Sunday, July 29, 2007 Lawmaker asks funding institutions not to pull out of Mindanao
DAVAO Oriental Representative Thelma Almario has appealed to foreign governments, the World Bank (WB) as well as other investors to hold off any plan to suspend or pull out their investments in Mindanao in view of the offense against Moro rebels who killed 14 Marine soldiers in Basilan last July 10.
She said the withdrawal could affect development and anti-poverty programs for the region.
The ambassadors of Canada and Japan and the WB said they would pull out their aid and help workers in Mindanao once tension escalates in Mindanao.
The government had planned to conduct “punitive actions” against the MILF, whose members ambushed a group of Marines on their way back to their camp after a fruitless search for then kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, who was released by his abductors last week.
Fourteen soldiers died in the ambush, 10 of whom were decapitated and mutilated. The MILF admitted clashing with the soldiers but denied beheading and mutilating them.
Almario expressed concern that if the foreign governments and institutions would proceed with their pullout, it will make rebellion and terrorism in the region get worse because of lack of investment and opportunities, which will cause poverty level in Mindanao to rise even more.
“The military should brief the international donors and investors on the parameters of the looming offensive operation. This will give them a clear view on how the military operations will be done, its limitations and targets,” said Almario.
Likewise, the Armed Forces and PNP should also assure them that they are capable to protect their projects and people added Almario.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said the assumption of the foreign countries about to pull out their aid and workers in Mindanao “is incorrect and their apprehension is misplaced.” He also said the countries must put their trust on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the aspect of overseeing the peace and order situation in Mindanao. (Sunnex)
