Malacañang allayed fears yesterday that the Philippines will become a safe haven for terrorists, as it stressed the commitment of both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to peace, despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
The Palace was reacting to an article by a member of the United States (US) Army Special Forces, stating that “the relationship between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has the potential to create many of the same difficulties on the Philippine island of Central Mindanao.”
“The most disturbing result of this Filipino policy has been the transformation of Central Mindanao into a safe-haven for members of various terrorist organizations,” Anthony DeChristopher wrote in theblaze.com.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, however, said the article was “premature” and “alarmist.”
“I believe it would be premature and it’s alarmist. Let’s concentrate on the commitment of our partners in the peace process,” Quezon said.
Quezon cited the meeting held earlier this week between the Philippine government panel and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“There is a pledge to maintain the commitment to the peace process and to wait until 2017,” he said.
The two parties had agreed to renew the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group until March 31, 2017.
“Ibig sabihin, bibigyan ng breathing room ang peace process para sa susunod na administrasyon (It means the next administration will be given a breathing room for the peace process),” Quezon said. “I believe that’s a sign that should make everyone feel confident and positive,” he added.
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