OIC official calls for resumption of peace talks after Zambo siege

From the Daily Tribune (Oct 16): OIC official calls for resumption of peace talks after Zambo siege

The secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, expressed deep concerns over the growing number of persons displaced in the wake of the recent violence in Zamboanga City, reportedly numbering more that 120,000 children, women and the elderly, whose homes and properties were lost to destruction and fire during those tragic events.

The Secretary General called on the Aquino administration to expedite action in addressing the consequences of the events by compensating the losses and rehabilitating the displaced to their homes and lands.

Ihsanoglu also appealed to OIC member states and Islamic charitable organizations and institutions to provide necessary assistance to their brothers in Zamboanga who have now become homeless.

Ihsanoglu pointed out that these incidents are the outcomes of non-implementation of all the provisions of the peace agreement signed by the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

He also stressed the need to return to the negotiating table for solutions to the issues pending between the two sides which can bring about comprehensive peace and security in Zamboanga.

On Sept. 14, the OIC had already expressed concern at escalation of violence in southern Philippines where government troops have been battling gunmen of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The violence broke out a new between the government forces and the MILF gunmen, who advocate independence of Mindanao island from the mainland of the nation.

Ihsanoglu expressed, in a statement, deep concern at re-eruption of the violence in cities and areas on Mindanao, condemning waste of “innocent souls,” and calling for calm and restraint to pave way for political efforts to resolve the issue.

He expressed concern at failure of the political process to reach a settlement to the crisis, called for resumption of the peace talks and implementation of a peace accord, crafted in 1996.

The Aquino administration signed a framework peace accord with the MILF in October 2012, however, it was rejected by other Islamic groups. It stipulated establishing self-rule in Mindanao by 2016, but affirmed the government authority over policies of defense, security, foreign and monetary affairs.

Armed wing of the front, which groups some 12,000 gunmen, is one of the largest secessionist factions in the country. It has waged a bloody campaign for independence since 1969, resulting in violence that has claimed more than 120,000 lives.

On May 20, 2010, Ihsanoglu carried out contacts with the leadership of the MNLF and MILF to enhance coordination between the two fronts and unite their ranks for the peace and development of the Bangsamoro people.

The secretary general promised to render any needed assistance for the holding of this meeting.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday said it has already spent around P150 million, mostly in fuel, during the Zamboanga City siege laid by members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction of Nur Misuari last month.

AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga said that the military expenses of about P150 million was more on fuel for the C130s.

“This is expensive because the flights of our C130s were massive... actually the huge cost was the aircraft flight, the fuel,” said Luga, who estimated the military expenses in Zamboanga City at P300 million during a budget hearing.

Aside from fuel, the military also spent in medicines and hospitalization of soldiers and additional food items.

“That (P300 million) was initial (estimate) but later on we re-computed and it was less than that, about 50 percent of that because we counted the ammunition,” explained Luga.

Luga said the estimated P150 million was as of yesterday.

However, Luga stressed that the utilization of the Air Force’s C130s “optimized” the military operation in Zamboanga and lessened the cost compared to using chartering aircraft.

According to Luga, the estimated P150 million military spending in Zamboanga City excluded ammunition and other war materiel.

The AFP’s number two man said that the figure could still go up as clearing and mopping up operations are still ongoing in Zamboanga City.

More than 300 MNLF followers of Misuari, led by Ustadz Habier Malik, occupied at least six barangays in Zamboanga City last Sept. 9, sparking a 20-day sporadic clashes with about 5,000 government forces deployed in the area.

The MNLF fighters took about 200 civilians as hostages.

The government declared the siege over last Sept. 29 after 195 hostages were rescued.
A total of 208 MNLF fighters were killed, along with 20 soldiers, including three junior officers; five policemen and 12 civilians.

More than 10,000 residential structures were burned down, displacing about 100,000 people.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/item/20295-oic-official-calls-for-resumption-of-peace-talks-after-zambo-siege