EU bats for long-term peace in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 7): EU bats for long-term peace in Mindanao

The European Union (EU) and its Member States are certain that a negotiated political settlement in Mindanao remains all the more necessary to achieve long-lasting peace in Southern Philippines, following the recent clash with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters that killed 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

In a statement issued yesterday, the EU Delegation to the Philippines noted that in the last three years, the Mindanao peace process has brought about “increased hope and optimism for future security and prosperity.” However, it pointed out that the recent deadly clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao is a clear reminder that this cannot be taken for granted and that violence can still erupt unexpectedly.

The EU Delegation said the launch of investigations by both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into the tragic incident is “a necessary and welcome step.”

It further stated that the EU, a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and its Member States welcome that the parties have reiterated their commitment to the peace process.

“A full and transparent investigation will contribute to the re-establishment of confidence by the public in the process,” the EU Delegation said, while expressing its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the Mamasapano carnage.

The clash happened when members of the PNP-SAF team maneuvered inadvertently to an area controlled by the MILF without advanced coordination after deciding to withdraw their action to arrest Jemaah Islamiyah bomb experts Basit Usman and Marwan.

The incident also resulted in the evacuation of around 563 families who have sought shelter in an evacuation center in Barangay Daladap.

At present, a board of inquiry has been organized to investigate the incident.
Earlier, the Swiss Embassy in Manila expressed hope that the “tragic event will not destabilize the ongoing peace process.”

“More than ever, peace is needed now and under no circumstances should it be the ultimate victim of Sunday’s event,” the Swiss embassy said in a statement.

Canada, on the other hand, reiterated its support to the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Canada continues to encourage efforts to achieve peace,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said in his recent letter to Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. “We support the diligent efforts of all sides to bring about an era of opportunities for the people of Mindanao.”

The United States, meanwhile, hailed the SAF units who “fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country.”

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila also reiterated the US’ “support for the Philippine government’s efforts to combat international terrorism while promoting a just and lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in Mindanao.”

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell also expressed hope that “the peace process is not discarded as a result of this tragedy.”

For its part, Spain expressed hope that  a “quick investigation” will develop in the coming days “as well as for a consequent accountability of the persons responsible for the attack in order to resume as soon as possible the search for a solid and a long-lasting peace in Mindanao, with a wide consensus among the concerned parties.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/eu-bats-for-long-term-peace-in-mindanao/