PRESS STATEMENT:

Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Phil’s, Inc.

(BCJP)

Int. 003-c, Don E. Sero Street

Rosary Heights 4, Cotabato City



PRESS STATEMENT:

April 24, 2010



PEACE AGREEMENT; NOW NA!

As an organization who seeks and aspires to have a peaceful country, the Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Philippines Inc. (BCJP) is supporting any peaceful alternatives that will resolve the conflict in Mindanao. A peaceful resolution is yearn so that the people especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will once again experience how it was to be safe and free. These IDPs who are still suffering in the evacuation centers have been hoping to return to their places of origin. Sadly though, they remain in a state of suspension since they are not sure if conflict will not erupt again in their communities knowing that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace talks continuous to bog down.

Because of the situation, BCJP is continuously calling both sides to resolve the conflict in most speedy manner all for the sake of the civilians especially the women, children and old people who are greatly affected.

In light of all that have been done, BCJP is thankful nonetheless that the peace talk is thrusting forward. With the arrival of the Royal Norwegian Government who will be joining forces with the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as part of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) it is a good sign indeed that the peace talks is moving forward. All civil society organizations that have been at the forefront of calling and lobbying for resumption of peace talks have been glad knowing that all the efforts paid off and will continue to be watchful for the success of the talks.

However, we are sadden by the new threat to the peace talks, in the form of statements coming from the Church, NGOs and some Politicians who seemed to signify that they do not want the Muslims to achieve peace because of their vested interest and political propaganda. What is so disappointing is their statement of threat that there will be conflict once the GRP and MILF Peace panel did come to a signing of the Interim Agreement. To quote, “that would have a big effect (the signing). There would be big trouble in Maguindanao and the whole Mindanao, and that could be one of the reasons for the postponement of elections in Mindanao.” One may ask, why is it when the MOA AD was not signed two years ago (since they made a move to stop it), conflict still happened that resulted to the displacement of more than 700 IDPs, millions worth of properties damaged, livelihood ceased and more civilians died? And now they are telling us that there will be trouble once there is signing? Isn’t that a preposterous statement?

BCJP is once again calling Church Leaders, Political Leaders and other NGOs to be more responsible in giving statement. It is not helping our present situation in fact it is trying to create a new divide between the Muslims and Christians. Irresponsible statements served to heighten people’s fears that may aggravate volatile situations. To all the existing organizations and groups let us unite and work together to fight against PEACE SPOILERS and PEACE SABOTEURS coming from different sectors including the Church and NGOs.

BCJP is also calling the peace loving Christian brothers and sisters to understand the plight of the civilians pining away in the evacuation centers due to recurring conflict. They wanted their lives back that is free, independent and with dignity and not dependent on rations. That is why they need your support in calling for a speedy peaceful settlement.

Moro leaders and all CSOs are asked to stay calm if there are threats. Let us not be driven into acts of violence repeating the Muslim-Christian war during martial law. It was a nightmare which we fervently hope will not happen in our generation nor in generations to come.

We stand together and say no to all forms of violence. PEACE AGREEMENT, NOW NA!