Duterte To Reach Out To Armed Groups To End Decades-long Armed Conflict In Mindanao

To achieve lasting peace in Mindanao, presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte will “go out of his way” and reach out to groups to put to end the decades-long armed conflict.

This was the assurance given by PDP-LABAN president Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III even as he emphasized the willingness of a Duterte administration to sit down with leaders of armed groups in Mindanao to end the conflict.

“We will continue the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and strive to work towards the establishment of a mutually acceptable Bangsamoro political entity within the framework of a federal system of government,” Pimentel said.

As for the faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by its founding chairman Nur Misuari, “he will be encouraged to actively take part in any dialogue for peace in Muslim Mindanao,” he added.

On the other hand, a Duterte administration will run after the other armed groups who will sow terror and try to dismember the country.

With regard to the New People’s Army (NPA) that maintains presence in some parts of Mindanao, Pimentel said the Duterte administration would resume negotiations with the rebel group at the national level and work out a comprehensive peace agreement that includes social, economic and political reforms.

Pimentel pointed out that Duterte is trusted by the NPA as shown by their recent move to release five Davao City policemen whom they abducted and held captive for less than a week.

“We will not only restore peace in Mindanao in the same way that Mayor Duterte made Davao City one of the safest cities in the world, we will see to it that the Philippines will become one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world,” Pimentel said.

“The long-term solution to armed conflict in Mindanao, as we see it, is socio-economic development that would reduce poverty incidence and substantially improve the living conditions of everyone, whether Muslim, Christian or indigenous peoples,” Pimentel added. (PNA) JMC/PFN