President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced today a shift in the basic premise of the government’s peace efforts from talking with the armed groups to holding discussions with the communities in the conflict areas.
The President made the announcement in her message at the opening of the 2nd Philippine International Motor Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
“The focus of our talks shall shift from the armed groups to the communities. The parameters governing our negotiations shall be a balance between the constitutionality and public sentiment,” the President said, as she pointed out that in order to promote the growth of industries and most especially the best interest of the people, government must maintain a peaceful and orderly society.
She said the change in the government’s approach to end the Mindanao conflict prompted by the atrocities committed recently by forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani and Maguindanao.
MILF forces went on a rampage during the last two weeks killing more than 40 civilians, including women, children and the elderly and burning houses and looting properties.
The President explained that the government’s objective is to end all armed rebellion in the country, thus any engagement with all armed groups from here on in will focus on disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR).
“DDR is about the people and government telling armed groups to give up armed struggle. Change shall be defined primarily by the people and the government,” she said.
The shift in the government’s approach to ending conflicts underscores its rejection of any armed struggle as a means of achieving political and social change and a reaffirmation of its commitment to democracy.
“From negotiations, our focus shall shift to dialogues with the communities, or government conducting authentic conversations or dialogues with the people,” she said.
The President reiterated that all armed groups must account for their actions not only to the government but more importantly to the people.
“The force of arms does not entitle any armed group to represent the people,” she stressed.
The President made the announcement in her message at the opening of the 2nd Philippine International Motor Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
“The focus of our talks shall shift from the armed groups to the communities. The parameters governing our negotiations shall be a balance between the constitutionality and public sentiment,” the President said, as she pointed out that in order to promote the growth of industries and most especially the best interest of the people, government must maintain a peaceful and orderly society.
She said the change in the government’s approach to end the Mindanao conflict prompted by the atrocities committed recently by forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani and Maguindanao.
MILF forces went on a rampage during the last two weeks killing more than 40 civilians, including women, children and the elderly and burning houses and looting properties.
The President explained that the government’s objective is to end all armed rebellion in the country, thus any engagement with all armed groups from here on in will focus on disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR).
“DDR is about the people and government telling armed groups to give up armed struggle. Change shall be defined primarily by the people and the government,” she said.
The shift in the government’s approach to ending conflicts underscores its rejection of any armed struggle as a means of achieving political and social change and a reaffirmation of its commitment to democracy.
“From negotiations, our focus shall shift to dialogues with the communities, or government conducting authentic conversations or dialogues with the people,” she said.
The President reiterated that all armed groups must account for their actions not only to the government but more importantly to the people.
“The force of arms does not entitle any armed group to represent the people,” she stressed.
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