AUGUST 13, 2011 DATE

NR # 2494B
REF. NO.

Lawmaker lauds President Aquinos meeting with MILF leaders

A Muslim lawmaker today lauded President Aquinos meeting with the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) saying it was a much-needed shot in the arm for the peace process in Mindanao. The people of Lanao del Sur and Filipino Muslims everywhere wish to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III for initiating the meeting with MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim, said Rep. Pangalian Balindong (2nd District, Lanao del Sur). The traditional arguments shaping the Mindanao conflict have changed, and we must go beyond the original narrative or rebellion to shed light on changing political and economic conditions, Balindong said. Balindong said while the language of secession has been gradually replaced by a discourse on some form of autonomy, the original resentments continue to reverberate at the local level, as the gains from autonomy fail to improve peoples standards of living. Before the meeting, the level of confidence in the peace process among Muslims had been steadily going down. The Tokyo meeting has suddenly revived our peoples interest and trust in governments goodwill and ability to kick-start peace negotiations, he said. Balindong said it was quite understandable that some people would express doubt and concern over what seemed to be a risky overture on the Presidents part. Balindong expressed hope that the parties concerned would not get lost in irrelevant details and, instead, focus on what the President achieved in that meeting, which is, the MILFs commitment to a peace agreement within five years. This government is following a courageous and correct course by moving forward with resolve until we achieve our longed-for peace. It is a time to return to the negotiating table, Balindong said. Forging peace is a difficult, complex and trying task. But under the leadership of an enlightened Presidency, we are determined to do the job well. We will pursue the course of peace with determination and fortitude. We will not let up. We will not give in. Peace will triumph over all its enemies, and we will prevail, Balindong said. We must continue to negotiate, earnestly and tireless until a final peace agreement is reached, Balindong added. Those who claim to desire peace, and yet think little of chronic malnutrition, we men who want sunshine with no sky. For peace must be measured against standards of nutrition, education and self-government. Our people cannot be at peace unless they have food on the table; the ability to read and write; and the power to chart their own course. (30) mmr

AUGUST 13, 2011 DATE

NR # 2494B
REF. NO.