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Monday, February 14, 2005
Ramos joins call for a ceasefire in Sulu (4:00 p.m.)
FORMER President Fidel Ramos joined other sectors in calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing skirmishes between Moro rebels and government troops in Sulu province.
But Malacaņang and its peace adviser said punishment must first be meted out to the rebels before peace can be achieved.
Ramos in a television interview, calls for an immediate halt of hostilities but asserts that a ceasefire is only a short-term solution that would prevent civilians from being caught in the crossfire.
The former President said the main solution is to improve the social economic condition in the area.
Ramos said Patikul is also the same place where then Gen. Ted Baustista of the first Infantry Division and 42 other officers and men of that division were massacred.
Malacaņang wants the Armed Forces to contain the situation in Sulu.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye in a statement said lawless elements must be contained to ensure lasting peace in the community.
Presidential Adviser in the Peace Process Teresita Deles said punitive action must first be implemented for peace to take its course.
"There had to be some military action to contain and to make sure that it will not escalate. The calls for a ceasefire are being studied; it is not really a rejection. The advocates in fact have talked to the military but the situation is quite complicated, " Deles said.
Deles is confident that once government regains control of the situation, government and the MNLF can sit down and again discuss the agenda for peace.
"But the very important aspect of the peace process in the development of the conflict areas. Unfortunately in Sulu there has been some disruption but in our discussion with the local people last Saturday, it was clear that they did not loose hope and they are wanting to regain the momentum for peace and development in Sulu," Deles said. (Sunnex) |
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