General Santos City, Philippine - After almost a year of inaction, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are scheduled to resume peace talks. Both groups received encouragement in their endeavor from the Malaysian International Monitoring Team (IMT) and several international aid organizations.
Perhaps the most important topic of discussion will be to restate the IMT‘s authority to manage the ongoing conflict. The IMT mandate provides the group with the power to enforce the cease-fire and facilitate negotiations. It is due to expire in September.
Another important development is Canada‘s announcement that it wishes to join IMT as a full partner. Canada, a major aid provider to the Philippines, particularly Mindanao, does not want its investment thrown away by mismanagement and perpetual conflict. Tom Carrol, head of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), said, "We want someone on the ground, to basically know what‘s going on. Be the eyes and ears, not just for CIDA but for other donors as well." If accepted, Canada will join Japan and Malaysia on the IMT board.
Many think foreign involvement and investment will be crucial elements to a successful resumption of the peace talks and are encouraged by the Canadian government‘s positive efforts, particularly in Mindanao. "Suffice it to say, we have had and will continue to have a significant program in Mindanao," Carrol said, adding that Canada hopes to provide even more funding to Mindanao groups with a "peace and development theme." Such aid projects are a hopeful sign for peace in the region and, given a stable environment free from conflict, could provide real support for the people of Mindanao.
The International Women‘s Peace and Solidarity Mission is yet another group lobbying for peace in the region. It recently called for a new round of peace talks between GRP and MILF. In a statement referring to the terrible beheadings of 10 marines by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan last month, the group announced: "The importance of the resumption of talks between the two parties cannot be over-emphasized as a normalizing and stabilizing factor on the ground, as both parties can effectively address and resolve contentious issues surrounding the 10 July Basilan tragedy at the negotiating table."
The group understands the specific dangers to women as a result of the continuing conflict, including displacement and sexually motivated violence. "No more widows, no more orphans, no more macho wars. Peace is the braver option," its statement concluded.
Receiving support for peace from foreign governments and other groups is not a new development in the Philippines. Their continued aid, however, is encouraging to many people who thought that foreign assistance might stop altogether after ASG‘s brutal assassination of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers on 10 July. The continuing investigation into the event shows that
MILF fighters, as some originally suspected, were not responsible. Almost certainly, four ASG members beheaded the soldiers. Basilan representative Wahab Akbar announced that multiple witnesses confirmed the mutilations were carried out by Umair Indama, Nurhasan Jamiri, Buhari Jamiri and Suaib Kalibon. Buhari Jamiri, already in captivity, has confirmed these allegations and ASG‘s involvement in the vicious crime.
Given that MILF‘s innocence in the matter is apparently confirmed, the horrific events of 10 July must not be allowed to threaten peace talks and the future prosperity of the region. For the time being, those groups providing aid seem willing to move past the incident. GRP and MILF are now responsible for calming tempers and ensuring that negotiations proceed for the benefit of the Philippine people. Of equal importance is the prevention of such horrific crimes in the future.
With its vast, untapped natural resources -- including gold, copper and natural gas -- Mindanao‘s value is undisputed. It is a valuable resource for several large multinational corporations that do business in the Southern Philippines and around the world. Aid groups continue to provide assistance to the region despite the conflict and insecurity because they understand that a peaceful Mindanao will in turn promote the welfare of the people and the entire region. MILF and GRP must be aware that Mindanao‘s valuable commodities are continually threatened by ongoing conflict and cause the people of Mindanao to suffer unnecessarily. Groups such as IMT are commended for urging the resumption of peace talks as a first step toward a safe and self-sustained Mindanao.
Source: www.pia.gov.ph (1 November 2007)
