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Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Arroyo says peace at hand
By Allen V. Estabillo
ALABEL, Sarangani -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured that a permanent peace in Mindanao "is within reach" despite the renewed conflict between government troops and Moro rebels in various parts of the island over the last few weeks.
The President gave the assurance even as she reiterated that the government has to "push the fight against terror to the limit."
"We will win the peace for the people but we will not give (the) terrorists a moment of peace," she said at the 27th national assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines here this afternoon.
Arroyo stressed that the "overall peace process firmly holds amidst isolated hostilities," especially the recent clashes with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf and the alleged members of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) breakaway group in Sulu and with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
She said the government gave such assurance to the influential Organization of Islamic Conference in a briefing in Manila this morning.
"The ceasefire with the MILF is holding tight, far and wide. We will soon set out teams to go after lawless elements as we prepare for the resumption of the talks," she said.
Last week, clashes erupted between government troops and MNLF members allegedly belonging to a faction led by its former chair Nur Misuari, which reportedly teamed up with the Abu Sayyaf in the towns of Panamao and Indanan in Sulu.
At least 18 soldiers were initially killed in the clashes, which displaced at least 500 families in both towns.
Arroyo said she has directed Armed Forces of the Philippines' Southern Command chief Lieutenant General Alberto Braganza, who personally briefed her about the situation in Sulu this morning, to continue its offensives until the dissidents are totally flushed out from the area.
"The situation in Sulu has brought together the forces of law against the forces of lawlessness. As we deal with pockets of criminals and terrorist holdouts, we are keeping the line of the law firm with the cooperation of the local governments, the peace constituencies and community leaders," she said.
Arroyo pointed out that the ongoing offensives are not targeted against the MNLF and that the government is making sure that MNLF communities are kept out of harm's way.
"Evacuees are sheltered, fed and cured until they return to their homes," the president added.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos. Click here.
(This section is updated every Monday)
(February 14, 2005 issue)
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