MANILA -- House members lauded the decision of President Benigno Aquino III and newly-appointed Peace Process adviser Teresita Deles to form two peace panels that will negotiate separately with the two rebel groups in Mindanao.

The peace panels will negotiate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in line with the government's desire to seal peace with these rebel groups.

Representative Simeon Datumanong (Second District, Maguindanao) said the formation of the groups will allow both panels to work simultaneously in dealing with the MILF and CPP-NPA-NDF.

As to the composition of the peace panels, Datumanong said that in the case of the peace talks with the MILF, it will be fitting to include representatives of the affected communities and local government units, including the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, to avoid allegations of no consultations and communication with stakeholders. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)