Peace agreement in Mindanao hailed by dignitaries

PALO, Leyte -- The recently-signed peace agreement between the National Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that resulted to the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity, was heralded by foreign dignitaries who attended last Saturday’s 68th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary held this town.

The signing of the peace deal, the diplomats said, would not only bring peace in the troubled Mindanao but is certain to usher development.

Minister Setsuo Ohmori, head of chancery of Japan embassy, said that his country vigorously supported and helped in the peace process, a testament of a close relationship between his country and the Philippines.

“I wish to assure that our commitment to the peace-building in Mindanao overcome the challenges and ultimately bring peace to all,” Ohmori said.

He also said that this year marks the 56th year on the “normalization” in the relationship between his country and the Philippines.

In an interview, Bryan Goldbeck, deputy chief of mission of the United States, also reiterated his country’s support to the Philippines on its campaign to attend peace, economic and development activities in Mindanao.

The peace agreement signed by the national government with the MILF is expected to end the conflict in Mindanao, a region in the country so rich in natural resources but remain to be poor due to the internal conflict.

Meantime, during the Leyte Gulf Landings celebration, Goldbeck said his government is still looking after the welfare of the Filipino war veterans.

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) administrator Ernesto Carolina, who was also in Leyte for the historic event, revealed that there are still over 20,000 living war veterans around the country who are enjoying their benefits from Philippine government latest of which is their enrollment to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for their hospitalization and medical benefits.

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., who represented President Aquino, said the government is doing its part in giving honor to all Filipino war veterans by providing all the benefits they are entitled.

Captain Craig White, defense attaché of Embassy of Australia; Trevor Lewis, deputy chief of mission of Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also gave their respective solidarity message during the commemorative program.

Governor Jericho Petilla welcomed all the participants and extended his gratitude to those who joined the celebration of victory especially those flew to Leyte from other countries. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)