Philippine Muslim rebels hand over weapons to Turkey-led decommissioning body

The Philippines' largest rebel group retired nearly 150 guerillas and handed over 75 arms to a decommissioning body headed by Turkish Ambassador Haydar Berk in order to encourage parliament to pass a proposed law giving minority Muslims self-rule. 

President Benigno Aquino visited the headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to witness the weapons handover, the first concrete action by the organization to abandon a decades-old rebellion that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Aquino and senior MILF leaders both said the largely symbolic activity was intended to spur parliament to pass a delayed proposed law giving Muslims self-rule in the largely Catholic nation's south under the terms of a 2014 peace treaty.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions we have made so far in more than 40 years of struggle," chief MILF peace negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said in a speech.

"We want to show the world that the MILF will always comply with its obligations set forth in the signed agreement," Iqbal added.

Aquino, who ends his six-year term in a year's time, wants the Muslim self-rule bill to be passed soon, fearing that his successor may not pursue the peace initiative.

"Let us show them that we are worthy of their trust," Aquino said in his speech.

Speaking to CNN, Berk, who is also the chairperson of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), complimented both parties of the conflict. 

"We are proud to be part of this historic, courageous peace process. I have no doubt that not only the present generation but future generations will admire your visionary statesmanship," he said.
 
Parliament failed to pass the bill before it went into recess last week amid a public outcry...