Press Release
August 19, 2008

Pia: Gov't should ensure safety of women,
children caught in Mindanao armed conflict

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today said the women and children of Mindanao should be given priority attention by the government following the escalation of attacks by suspected Moro rebels that have resulted in the death of scores of civilians and displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents.

"Women and children are always the most vulnerable sectors in armed conflict situations. The government should make sure they are given priority attention in evacuation, relief and rehabilitation efforts," Cayetano said.

"There can be no justification for the dastardly acts. The government must move swiftly to restore order in these areas and bring to justice the armed groups who perpetrated these attacks."

"But the government itself cannot entirely deny responsibility for the renewed escalation of violence in Mindanao. Remember it was the aborted unconstitutional memorandum of agreement, which the Arroyo government secretly negotiated and tried to sign with the MILF which triggered the escalation of conflict in various parts of Mindanao."

News Latest News Feed