In September 1996, the
government and the Moro National Liberation Front signed a peace
agreement that sought to end warfare in Mindanao. Because of this,
we observe every September as National Peace Conciousness Month.
We are committed to doing everything possible to bring lasting peace
to Mindanao and end 40 years of fighting that has killed more than
120,000 people. It is in the interest of all Filipinos, Muslims and
Christians, to end the violence that has held that part of our
country back. Mindanao can be a bread basket for the country if
everyone will support the essential elements to any lasting peace.
We remain committed to the peace process in Mindanao.
We have negotiated in good faith with our Muslim brethren to keep
the peace these last seven years and to also forge a lasting peace
for generations to come. And much progress was made on all fronts
until violent elements within the MILF decided to take the law into
their own hands. That will not stand. Our confidence was shaken by
the wanton violence perpetuated by elements of the MILF. We will not
negotiate with a gun pointed at our head. Innocent civilians should
not be terrorized for crass political gain. We can restart the
dialogue when the area is secure, and our people are safe, and
responsible elements in the MILF regain control.
We have refocused all peace talks from one centered on dialogues
with rebels to one of authentic dialogues with the communities.
The violence must stop, order must be restored, peace must be our
goal. There is no room for wanton violence against innocent
civilians. Calmer voices and cooler heads in the MILF must prevail
before renegade elements spin further out of control. Continued
fighting and war is no alternative to a lasting peace.
The Government is on the side of peace and needs the support of
Filipinos, Christians and Muslims alike, if this opportunity for
peace is to be realized and if the country is to prosper.
We must now secure peace, order and stability in the region and then
reassure all the people that we can then move ahead with any
broad-based discussion on the peace process. This includes bringing
relief to affected refugees and victims, and bringing to justice
those purveyors of violence.
Only through a lasting peace agreement will Mindanao realize its
true potential and its promise as a major contributor to its own
economic future and that of the country.
(signed)
GLORIA M. ARROYO |
