Press Release
September 22, 2009

URGES GOV'T NOT TO RUSH PEACE PACT
CHIZ CHIDES MILF FOR STANCE ON KATO, BRAVO

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday chided the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for declaring that they would never surrender the three commanders responsible for the attacks on civilian communities last year that triggered renewed fighting in central Mindanao.

"The MILF's intransigence on this issue is disturbing. While it demands that government show sincerity by implementing the agreements made by both panels, it refuses even to acknowledge that their commanders did wrong," he said.

MILF chair Murad Ibrahim made the statements during a press conference in a rebel camp in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat over the weekend. He was referring to Commander Bravo and Pangalitan who led the attacks in Lanao and Commander Umbra Kato who is responsible for the attack in North Cotabato.

Murad also warned that ongoing informal talks, which resumed in July this year, could be the last chance for peace in Mindanao.

While he welcomed the latest developments in the peace talks, Escudero cautioned the government from rushing a peace accord because of the doomsday scenario painted by Murad.

He called for all-out consultations with key stakeholders in Mindanao to ensure the success of any peace settlement.

"The government knows that any agreement will ultimately be presented for approval by the people," he said.

"However tedious it may be, the government should conduct all-out consultations on the issues on the negotiating table. Otherwise, we may be faced again with a likely rejection of whatever may be agreed upon by both parties," Escudero said.

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