While some of us believe that the Mindanao conflict can be resolved through the barrel of the gun, many are still optimistic that it can be solved through peace negotiations.

With the appointment of  UP College of Law Dean Marvic F. Leonen, I personally believe that the tricky issue on ancestral domain will have more room for debate in peace process. Given his expertise and deeper understanding on the issue,  Leonen could provide different perspective in looking at the  complicated issue on ancestral domain and the right to self-determination not just among Lumads but as well as the Bangsamoro People.

In my previous interviews with former MILF peace panel chief Mohagher Iqbal, he has kept on saying that the Front is not particular if who will head their counterpart. “This is revolution. If we cannot solve it in this generation, no problem. We are revolutionaries,” Iqbal stressed.

So what should we expect under this new administration with a new set of peace negotiators? Just expect some unexpected, as usual — let’s wait and see.