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Peacebrokers convene for Waging Peace in Asia event |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Sunday, 28 December 2003 |
Metro Manila - ‘A United Nations-sponsored referendum (to resolve the Bangsamoro problem) would be a mechanism of last resort,” responded Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Teresita “Ging” Deles to a query by a Zamboanga city-based peace activist during the Waging Peace in the Philippines and Asia conference held Dec 4-6 at Ateneo, Quezon City. “Constititutional issues like these must be studied,” she advised.
The newly appointed Deles reiterated government’s position of peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) even as she appealed to civil society groups to “please help make peace negotiations work.”
A party list congressperson Etta Rosales (AKBAYAN) however called on the President to take on a position even if it be “controversial.” “It’s very clear where Muslim areas are - in Lanao Norte, Lanao Sur (etc). The Muslim (problem) has to be addressed. Muslims have to be listened to.”
The speakers were among several panelists to the peace conference which was also a meeting of political party representatives, peace groups, brokers and facilitators from Norway, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines, mostly from Mindanao. Representatives of the National Democratic Front (NDF) came except for the MILF.
Conference convenor Karen Tanada of the all-out-peace groups and executive director of the Gaston Ortigas Institute says third party facilitation is welcomed by government. However such third party should be “flexible.” Its roles are “to keep both sides honest, to interpret and remind on commitments (made in agreements).”
Deles also acknowledged the 3rd party facilitation done by Malaysia in the government-MILF exploratory talks. Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries, she says like Brunei, Bangladesh and Libya are willing to assist.
On the GRP-National Democratic Front (NDF) issues, Deles says, while government was open to removal of the terrorist tag against rebel groups, there is a need to “address attacks on civilian installations and civilian targets (by rebels).” While directions towards a human security framework away from a national security framework were “underway,” Deles expressed reservations against “acts of terrorism” such as the Davao wharf and airport bombings. Give assurances to all sides, especially to residents,” she called on peace activists to address terrorist acts on civilian installations.
Deles, while acknowledging government’s addressing “political reforms” called on civil society to “accompany the peace process,” referring to monitoring of rehabilitation efforts. “If you are serious, you have to be there ie Buliok (Maguindanao), Siocon (Zamboanga). Civil society can’t be in and out, ” as Deles received responses from civil society groups, saying they weren’t as well-funded as NGOs like Tabang Mindanaw to stay on the ground “all the time.”
Civil society monitoring was also welcome as she cited a training program by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for peace NGOs to be “technically proficient ie more detailed” in their reporting of related incidents ie human rights violations, mass evacuations. “Civil society has to have more sensitivity and work with local governments on the ground.”
Funds for the Cotabato City-based Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), a “confidence building” and implementing mechanism to carry out development and rehabilitation projects by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in conflict areas, have reportedly been given to Malaysia. Though local government units (LGUs) are “nervous” about the BDA, said Deles, referring to what may be overlapping roles and duties of the BDA and LGUs.
Peace education in the military ranks, Deles updates is underway in the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
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