploratory talks held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 28 to 30, where they form a group of observers to the negotiation process between the GPH and the MILF.
Tan, who served as focal person of the ARMM governors, said that among the governors in attendance were Maguindanao Governor Esmael ''Toto'' Mangudadatu, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Basilan Governor Jum Akbar, and Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali.
Tan said the ARMM governors wanted a meaningful autonomy under the Constitution that is being pursued by the Philippine government and the MILF.
Tan, however, reminded the GPH and MILF panels that a plebiscite should be held before the signing of any peace accord in order to seek the people's consent if they wanted to join the new autonomous region or not.
