Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ledac to tackle Mindanao conflict
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the convening of a special expanded Legislative-Executive Development and Advisory Council (Ledac) on Friday in Malacañang to discuss and assess the current occurrences in Mindanao.
This would include developments in the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said congressional leaders, Cabinet members, local executives, sectoral representatives, opposition members and other stakeholders from Mindanao especially those from areas affected by the recent attacks of suspected MILF members are invited to the meeting
"The President is convening a special meeting of the Ledac at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 22, to discuss the current Mindanao situation, including various issues related to the Philippine government-MILF peace process and the MOA-AD (memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain)," he said.
Claudio said Ledac hopes to reinforce previous mechanisms for consultations and dialogue on the Mindanao issue and at the same time address the need for close coordination among the government, the civilian population, and other Mindanao stakeholders.
Asked if the issue of Charter change in relation to the MOA-AD would also be tackled, he said they expect a "candid exchange" of views and information during the meeting.
"(It will be) a two-way process. On one hand, it will give the government the opportunity to make an accounting of policies and measures so far adopted in carrying out the peace process," he said.
"On the other hand, we hope to gather valuable fresh and first hand inputs from Mindanao leaders, stakeholders and experts to help determine effective future courses of action," he added.
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza denied that the situation in Mindanao is already an "emergency" situation.
He said proposals like reviewing and explaining the MOA-AD, the needs to amend the Constitution, revisiting and reviewing the peace negotiations, and declaration of the MILF as terrorist could be can discussed or taken up in the meeting. (JMR/Sunnex) |
