Tuesday, May 27, 2008 MILF junks call for localized talks By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) dismissed local peace negotiations espoused by the Arroyo administration as a new policy in dealing with the Moro secessionist group.
In a report posted on MILF's official website www.luwaran.com, it claimed that several non-government organizations (NGOs) denounced the local peace talks, saying such move is "a waste of time and resources and will further estrange the MILF and the National Democratic Front (NDF) into agreeing to talk to an unreliable partner in the peace process."
"President Arroyo is courting war instead of peace," warned Arsad Solaiman, chair of the Youth for Genuine Bangsamoro Empowerment.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reportedly mentioned the new policy in her speech on May 22 in Bacolod City during a Local Peace and Security Assembly.
She said the peace process being pushed by the government is already boosting the Philippine Medium Term Development Plan, which is expected to be viewed as a success in achieving economic gains by 2010.
"There is a need to localize peace agreements to further enhance the peace process and hasten economic development in the countryside," Arroyo said.
Following Arroyo's announcement, Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy announced he is now laying the groundwork for the local peace talks.
He said he is planning to initiate in his province, site of the series of military operations and attacks by the New People's Army (NPA).
Uy is currently talking with Armed Forces and the NPA to get their reactions on his planned peace talks.
On the part of the military, AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Alexander Yano said they would support any peace negotiations, be it local or national, just to have a safer community.
Compostela Valley has been the site of intensive military offensives since last year. New Bataan, Compostela, and Monkayo towns are the most affected areas.
