Talumpati
ng
Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III
Pangulo ng Pilipinas
Sa paglagda ng batas na magpapaliban sa eleksyon sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) at magsasabay sa lokal at pambansang halalan sa 2013
[Inilahad sa Malacañan Palace noong ika-30 ng Hunyo, 2011]
Tinatawag pong the Land of Promise ang Mindanao dahil sa lawak ng potensyal nitong umasenso.
Nasa inyo ang mayamang agrikultura, yamang dagat at mineral, langis at natural gas. Subalit sa nagdaang mga dekada, tila napabayaan ang rehiyong ito at naiwang nakapako ang tangan niyang mga pangako. At tila kabaligtaran pa ang naihahayag na imahen nito sa publiko. Nakakalungkot isipin na dahil sa mga pangyayari sa ARMM, naging karugtong ng pangalan nito ang mga rebeldeng grupong kinatatakutan ng mga dayuhan; ang karahasang dulot ng Maguindanao Massacre, at ang walang-patumanggang pandaraya tuwing halalan.
Sa araw pong ito, isinasakatuparan natin ang isang repormang magtatanglaw ng pagbabago at pag-asa sa ARMM. Nilagdaan natin ngayon ang batas na magpapaliban sa eleksyon sa rehiyon at magsasabay sa lokal at pambansang halalan.
May ilan pong nagtatanong: bakit ba kailangang ipagpaliban ang eleksyon? Ang iba, nagrereklamong hindi raw ito maka-demokrasya; na ipinagkakait nito sa kanila ang kalayaan na makapili ng kanilang mga pinuno.
Ang ibabalik ko namang tanong sa kanila: sa dinatnan nating kalakaran, tinatamasa ba ng ARMM ang tunay na demokrasya?
Kung ang makikita po natin tuwing eleksyon ay ganito: mga botanteng dinidiktahan kung sino ang isusulat sa balota, may demokrasya kaya ba? Mga estudyanteng napipilitang upuan ang mga balota upang protektahan ang mga boto habang pinapaligiran ng mga armadong tauhan ng mga politiko, may demokrasya ba? Mga gurong akap-akap ang mga balot box, nangangatog dahil sa pagbabanta sa kanilang mga buhay, may demokrasya ba?
Balikan din po natin ang ilang tagpo noong 2007 elections. Nang inihayag ang resulta ng halalan sa Maguindanao, ang lumabas: 12-0. Lahat po ng pambatong Senador ni Ginang Arroyo, panalo. Papaano po kaya nangyari ito? Sa isip ko, ganoon na lang kaya kalaki ang fans club ng koponang Arroyo sa ARMM?
Hindi naman po siguro posible na kapag ibang partido ang ibinoto mo, biglang nawawalan ng tinta ang gamit mong pluma. O baka naman ang kanilang mga balota, tinangay lamang ng hangin. Hanggang ngayon po, isang napakalaking palaisipan pa rin ang mga ganitong tagpo.
Alam ko pong hindi lingid sa kaalaman ninyo ang mga pangyayaring tulad ng mga ito. At lalo pa po tayong napapailing sa iba pang suliraning natuklasan natin sa ARMM.
Isa pa rin ang ARMM sa pinakamahirap na rehiyon sa bansa. Ang naitala pong insidente ng kahirapan sa mga pamilya sa ARMM noong 2009 ay nasa 38.1 percent, at lahat po ng probinsya sa rehiyon ay nasa ilalim ng national poverty incidence, na 20.9 percent.
Ang Maguindanao ang may pinakamalubhang insidente ng kahirapan sa rehiyon na may naitalang 44.6 percent sa taon ding iyon.
Nakapagtataka naman po yatang umabot pa rin sa sitwasyong ito ang ARMM, sa kabila ng pondong inilalaan taun-taon para sa kapakanan ng rehiyon. Nakakalungkot nga po dahil tila naging manhid na ang mga taga-ARMM sa garapal na kalakaran ng ilang mga pinuno dito. Ang ibang nahalal sa puwesto, naglalakihang mga mansyon ang inuuwian, samantalang ang mga kababayan nila, maalikabok at lubak-lubak pa rin ang kalsadang dinadaanan.
Kapag may mga proyektong pinagkagastusan, diretso lamang ito sa bulsa ng kung kanino; kapag may procurement na inilabas, walang public bidding; kapag gumastos, walang liquidation, at kapag sumahod ang ibang mga lokal na opisyal, halos hindi na magkasya sa calculator ang kanilang suweldo.
Kakaiba nga ho talaga ang ARMM: mayroon na pong “ghost school,” ay kailangan po ng “ghost teacher.”
Ang mga ganitong datos at palakad ang nagtulak sa atin upang umaksyon agad. Ngayong tayo na po ang nasa panunungkulan, hindi na po natin maaatim ang muling paghahari ng ganitong mga insidente at paghihirap ng ating mamamayan. Gaya ng sabi ng aking ama noon: ang unang kalayaan na dapat nating makamit ay ang kalayaan mula sa kagutuman.
Malinaw pong nakapiit sa katiwalian ang rehiyong ito. Pinosasan ang kalayaan ng mga taga-ARMM; hindi nabibigyan ng puwang ang tunay na boses ng mamamayan. Upang mahinto ang mga iregularidad sa pamamahala sa ARMM, isinulong natin ang pagpapaliban ng ARMM elections para isabay na natin ito sa lokal at pambansang halalan. Maraming salamat po sa ating mga kaalyado sa Kongreso at Senado, sa pamumuno po ni Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile at House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, at sa mga nanguna’t sumuporta sa pagsusulong ng batas na ito. Dahil sa pakikiisa at pagkakaisa ng lehislatura at ehekutibo, pinagtibay na natin ngayon ang repormang magtatanglaw na tunay na demokrasya sa mga taga-ARMM.
Mahalaga pong sa bawat programa, kapag tinanong tayo kung ano ang nais nating mangyari, hindi tayo uutal-utal. Malinaw ang ating hangarin para sa ARMM: Upang marinig ang tunay na saloobin ng taumbayan, tutuldukan na natin ang paghahari-harian ng mga politikal na angkan na pasimuno ng dayaan sa eleksyon, at bubuwagin natin ang kanilang mga private army. Maliban pa dito, isasakatuparan din ng DILG ang isang roadmap para sa mga reporma sa rehiyon—tungo sa tunay na kaunlaran at kapayapaan sa ARMM. Kaakibat po ng repormang elektoral na ating isinusulong dito, lilinisin natin ang voters’ list, sa pamamagitan ng muling pagpapatala ng mga botante, at pagiging moderno ng eleksyon.
Patitibayin din natin ang pakikiisa ng civil society groups, na magkakaloob ng mga voter’s education, at magsisilbi ring mga watchdog sa halalan.
Ngayong tayo na ang nanunungkulan, hindi natin hahayaang makalusot ang anumang katiwalian.
At kung may makalusot man sa kanila, di tayo mapapagod na habulin at panagutin sila. Sa pagpapaganap ng batas na nilagdaan natin ngayon, mas mapapaigting natin ang mabuting pamamahala at mas magiging bukas at malinaw ang ating patutunguhan.
Babantayan ng DILG ang operasyon ng ARMM para tiyakin na nasusunod ang batas. Ipinahinto na rin po natin ang pagkakaloob ng cash advances ng ibang mga opisyal para sa procurement ng mga gamit, supplies, at mga ipamamahaging serbisyo para sa mga mamamayan. Sisiguraduhin nating dadaan sa public bidding ang mga procurement at magiging malinaw ang pagkakaloob nito sa mga intended beneficiaries para sa maayos na dokumentasyon. Bahagi ito ng ating mga hakbang upang isiwalat ang mga tinatagong transaksyon at pagsho-shortcut sa burukrasya.
May mga pagkakataon pong kailangan munang kalkalin at ayusin muna ang nakagawian nang sistema bago ito maipatupad nang maayos. Ang pinirmahan nga po nating batas ay isang malaking hakbang sa pagsasakongkreto sa katuparan ng pangarap natin sa ARMM. Ang gusto natin—wala nang estudyante ang papasok sa paaralan nang may tuyong lalamunan dahil sa kawalan ng malinis na tubig na maiinom; wala nang guro ang napipilitang maghigpit ng sinturon dahil sa kakaramput na sweldo at sa puro pangakong benepisyo; at wala na ring amang wala nang ibang makitang paraan kundi kumapit na lang sa patalim para lang may maihain sa kanyang pamilya.
Ang mga mithiin pong ito, maisasakatuparan kaya natin sa loob ng isa’t kalahating taon? Maaaring hindi po.
Ngunit umaasa tayo na kapag naranasan ng ARMM ang maayos at tapat na pamamalakad, sila na mismo ang tuloy na magpapatulak at magtutulak na ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan na nating pagbabago.
Ito na po marahil ang pinakamagandang pagkakataon natin upang tuldukan ang matagal nang problema ng rehiyon. Muli, maraming salamat sa ating mga mambabatas at sa mga lider ng ARMM na sinuportahan ang batas na ito sa kanilang pakikiisa at pagiging kabalikat sa pagtutuwid sa baluktot na sistema.
Tiwala po akong ang pagpapaliban at pagsasabay ng halalan sa ARMM sa lokal at pambansang halalan ay susi upang maisagawa ang mga kinakailangang reporma sa rehiyon, at magsisimula lamang ito kapag hindi na nabubusalan ang karapatang bumoto ang mga taga-ARMM, at may naihalal silang tapat, may malasakit, at maasahang pinuno.
Dito lamang maibabalik ang Mindanao na nakilala bilang the Land of Promise—isang rehiyong hindi tambakan ng mga pangakong napapako lamang, ngunit isang rehiyong pugad ng kasaganahan, tangan ang kaniyang pinaka-potensyal, at natatanglawan na ng liwanag ng pag-asa. Talaga naman pong kaysarap sabihing: puwede na po muli tayong mangarap.
Magkapit-kamay tayo sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan tungo sa katuparan ng mga pangarap na ito.
Ulit, at uulit-ulitin ko po, maraming, maraming salamat, dahil pati ako po’y … talagang napalapit na nating makamptan ang ating mga pangarap.
Salamat po muli.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Generation Youth Peace network pays courtesy call on MILF
June 6, 2011 - The Generation Peace Youth Network or GenPeace led by its head secretariat and Program Coordinator Nikki Delfin of Gazton Z. Ortigas Peace Institute and Mirma Mae C. Tica, Program Coordinator Center for Peace Education Miriam College, paid a courtesy call on June 5 on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Vice-Chairman for Political Affairs GhazaliJaafar at his office in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.
Also included in the meeting was the local partners of GenPeace in Cotabato City and Maguindanao such as the United Youth for Peace and Development, TiyakapKawagib- community based human rights defenders and Bangsamoro Youth Assembly.
The visit to Vice Chairman Jaafar is part of the courtesy and respect of GenPeace to the leadership of the MILF in its continuing struggle for the right to self-determination and freedom of the Bangsamoro People.
During the discussion, Ghazi Jaafar made his prelude by sharing the Bangsamoro history prior the coming of Spaniards. He specifically mentioned the book authored by Vic Hurley, the Swish of the Kris, that specifically dealt with the insurrection of the fearless Moro warriors in the Southern portion of the Philippines. Jaafar shared the narration of the author of the resistance by the Moros armed only with bladed weapons known as kalis or kris "as one of the most terrible offensive weapon developed by man.
Vic Hurley settled in Mindanao during the Spanish and American occupations of the country, principally in the provinces of Cotabato and Zamboanga, for seven years.
The meeting revolved mainly on the discussions concerning the forthcoming peace talks slated on June 27-28, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ARMM election, Moro political detainees and the role of women in the sub-state proposal.
When asked what will happen to the peace process if the counter proposal of the government is very far from the demand of the MILF, Jaafar quickly replied, “we are a legitimate and strong revolutionary organization and always prepared for any eventuality”. He confided, the MILF continuously conducting series of consultation to its forty provincial committees all over Mindanao.
He reiterated the proposal submitted to the government is the result of numerous consultations with the Bangsamoro people after shifting its position from independence to full autonomy.
Peace is only attained in Mindanao if Bangsamoro issue resolve, Jaafar stressed.
The meeting lasted for over an hour and GenPeace is thankful for the candid reaction of Vice Chairman Jaafar and looked forward to further its contribution for the peace advocacy and promoting culture of peace to younger generation particularly to the non-Moro sectors.
GenPeace is a network of organizations and individuals engaging for a youth-led advocacy towards a just and sustainable peace in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao. It was formed in 2006 after the need for a more coherent youth peace advocacy and youth peace agenda.
Currently, GenPeace is constantly engaging around 40 different networks and organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with core leaders coming from 10 different organizations and networks with expertise in various fields such as Advocacy and Campaigns, Human Rights, Development, International Humanitarian Law and Peace Education among others.
To date, GenPeace has linkages with International Alert, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the United Network of Young Peacebuilders, UN Development Programme – Conflict Prevention and PeacebuildingProgramme, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Manindigansa Peace Talks, and the Mindanao Solidarity Network.
The successful meeting of GenPeace with MILF Vice Chairman was made possible thru the facilitation of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP).
Also included in the meeting was the local partners of GenPeace in Cotabato City and Maguindanao such as the United Youth for Peace and Development, TiyakapKawagib- community based human rights defenders and Bangsamoro Youth Assembly.
The visit to Vice Chairman Jaafar is part of the courtesy and respect of GenPeace to the leadership of the MILF in its continuing struggle for the right to self-determination and freedom of the Bangsamoro People.
During the discussion, Ghazi Jaafar made his prelude by sharing the Bangsamoro history prior the coming of Spaniards. He specifically mentioned the book authored by Vic Hurley, the Swish of the Kris, that specifically dealt with the insurrection of the fearless Moro warriors in the Southern portion of the Philippines. Jaafar shared the narration of the author of the resistance by the Moros armed only with bladed weapons known as kalis or kris "as one of the most terrible offensive weapon developed by man.
Vic Hurley settled in Mindanao during the Spanish and American occupations of the country, principally in the provinces of Cotabato and Zamboanga, for seven years.
The meeting revolved mainly on the discussions concerning the forthcoming peace talks slated on June 27-28, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ARMM election, Moro political detainees and the role of women in the sub-state proposal.
When asked what will happen to the peace process if the counter proposal of the government is very far from the demand of the MILF, Jaafar quickly replied, “we are a legitimate and strong revolutionary organization and always prepared for any eventuality”. He confided, the MILF continuously conducting series of consultation to its forty provincial committees all over Mindanao.
He reiterated the proposal submitted to the government is the result of numerous consultations with the Bangsamoro people after shifting its position from independence to full autonomy.
Peace is only attained in Mindanao if Bangsamoro issue resolve, Jaafar stressed.
The meeting lasted for over an hour and GenPeace is thankful for the candid reaction of Vice Chairman Jaafar and looked forward to further its contribution for the peace advocacy and promoting culture of peace to younger generation particularly to the non-Moro sectors.
GenPeace is a network of organizations and individuals engaging for a youth-led advocacy towards a just and sustainable peace in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao. It was formed in 2006 after the need for a more coherent youth peace advocacy and youth peace agenda.
Currently, GenPeace is constantly engaging around 40 different networks and organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with core leaders coming from 10 different organizations and networks with expertise in various fields such as Advocacy and Campaigns, Human Rights, Development, International Humanitarian Law and Peace Education among others.
To date, GenPeace has linkages with International Alert, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the United Network of Young Peacebuilders, UN Development Programme – Conflict Prevention and PeacebuildingProgramme, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Manindigansa Peace Talks, and the Mindanao Solidarity Network.
The successful meeting of GenPeace with MILF Vice Chairman was made possible thru the facilitation of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP).
Saturday, May 14, 2011
SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS: Dealing with Kato
By H. Marcos C. Mordeno | Sunday| May 8, 2011 | Filed under: SOMEONE ELSE'S WINDOWS. By H. Marcos C. Mordeno
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 May) – On several occasions the government has raised the issue of the move of Amiril Umra Kato to part ways with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as one that may affect the course of the peace talks. Kato, former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, has formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over dissatisfaction with what he called “endless negotiations” that had led to no decisive outcome.
Kato may have a valid point. The previous administration had a chance to prove it was sincere in finding a lasting solution to the Moro rebellion in Mindanao. However, then President Arroyo did not stand up to the challenge posed by the opponents of the Memorandum of Agreement
on Ancestral Domain and practically left her peace negotiators to the mercies of the spoilers like former Cotabato vice governor Emmanuel Pinol, former senator Manuel Roxas III and media personalities who may not have read the document at all. The Supreme Court eventually declared the MOA-AD as unconstitutional.
It was the junking of the MOA-AD that reportedly made Kato doubt government’s sincerity in the peace talks. A few days after the Supreme Court decision hostilities erupted anew in parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao between government forces and MILF units loyal to Kato .It’s not clear how many fighters are with Kato. What is clear is that he can, if he chooses to, be a stumbling block to the peace process.
In a recent interview with MindaNews, Kato disclosed he “will not stand in the way of peace negotiations”. This is reassuring. But both the government and the MILF should note that he has no patience with negotiations without a definite timeframe. He did not say he can wait
for another eternity for an agreement that would reflect the Moro people’s aspirations for self-determination, presumably something akin to the botched MOA-AD.
A closer look would reveal that Kato has some odds stacked in his favor even if he lacks the numbers at present. By giving the talks a chance to succeed he has somehow dispelled notions that he is a hawk as cultivated by media sensationalism. If he manages to avoid making
unwanted moves or stays out of trouble amid possible provocation until such reasonable time that the negotiation reaches a happy ending, Kato will have nothing to lose. He won’t be a hero. But he won’t be a villain either.
On the other hand, if the peace process drags on indefinitely without hints of mutually acceptable terms of agreement Kato would be vindicated in his belief that government simply wants to manage the conflict not resolve it. Allowing this thing to happen is a formula for further disillusionment among the Moro people. They may not necessarily cast their lot with the BIFF but they will certainly lose faith in the talks.
Much will depend on government considering the vested interests within it that are wary of anything remotely related to Moro self-determination. The best way to deal with Kato is to make sure these interests won’t get in the way of the peace process. Otherwise, he will have a good reason to say to the Moro people “I told you so”.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 May) – On several occasions the government has raised the issue of the move of Amiril Umra Kato to part ways with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as one that may affect the course of the peace talks. Kato, former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, has formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over dissatisfaction with what he called “endless negotiations” that had led to no decisive outcome.
Kato may have a valid point. The previous administration had a chance to prove it was sincere in finding a lasting solution to the Moro rebellion in Mindanao. However, then President Arroyo did not stand up to the challenge posed by the opponents of the Memorandum of Agreement
on Ancestral Domain and practically left her peace negotiators to the mercies of the spoilers like former Cotabato vice governor Emmanuel Pinol, former senator Manuel Roxas III and media personalities who may not have read the document at all. The Supreme Court eventually declared the MOA-AD as unconstitutional.
It was the junking of the MOA-AD that reportedly made Kato doubt government’s sincerity in the peace talks. A few days after the Supreme Court decision hostilities erupted anew in parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao between government forces and MILF units loyal to Kato .It’s not clear how many fighters are with Kato. What is clear is that he can, if he chooses to, be a stumbling block to the peace process.
In a recent interview with MindaNews, Kato disclosed he “will not stand in the way of peace negotiations”. This is reassuring. But both the government and the MILF should note that he has no patience with negotiations without a definite timeframe. He did not say he can wait
for another eternity for an agreement that would reflect the Moro people’s aspirations for self-determination, presumably something akin to the botched MOA-AD.
A closer look would reveal that Kato has some odds stacked in his favor even if he lacks the numbers at present. By giving the talks a chance to succeed he has somehow dispelled notions that he is a hawk as cultivated by media sensationalism. If he manages to avoid making
unwanted moves or stays out of trouble amid possible provocation until such reasonable time that the negotiation reaches a happy ending, Kato will have nothing to lose. He won’t be a hero. But he won’t be a villain either.
On the other hand, if the peace process drags on indefinitely without hints of mutually acceptable terms of agreement Kato would be vindicated in his belief that government simply wants to manage the conflict not resolve it. Allowing this thing to happen is a formula for further disillusionment among the Moro people. They may not necessarily cast their lot with the BIFF but they will certainly lose faith in the talks.
Much will depend on government considering the vested interests within it that are wary of anything remotely related to Moro self-determination. The best way to deal with Kato is to make sure these interests won’t get in the way of the peace process. Otherwise, he will have a good reason to say to the Moro people “I told you so”.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Peace caravan launched in Mindanao to support GRP-MILF talks
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Peace groups to GPH-MILF panels: “Negotiate A Political Settlement Now!”
Press Release
April 27, 2011
The Davao City-based peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) has called on both the GPH and the MILF panels to focus their discussions in coming up with a mutually acceptable political formula that will finally resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao.
MPC Chair Reu Montecillo, a protestant pastor from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, said in a rally today that the peace panels should immediately deliver the working drafts of a peace agreement that address the Bangsamoro’s demand for self-governance, power and wealth-sharing rather than divert their attention on peripheral issues and technicalities.
Today, the government and MILF peace panels started the two-day 24th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia amid pronouncement of government that it plans to conclude the already 12-year-old negotiations in the next 12 months.
Pastor Montecillo said that “since the timeframe set by the government to finally reach a negotiated settlement with the MILF is 12 months, there is a need to fast track the talks so that both panels can soon come up with an agreement on the substantial agenda of negotiation.”
The MILF has already laid down its proposal for a sub-state which will be governed by the Bangsamoro with corresponding details on power-sharing and resources-sharing, among others.
“We hope that this meeting in Malaysia will finally discuss the points in the comprehensive compact and that the next meeting of the GPH-MILF panel will be the formal negotiation that should logically lead to the signing of an inclusive peace agreement agreeable to both parties and acceptable to the majority of the stakeholders,” Montecillo stressed to a crowd of peace advocates that formed a “human chain for peace” in a crowded place fronting the biggest mall in Davao City.
The church minister called on “all church leaders of different churches in the Philippines and the world to support and pray for the success of the negotiations,” saying peace makers would “ultimately be blessed for their efforts in trying to realize the kingdom of God here on earth.”
Montecillo also requested the business sector to “take a pro-active role in ensuring that the peace process in Mindanao would succeed because a peaceful environment, no doubt, will always produce a climate conducive for investment and business.”
“Mindanao has unlimited untapped business potentials. Once there is peace, we are almost sure that business activity in Mindanao may be doubled, or, even tripled,” he said.
The peace advocates, who formed a 200-meter human chain along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City held posters calling for an inclusive peace agreement and negotiated settlement. They also wore individual cut-out letters that spelled out that “Mindanaons support the GPH-MILF peace talks.”
Yesterday, some 10,000 people from Central Mindanao also joined a caravan of some 500 vehicles that ceremonially sent-off the peace negotiators who flew to Kuala Lumpur to the the two-day talk. ###
April 27, 2011
The Davao City-based peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) has called on both the GPH and the MILF panels to focus their discussions in coming up with a mutually acceptable political formula that will finally resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao.
MPC Chair Reu Montecillo, a protestant pastor from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, said in a rally today that the peace panels should immediately deliver the working drafts of a peace agreement that address the Bangsamoro’s demand for self-governance, power and wealth-sharing rather than divert their attention on peripheral issues and technicalities.
Today, the government and MILF peace panels started the two-day 24th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia amid pronouncement of government that it plans to conclude the already 12-year-old negotiations in the next 12 months.
Pastor Montecillo said that “since the timeframe set by the government to finally reach a negotiated settlement with the MILF is 12 months, there is a need to fast track the talks so that both panels can soon come up with an agreement on the substantial agenda of negotiation.”
The MILF has already laid down its proposal for a sub-state which will be governed by the Bangsamoro with corresponding details on power-sharing and resources-sharing, among others.
“We hope that this meeting in Malaysia will finally discuss the points in the comprehensive compact and that the next meeting of the GPH-MILF panel will be the formal negotiation that should logically lead to the signing of an inclusive peace agreement agreeable to both parties and acceptable to the majority of the stakeholders,” Montecillo stressed to a crowd of peace advocates that formed a “human chain for peace” in a crowded place fronting the biggest mall in Davao City.
The church minister called on “all church leaders of different churches in the Philippines and the world to support and pray for the success of the negotiations,” saying peace makers would “ultimately be blessed for their efforts in trying to realize the kingdom of God here on earth.”
Montecillo also requested the business sector to “take a pro-active role in ensuring that the peace process in Mindanao would succeed because a peaceful environment, no doubt, will always produce a climate conducive for investment and business.”
“Mindanao has unlimited untapped business potentials. Once there is peace, we are almost sure that business activity in Mindanao may be doubled, or, even tripled,” he said.
The peace advocates, who formed a 200-meter human chain along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City held posters calling for an inclusive peace agreement and negotiated settlement. They also wore individual cut-out letters that spelled out that “Mindanaons support the GPH-MILF peace talks.”
Yesterday, some 10,000 people from Central Mindanao also joined a caravan of some 500 vehicles that ceremonially sent-off the peace negotiators who flew to Kuala Lumpur to the the two-day talk. ###
Mindanao CSOs Hold Peace Rallies in Support of GPH-MILF Talks in Malaysia
Carlo Cleofe
Mindanao civil society organizations led by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace (BCJP), and the Datu Piang Alliance for Peace will hold simultaneous mass mobilizations in Cotabato, Maguindanao, Kidapawan and Davao City in support of the next round of talks between the GPH-MILF peace panels which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28, 2011.
These actions are intended not just to show massive support on the peace talks but also to demand concrete results from the negotiations. In particular, civil society organizations are urging both government and MILF peace panels to deliver results of a negotiated political settlement in the next twelve months. Said period is the fair estimation of the peace panels within which to accomplish their mission of coming up with a peace agreement. Given this timetable, it is crucial that the public will be prepared to support the necessary outcome of the talks. Concerns with regards to continuing consultations and sustained information mechanisms are also being raised not just as a matter of necessity but also as a legal duty on the part of the government particularly the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). These mechanisms, when already put in place, will regularly inform and update the stakeholders on the status, issues and necessary compromises in the negotiations.
The activity will start-off on April 26, 2011 with a “Walk for Peace” in Datu Piang Plaza, Maguindanao organized by the Datu Piang Alliance for Peace and will link up with the Peace Caravan organized by the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP). The Peace Caravan will have a road show starting from Cotabato City, Tacurong, Isulan, Makilala and will culminate in Kidapawan City. The culmination program will be graced by the presence of Maguindanao Vice-Governor Hon. Datu Esmail Mastura and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) Head of Mission MGen Dato Mahdi Bin Yusof.
While on April 27, 2011 Davao based civil society organizations will have a “Human Chain for Peace” that will cover the whole stretch of Quimpo Boulevard starting from the corner of Tulip Drive to Mandaue Foam.
Mindanao civil society organizations led by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace (BCJP), and the Datu Piang Alliance for Peace will hold simultaneous mass mobilizations in Cotabato, Maguindanao, Kidapawan and Davao City in support of the next round of talks between the GPH-MILF peace panels which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28, 2011.
These actions are intended not just to show massive support on the peace talks but also to demand concrete results from the negotiations. In particular, civil society organizations are urging both government and MILF peace panels to deliver results of a negotiated political settlement in the next twelve months. Said period is the fair estimation of the peace panels within which to accomplish their mission of coming up with a peace agreement. Given this timetable, it is crucial that the public will be prepared to support the necessary outcome of the talks. Concerns with regards to continuing consultations and sustained information mechanisms are also being raised not just as a matter of necessity but also as a legal duty on the part of the government particularly the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). These mechanisms, when already put in place, will regularly inform and update the stakeholders on the status, issues and necessary compromises in the negotiations.
The activity will start-off on April 26, 2011 with a “Walk for Peace” in Datu Piang Plaza, Maguindanao organized by the Datu Piang Alliance for Peace and will link up with the Peace Caravan organized by the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP). The Peace Caravan will have a road show starting from Cotabato City, Tacurong, Isulan, Makilala and will culminate in Kidapawan City. The culmination program will be graced by the presence of Maguindanao Vice-Governor Hon. Datu Esmail Mastura and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) Head of Mission MGen Dato Mahdi Bin Yusof.
While on April 27, 2011 Davao based civil society organizations will have a “Human Chain for Peace” that will cover the whole stretch of Quimpo Boulevard starting from the corner of Tulip Drive to Mandaue Foam.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Alliance supports peace process; calls for unity and solidarity
By: Aiman A. Yusoph
April 23, 2011 - The local government of Datu Piang in Maguindanao led by Mayor Hadji Samer K. Uy, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, leaders of internally displaced persons (IDPs), BCJP-Tiyakap Kawagib, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) has agreed during their recent meeting held at the field office of Non-Violent Peace Force to support the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The alliance also called for the end to “Rido” or family or clan feuds in Maguindanao.
The Datu Piang Alliance for Peace has adopted the theme: “The People of Datu Piang support the peace process and call for unity and solidarity”.
They also organized the Walk for Peace on April 26, 2011, whose purpose is to show concern and support for peace in Mindanao in general and in Maguindanao in particular.
Organizers described the walk for peace as an expression of the desire of all residents of Datu Piang for a long lasting peace in Mindanao.
The parade will start at 8:00am and winds up to 11:00am. It will mill around the town and culminates at the town plaza where a short program will be held.
This was disclosed to the media by Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, convenor and in charge of mass media for this activity.
Edward Diestro, Information Officer of Local Government of Unit of Datu Piang said during the radio interview over DXMY last Saturday by BCJP Executive Director Benito that it is expected that people from all walks of life, including women, religious sectors both Muslim and Christian, youths, civil society organizations, non-government organization, international non-government organization with field offices in Datu Piang, peoples will join the parade.
Also expected to join are government employees of the town.
Mayor Uy appealed to all citizens to join the activity.
The organizers also invited Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director, Mindanao Human Rights Action Center ((MinHRAC) and to make the opening statement.
The invitation was signed by Guaimel M. Alim of CBCS, Fr. Lino Razon, OMI, of St. Teresita Parish Priest, Ustadz Macmod Tuan of Datu Piang, Edward Diestro, and Abbdulbasit R. Benito, requesting him to make the opening remark.
Benedick John Paul Z. Carandang, ABC President of Datu Piang municipality, expressed his support and has urged all the barangay chairmen of Datu Piang to participate in the activity.
In a related development, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, is also sponsoring a similar activity, dubbed as “Send-Off Caravan for Just Peace”, as a gesture of support to the MILF peace panel which is slated to leave on April 25 to attend the 21st GPH-MILF peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28-, 2011.
The caravan will be on April 26, 2011, following this route: from Marhaban, Salimbao Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, towards Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Shariff Aguak, Esperanza, Isulan, Tacurong, Pres. Quirino, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Bagontapay, Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan, Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan and return to place of origin.
The assembly time will be 6:00 AM and the caravan will start moving at exactly 7:00 AM.
April 23, 2011 - The local government of Datu Piang in Maguindanao led by Mayor Hadji Samer K. Uy, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, leaders of internally displaced persons (IDPs), BCJP-Tiyakap Kawagib, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) has agreed during their recent meeting held at the field office of Non-Violent Peace Force to support the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The alliance also called for the end to “Rido” or family or clan feuds in Maguindanao.
The Datu Piang Alliance for Peace has adopted the theme: “The People of Datu Piang support the peace process and call for unity and solidarity”.
They also organized the Walk for Peace on April 26, 2011, whose purpose is to show concern and support for peace in Mindanao in general and in Maguindanao in particular.
Organizers described the walk for peace as an expression of the desire of all residents of Datu Piang for a long lasting peace in Mindanao.
The parade will start at 8:00am and winds up to 11:00am. It will mill around the town and culminates at the town plaza where a short program will be held.
This was disclosed to the media by Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, convenor and in charge of mass media for this activity.
Edward Diestro, Information Officer of Local Government of Unit of Datu Piang said during the radio interview over DXMY last Saturday by BCJP Executive Director Benito that it is expected that people from all walks of life, including women, religious sectors both Muslim and Christian, youths, civil society organizations, non-government organization, international non-government organization with field offices in Datu Piang, peoples will join the parade.
Also expected to join are government employees of the town.
Mayor Uy appealed to all citizens to join the activity.
The organizers also invited Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director, Mindanao Human Rights Action Center ((MinHRAC) and to make the opening statement.
The invitation was signed by Guaimel M. Alim of CBCS, Fr. Lino Razon, OMI, of St. Teresita Parish Priest, Ustadz Macmod Tuan of Datu Piang, Edward Diestro, and Abbdulbasit R. Benito, requesting him to make the opening remark.
Benedick John Paul Z. Carandang, ABC President of Datu Piang municipality, expressed his support and has urged all the barangay chairmen of Datu Piang to participate in the activity.
In a related development, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, is also sponsoring a similar activity, dubbed as “Send-Off Caravan for Just Peace”, as a gesture of support to the MILF peace panel which is slated to leave on April 25 to attend the 21st GPH-MILF peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28-, 2011.
The caravan will be on April 26, 2011, following this route: from Marhaban, Salimbao Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, towards Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Shariff Aguak, Esperanza, Isulan, Tacurong, Pres. Quirino, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Bagontapay, Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan, Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan and return to place of origin.
The assembly time will be 6:00 AM and the caravan will start moving at exactly 7:00 AM.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
