Waiting for peace

Two rallies were staged in Zamboanga and Cotabato this week. Each making a clarion call for peace negotiators to pursue whatever gains the peace talks had. One would easily notice the temper and the subterfuge in the speeches of those purportedly wanting to support the peace initiatives between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Government.

Datu Antonio Kinoc, a member of the MILF Technical Working Group is more sober as he appealed to members of the Indigenous Peoples to support the peace process. It was needless for Kinoc to make the pitch. Last December in a similar peace advocacy forum held in Davao City, the leaders of the IPs expressed their satisfaction over the explanation of Prof. Mastura who assured the participants, lumads and Christians included that all prior rights over the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) will be respected. Mastura is a respected member of the MILF negotiating panel and it is presumed that whatever manifestation he makes in public has the approval of the MILF panel negotiating peace with the government.

The atmosphere in the Zamboanga peace forum was imbued with an aura of positivism. It was as if peace is just within sight. It takes only just one more series of information drive to make the stakeholders, the settlers and the political leaders in and out of the BJE territories understand the complexities of the new political subdivision and the prospects of a stable peace once the accord is signed. The steps towards these comprehensive process should have been pursued. It was what the MILF wants and it is what the government hoped to achieve.

But like building a solid foundation it takes some kind of process. This one is no longer in the exploratory stage. The peace understanding is towards consolidation. As far as government is concerned the agreement it is concluding with the MILF must be one that is beyond (legal) reproach. The one final act to seal that accord is a constitutional process which partakes of a plebiscite.

Unfortunately, the MILF resented this. The MILF peace negotiators called it quits in Kuala Lumpur despite the appeal of Malaysian mediators to settle and clarify differences in the negotiating table. The MILF does not want to have any of these. There was saber rattling all over threatening to turn back the gains from the excruciating pains of decade of search for peace.

Datu Kinoc’s overtures rekindles the hope for the peace talks to resume. It is unfortunate however that while he strive to revive the cordiality and optimism that was aborted by a knee-jerk reaction to the proposed plebiscite, some quarters pretending to be advocates for peace have started delivering incendiary speeches in a so-called peace rally in Cotabato City. While they purports to be for peace they use the rally as a forum to hammer a wedge to widen the gap between the peace negotiators. Such inflammatory oratory only adds to the volatility of an impaired talks. If the government and the MILF are wanting to return to the negotiating table, they should be wary over these so-called civil society for their tongues bear the fire that can only ignite civil strife. That is the least that we need to listen to as of the moment. If you have to work for peace at all, shut your ears from the din of rhetoric and proceed with your task. We can wait. – ED PALMA, edpalma1960@yahoo.com, Kidapawan City

No divisiveness in AFP

As I read daily the different broadsheets, I noticed there is one issue that remains constant. It has been reported that there is another plan of destabilization within the AFP organization. I am a woman soldier and this issue made me write in the hope that this would somehow open the eyes of the public as to what is happening within the AFP organization.

The issue here is clearly tittle-tattle that undermines the minds and hearts of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Contrary to the claims of divisiveness by some individuals, we continue to be a cohesive and decisive force. The AFP is resolute as ever and consistent in quelling attempts to trample and undermine our democracy. However big or small the challenge, it shall deliver for the best interest of the Filipino nation.

The men and women of the AFP continue to demonstrate to the people that we are united in our stand and that we are up to the task mandated to us by the Constitution. Firm in our oath to the Constitution; vanguards of freedom and democracy; enforcers of the law – we are the real Filipino soldiers. This is who we are and precisely why we – officers and enlisted personnel – did not turn our backs on our Constitutional oath.

It is with conviction that in every soldier’s heart lies his/her devotion to the country. This patriotism is nurtured and manifested each day that we risk our lives for the sake of the people. We never take advantage this patriotism and love of country as our justification to carry out activities that will prove to be damaging to the country. The soldiers are wary of people who talk of nationalism and patriotism without meaning, for their intention is only to manipulate us.

We maintain the highest sense of being true to our constitutional mandate as the protector of the people despite the efforts of some individuals to manipulate us to serve their selfish interests. But more than any praises, there is deep respect and commitment and we will be standing firm behind our Constitution and we will continue to support the Filipinos’ desire to see this country united. – CPL. JANNA "GOKOU" MERCADO Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, cmospecialist_gokou@yahoo.com

Cha-cha for peace, not for PGMA

I find your recent editorial lambasting the administration for its current moves to amend the charter as a clear display of paranoia. The proposal to resort to charter change put forth by the Presidential adviser on the peace process Secretary Dureza was quite plain and forthright since its sole purpose was to install a Bangsamoro federal state. Neither did he, nor any government official for that matter, mention that the entire country will be placed under federal rule.

So it bothers me immensely to read your editorial that hinted the possibility that the cha-cha moves may be used to ensure PGMA’s continued stay in power beyond 2010. How can she possibly use such move when it will be a constitutional convention which will decide on what matters to amend? The decision is not hers to make but lies with the body whom the people shall elect. Such mistrust in the government actions may only end up derailing the peace process once again. Let us give the government the benefit of the doubt and work together instead to find lasting solutions to give peace to our Muslim brethren. If a Bangsamoro federal state will be the answer to their woes, then let’s give them that… – VICTORIA PECSON, Baesa, Novaliches, vpec70@yahoo.com