Press Release
February 22, 2010

In the wake of ASG commander Al Bader Parad's death,
Gordon: Intensify long term peace investments in Mindanao, now

Bagumbayan Party presidential bet Senator Richard J. Gordon today underscored that the government should intensify long term peace investments in Sulu and the whole Mindanao island to stop the war and ensure development in the region.

Gordon made the statement in the wake of reports that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander Al Bader Parad and four others were killed in an encounter with the Philippine Marines in the mountains of Sulu.

"Sa palagay ko kaya nangyari yan dahil sa kakulangan ng governance. Kulang tayo ng gobyerno doon kaya ang mga tao napipilitang magdala ng baril at maging rebel. Dapat maiayos natin ang buhay doon para hindi na madagdagan ang mga ganyang tao na lumalabag sa batas," he said.

"Magkaroon sana ng tunay na pagbabago sa Sulu. Dapat magkaroon sila ng kabuhayan, magkaroon ng pagkakataon na maging farmer at maibenta sa tamang halaga ang mga prutas nila, magkaroon ng wastong edukasyon ang mga anak nila at mabigyan ng mga ospital. Kapag nagawa ng gobyerno lahat ng mga yan, sa halip na maging rebelled, ang mga taong ito ay magiging mga mabubuting mamamayan," he added.

Reports said Parad and four others were killed and three soldiers were wounded when Marines stormed the insurgent's hideout in Mt. Pukay in Barangay Karawan, Maimbung, Sulu. The Marines were on patrol when they spotted the band of Parad.

Last year, Parad led an ASG band that seized and held hostage three officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Gordon called on the ASG to return to the fold of the law and participate in talks with the government to find lasting peace in Mindanao.

"Mas mabuting mag-usap kesa magbarilan. Ang kailangan natin ay mabuting pamamalakad ng pamahalaan na magbibigay ng oportunidad sa mga tao upang hindi sila mapilitang magbitbit ng armas at mgrebelde," the Bagumbayan standard bearer said.

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