MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Peace Process Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to uphold the ceasefire agreement to protect the gains of the peace process.
Esperon made the call during a speech at the general membership meeting of the Philippine Constitutional Association (Philconsa) at the Manila Hotel Wednesday afternoon, two days after fighting broke out anew between the military and MILF rebels in Central Mindanao.
"We are right now faced with a very troubling peace and order situation which could have been a consequence of the turn of events in the GRP-MILF talks," Esperon said.
Fighting between government forces and MILF rebels erupted in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani provinces after Moro guerillas went on a shooting rampage spree, attacking civilians and military units to protest the non-signing of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain in Malaysia last August 5.
The signing was aborted when the Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order.
The first hearing was held last Friday wherein the high court heard the plea of those who are opposed to the MOA. The next hearing will be this coming Friday.
The armed hostilities have already displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and the number is growing, Esperon said.
"In spite of all that is happening, we remain focused on our goals for a lasting peace in Mindanao," Esperon said.
He also said that the MOA is not self-executing, adding that "there is need for future discussions as the panels frame the comprehensive compact."
"The MOA on ancestral domain should not be viewed as an end in itself, but rather a means or a tool to reinforce agreement on the principles, and a roadmap for greater self-governance of the Bangsamoro people," he said.
"In short, to enable the MOA, the following are still required, firstly, that the compact be signed' and secondly, changes to the legal framework, as necessary," he said
Esperon said changes in the existing legal framework should mean constitutional reform. - GMANews.TV