MILF: “Conflict can only lead to more suffering”: P-Noy calls anew for BBL passage

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 10): “Conflict can only lead to more suffering”: P-Noy calls anew for BBL passage



“Conflict can only lead to more suffering and misunderstanding, while solidarity brings widespread benefit. This is the same lesson that leads us to champion lasting peace in Mindanao, and to call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” 

President Aquino highlighted this plea in his message during the anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan at Bataan on April 9, 2015.

“Those who were once our enemies are today our partners in realizing a just peace for all. In coming together to foster stability in Mindanao, all the more are we able to widen the scope of opportunities available to our countrymen,” Aquino said.

The president vowed to continue the pursuit for peace because “this is the way to obtain justice for all.”

“Now that we are here, we will not allow succeeding generations to suffer the same fate,” he stressed. He noted there has been two generations that have already suffered due to violence that has dominated Mindanao.

According to a study, the conflict in Mindanao have cost the government PhP2.013 trillion for the period 1970-2001. 

Nearly 120,000 people including government troops, Moro rebels and civilians were killed in the period of fighting. War in Mindanao has also sowed hatred, bigotry, discrimination and misunderstanding.

The peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that was nearing the finish line was stalled after the bloody Mamasapano encounter on January 25 this year where 44 police commandos, 17 MILF fighters and three civilians were killed.

The BBL is the fruit of 17 years of arduous peace negotiation between the government and the MILF with an ultimate goal to come up with resolution that would bring justice to the Bangsamoro people and free them from the bondage of poverty. 

“Let us remember: Despite our differences, we live in and share a single world. The legitimate concern of one is a concern of all. This is the crossroads before us: Shall we help to solve problems while they are still small, or remain indifferent and face an even more formidable challenge in the future?” the president said.

Aquino stressed, “This generation has the responsibility of maintaining peace, and of continuing the pursuit of widespread prosperity. This is the vow that the Philippines makes, not only for the victims of past wars and violence, but also for present and future generations of Filipinos, and for the rest of our brothers and sisters across the globe.”

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/853-conflict-can-only-lead-to-more-suffering-p-noy-calls-anew-for-bbl-passage