Esperon: Bishop Ulama Conference vital for renewed nego with MILF
By DYBORRHAE JEWEL M. REYES, ABS-CBN Zamboanga | 11/20/2008 11:18 PM
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ZAMBOANGA CITY- Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said that the result of the on going Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC) in Jolo, Sulu Thursday is vital for the national government’s efforts to renew peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Esperon who boarded a private flight from Zamboanga City admitted there were lessons learned in the foiled Bangsamoro Juridical Entity deal. His appearance, as well as the President Arroyo’s attendance in the conference is a means of the national government’s participation in the peace agenda.
“The BUC is at the forefront of our consultations and dialogues being conducted to the grassroots,” Esperon said.
Esperon refused to give a timetable when the government is expected to come up with another agreement with the MILF. He assured however that the Ceasefire Committee is still in place and that arrangements for rehabilitation of conflict-stricken areas continue.
“While we are learning lessons from the MOA-AD [Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain] TRO [temporary restraining order] and the decision of the Supreme Court, this does not become an obstacle to propagate the peace agenda in Mindanao,” Esperon said.
But to able to continue on with the negotiations, he revealed he has already discussed with the facilitator of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for their possible extension for another three months.
The IMT’s term is supposed to end on November 30. “Dapat bago ang November 30, we must be able to reach an agreement already,” he said.
He also added there would still be the same members of the IMT who will assist in the peace negotiations. “We still have the same number of participants, Malaysia, Brunei and Japan. Japan has increased their participation lately.”
Esperon expressed his gratitude to the BUC for spearheading the dialogues, making this helpful to the government in designing the mechanics for the new negotiations.
Esperon admitted he will have to confer with General Mohammad Nur Askalani, co-chair of the ad hoc joint action group of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process, as to the situation in some parts of Mindanao, particularly in Basilan.
He said that the problems of kidnapping and now the tension between some members of the MILF in Upper Mahayahay in Maluso town in Basilan would have to be addressed.
Esperon said however he is confident on the efforts of local authorities in the area. And he assured that this would not stop or affect the determination of the government to work for peace in the country.
Other than the BUC, Esperon said there are other non-government organizations who also plan to conduct a peace caravan starting at the end of the month.
The BUC is expected to finalize its meeting in Jolo, Sulu on November 20.
