The results, announced Friday, will begin the process of the Catholic-majority nation’s largest group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, laying down its weapons and assuming political power. “We are very happy about the overwhelming support of the people,” MILF leader Murad Ebrahim said. There’s been nothing like this.”Voters, who were expected to back the so-called Bangsamoro region, delivered a convincing result of about 1.7 million in favour and some 254,600 against, according to official results from the Philippines elections commission. As part of the peace process, the MILF has joined the government in battling the hardline, Islamic State-aligned factions waging guerilla campaigns in the southern Philippines. Muslims have long been battling for independence or autonomy on Mindanao, which they regard as their ancestral homeland dating back to when Arab traders arrived there in the 13th century.

Source: The Express Tribune January 25, 2019 13:41 UTC