GPH chair lauds Army's 6th ID for its contribution to peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): GPH chair lauds Army's 6th ID for its contribution to peace process

Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer Thursday lauded the Army's 6th Infantry Division for supporting the government's peace process in southern Philippines since talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started almost 17 years ago.

The Army's 6th ID, also known as the "Kampilan Division," is celebrating its founding anniversary Thursday.

Ferrer said the Army's 6th ID is celebrating its birthday at a time ripe for both opportunity and threat. "Opportunity because the beginning of the transition resulting from a comprehensive agreement between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is almost in sight," she said in a statement sent to Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6th ID chief.

Ferrer said the 6th ID had been very helpful in the government's peace initiative as it provided the panel with the needed partnership.

"Through collaboration, we know we can better address the security concerns in the region and successfully bring about the new Bangsamoro political entity," Ferrer said.

She lauded the support extended by the Army in the transition which everybody knows are fraught with many dangers.

"There are groups and individuals who benefit from the continuing state of unpeace or are not ready for democratic and nonviolent politics. They oppose the peace negotiations and try to subvert its steady progress," she stressed.

"Against these forces, several soldiers of the 6th ID have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend our peace process. We remember them today, and honor them as we celebrate with you your Foundation Day," Ferrer noted.

She specifically thanked the Army division for strictly upholding the primacy of the peace process. "Such steadfast commitment to preserve the ceasefire has been instrumental in sustaining the momentum for earnest political negotiations," she added.

The 6th ID, the fightingest unit having been deployed in the province where the MILF used to operate, was also commended for its localized peace initiatives, including the resolution of “rido” and other community disputes.

"These initiatives are a big boost to the national government’s peace and development efforts," Ferrer said.

"Truly, as the 6ID’s slogan goes, 'Peace is happening' in these parts of Mindanao!

" the GPH chief said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=579698