Zambo mayor suggests government-MNLF dialogue

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): Zambo mayor suggests government-MNLF dialogue

The national government should hold a dialogue with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to resolve the issues concerning peace treaties forged by the previous administrations and the MNLF.

This was the statement of Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in reaction to queries about the declaration of independence recently by MNLF founding-leader Nur Misuari in Sulu.

“If indeed there is a declaration and it is verified then it is the call of the national government to respond and dialogue with Mr. Misuari because the MNLF peace treaty that was entered into by the government and the MNLF needs further dialogue and process for its full completion,” Salazar said.

Salazar, sans verification, would not say what the effect of the alleged declaration would be, but she reiterated this city’s stand on the peace process.

“The city of Zamboanga is for peace and the city of Zamboanga supports the peace process of the Aquino administration and we want that all of the dialogues between the MILF and MNLF and other groups for that matter be done and be instituted by the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) as it is the government agency in charge to conduct such moves on the process of peace,” she added.

She said that if indeed reports about the declaration are true it should be an eye opener for the national government to hold the dialogue with all the groups concerned stressing that every group and all the constituents of Mindanao are the stakeholders on the issue.

Peace should be inclusive of all the different groups that would want peaceful process and co-existence if we are to achieve peace in Mindanao, she said.

Nevertheless, Salazar said that this city continues to apply contingency measures to ensure the safety and protection of the people amid the threats and challenges besetting this city and the other parts of the region.

Salazar is in constant touch with police, military and other law enforcement agencies to discuss on peace and security issues.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=556512