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MILF’s SALAMAT RESPONDS TO CBCP: WE ARE FOR PEACE
MILF Chairman Hashim Salamat, through his Chief of Staff Mohammad Nur, has responded to the Catholic Bishops’ call for a mutual ceasefire with an open letter to “all peace-loving people” that opens the possibility of both a ceasefire and return to peace negotiations.
The MILF explained that their attack on Siocon and Maigo “were specifically against military targets only in accordance with our ‘active defense’ policy” assumed after the military bombardment of Buliok. They expressed deep regret of the “collateral’ damage” inflicted on the civilians caught in the crossfire. They mourn the deaths of innocent civilians including those of Siocon and their own people who died when 500 pound bombs were dropped on their villages in Camp Abubakar and Buliok.
“We abhor and condemn violence, more so terrorism,” responding to the government’s proposed tag on them as “terrorists”. In an earlier statement, they renounced the spate of terrorist attacks on civilian targets and claimed that this is the work of “agents provocateur” who want to put the blame on the MILF to tag them as terrorists.
The MILF assured the Bishops that they seek a negotiated end to armed hostilities and that they remain committed to “sincere and principled peace talks”. They expressed agreement with the Bishops that “ceasefire is the demand not just of logic, but also wisdom and compassion.” They also assured Tabang Mindanaw that rehabilitation work in Siocon can begin without fear of further attacks. Tabang Mindanaw is implementing its Integrated Return and Rehabilitation Program in 44 Sanctuaries of Peace established in 2000 in Maguindanao, Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. It is working closely with the CBCP and the Mindanao Bishops in peace advocacy and development work
Given this positive response, Archbishop Orlando B.Quevedo, CBCP President asks: “How can this mutual desire of both parties be best realized? What initiatives can be taken by both sides? Can both sides come to a meeting of minds on minimum requirements for a ceasefire and resumption of talks without becoming inflexible, doctrinaire and dogmatic? Will a unilateral declaration of ceasefire by one side be respected by the other side? Will the MILF clean its ranks? Will the military continue to blame the MILF for every terrorist attack? How about the rise of vigilantes? Will the military follow civilian authority on these matters?”
“Such questions can be answered only when the leaders contact each other, even if only through emissaries. This communication link is the next logical step toward a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks”, Quevedo concluded. “It is uncommon wisdom to seize the moment and do so.”
16 May 2003
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