PRESS STATEMENT OF SENATOR M.A. MADRIGAL

On Civilians in Southern Philippines taking up arms as reported today by Amnesty International and confirmation by DILG Secretary Puno that civilian militias will be deployed by government:

As chairman of the Committee on Peace, I strongly condemn the action being taken by the Government, particularly the DILG Secretary to deploy civilian militias in Mindanao. Resorting to violent means is not the answer to the crisis in Mindanao. This will only lead to further extremism and isolate Muslim Filipinos from Christians. This is totally irresponsible of the DILG Secretary! Mindanao is not a war zone! This will only lead to civil war and benefit local warlords and traditional politicians. It is the duty of the military to protect the nation. If the Philippine Army cannot do so, this is a dire indication of the incompetence of the Arroyo administration.