Press Release
September 14, 2008

KIKO CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, RESUMPTION OF PEACE
TALKS IN MINDANAO

Amid confusion over President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's orders to limit military operations in Mindanao during Ramadan, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today called for a clear declaration of ceasefire from the government.

"We should not be short-sighted. The problem in Mindanao cannot be solved by vague statements released on a daily basis. Hindi pwedeng nakapako lamang sa Ramadan ang usapin tungkol sa kapayapaan. Malalim ang pinanggagalingan ng problema. Dapat ay malalim din ang pag-intindi natin dito. Ceasefire muna para maumpisahan muli ang peace talks," said Kiko.

"The President is claiming she has ordered the AFP to stop the bombings in Mindanao, yet, here is the AFP, claiming that no such order was given by their Commander-in-chief. Puwede ba namang hindi alam ng kanang kamay ang ginagawa ng kaliwang kamay?" Kiko added.

For several decades, separatist groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been fighting for an independent Muslim state in Mindanao. Warfare between the group and government forces has been interspersed by negotiations for autonomy with various administrations from as far back as President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The most recent conflict began last August 10 after the Supreme Court issued a restraining order on the signing of the controversial memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) between the Arroyo government and the MILF.

"Kailangang kumilos na tayo bago pa matapos ang Ramadan. Hindi pwedeng dahil mahirap mahanapan ng solusyon ang problema, panay debate na lang ang gawin natin. Tama na ang dada, itama na ang gawa!" concluded the Senator.

News Latest News Feed