PRESIDENT Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is yet to name the people who will compose the two panels tasked to deal with the country's two leading rebel groups.
"Still no members yet," said Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on the groups that will conduct talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Font and the New People's Army.
Aquino earlier decided to create two panels, five members each, which will handle the peace negotiations with the rebel groups.
Some members of the House of Representatives lauded Aquino for the move.
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 NPA.
As to the composition of the peace panels, Datumanong said peace talks with the MILF must include representatives of the affected communities and local government units including the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm).
This is to avoid allegations of no consultations and communication with stakeholders, according to the lawmaker.
Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño expressed hope that President Aquino will appoint deserving members to the negotiating groups.
“I hope President Aquino will appoint members who are credible as well as acceptable to the other side and to most stakeholders,” said Casiño.
Earlier, Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that each panel will have five members and stressed that Deles will not be part of the negotiating panels. (Jill Beltran/Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)