Press Release
October 21, 2011

Statement of Senator TG Guingona on the encounter
between GPH and MILF

I strongly condemn the encounter between GPH and MILF troops on19 October 2011 at Albarka, Basilan. The tragedy is an injustice that could not be allowed to pass without a fair and just resolution. I grieve with the family of who lost their loved ones. I honor those who risked, and some who even sacrificed their life, for their fellow soldiers. I worry for those who find themselves displaced because of the tragedy.

In attaining justice, we have ceasefire mechanisms agreed upon by GPH and MILF to handle the situation. Despite several major conflicts, the mechanism allowed the peace talks to continue and move forward for fourteen (14) years. I appeal to all sectors in our society, to allow the Ceasefire Mechanisms to work.

I strongly urge those responsible for Ceasefire Mechanisms to immediately act upon the matter with utmost urgency to address the wrongs of the encounter and make accountable those who made the offense. Let us all stand firm to our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflict.

This kind of tragedy delays the resolution of the peace process. Delayslessen the confidence of the people for the Peace Process and risk its failure. This could not be allowed to happen because the longer it takes for us to resolve the problem the more violence it breeds. Violence must stop, rule of law and justice should be the order of the day.

MAIN STATEMENTS:

  • The 19 October 2011 encounter between GPH and MILF is a tragedy that I strongly condemn.

  • It is an INJUSTICE that must be resolved immediately.

  • I grieve with those who lost their love ones; honor those who risked their life, some to the extent of sacrificing it, for their fellow soldiers; worry for those internally displaced.

  • Since 1997, GPH and MILF have a Ceasefire Mechanisms which address this kind situation.

  • Despite several instance of major conflict, the Ceasefire Mechanism worked in the last 14 years, allowing the peace talks between GPH and MILF to continue and move forward.

  • The Ceasefire Mechanism should be allowed to work.At the same time, those responsible for it should move in utmost urgency to address the wrong done and make accountable those who committed the offense.

  • Let us all stand firm to our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflict.

  • The tragedy caused delays. Delays cause loss of confidence to the peace talks and higher the risk of more tragedy.

  • Violence must stop, rule of law and justice should be the order of the day.

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