Thursday, November 02, 2006 Peace group raises alarm on troop movements in R12
THE Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC) is alarmed over alleged military troop movement in Central Mindanao, which it fears might affect the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, MPC secretary general, said they have received reports of war tanks entering the Rajah Muda area in Pikit, North Cotabato last Monday.
She said residents in the area are now planning to evacuate in case a firefight occurs.
Both the military and the MILF confirmed there was movement of forces in Pikit.
Military spokesman Julito Ando of the Army's 6th Infantry Division said their troops are only responding to reports of rebel presence in the area.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu on the other hand said the soldiers are after lawless elements in the area and not MILF rebels.
Arnado said aside from the ongoing military operations, they also expect to encounter a problem on the latest reshuffling of military field commanders in Mindanao.
She said this would somehow be a setback for their group since they would again orient the new field commanders of the present situation in Mindanao.
The MPC however vowed to keep on with its quest for peace in Mindanao.
Initiatives for International Dialogue executive director Gus Miclat said they are now on the verge of conducting dialogues with all the stakeholders down the grassroots level.
Miclat said this (dialogue) is to encourage them to support and help in the peace process.
At the same time, Arnado appealed to the local government leaders to support and cooperate in the peace process and not become a hindrance to its achievement.
She said the national leadership must also involve the local government units in the peace process since they are the ones to be directly affected by the peace agreement. (BOT)
