Government serious in addressing causes of rebellion in Mindanao, says Palace

From the Philippine News Agency: Government serious in addressing causes of rebellion in Mindanao, says Palace

Malacanang said it remains committed to continue addressing the systemic and institutional causes of rebellion to once and for all attain a lasting peace in Mindanao.

In a press briefing in the Palace on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the Aquino administration will continue to work to address the sentiments of the people, particularly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, where a bloody conflict happened last year.

Coloma was asked if the government is relieved with the alleged death of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Habier Malik, considered as the bravest and fearsome warrior of the MNLF-Misuari faction.

“Ang tinitingnan po natin ay iyong kabuuan ng peace process, and we are looking at institutions or organizations, hindi lang naman sa mga indibidwal,” Coloma said.

“Kasi kung meron pa ring dahilan na mag-himagsik o mag-rebelde ang mga mamamayan ay hindi po ito affected ng buhay o pagkamatay ng iisang indibidwal lamang. We have to continue addressing the systemic and institutional causes that give rise to rebellion and to disgruntlement or dissatisfaction with government,” he added.

Coloma said that for the peace process to be effective, the government must pinpoint the sources of discontent among the people of Mindanao.

With regards to the case of MNLF chairman Nur Misuari, the Philippine government remains in pursuit of the MNLF leader after the court issued a warrant of arrest against him, he said.

The Zamboanga City standoff began on Sept. 9 last year when heavily armed insurgents from the Misuari faction arrived by boat from outlying islands of the city but were blocked by soldiers and policemen.

President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered an offensive after the rebels refused to surrender and free their hostages.

The MNLF signed an autonomy deal with the Philippine government in 1996, but the guerrillas aligned with Misuari did not lay down their arms and accused the government of reneging on a promise to develop Muslim regions.

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