Peace advocacy convention on FAB held in Sumisip, Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb 4 (PIA) – Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) participated recently in the peace advocacy convention initiated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) unit in Basilan.

The attendance of these high-ranking officials and the presence of the local government of Basilan province representative displayed the commitment of these stakeholders toward the attainment of lasting peace in Basilan.

Basilan police chief PS/Supt M. Dapilloza said in a statement that the PNP’s participation in the convention, dubbed as the Bangsamoro Framework Peace Advocacy with the MILF commanders, held at Baag, Sumisip town in Basilan last Jan. 21 was to uphold and support the realization of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

“In order to uphold peace in our midst, the earnest participation and commitment of the MILF group is vital, which will erase public’s negative perception on the FAB and more essentially in defusing the tensions on both government and MILF forces,” Dapilloza said.

At this level, he added, both parties could pre-empt atrocities and avoid armed confrontation and hostilities which usually painted a bad image of the province and affect development and progress.

Dapilloza also conveyed his appreciation to the MILF group for initiating the peace advocacy, which he said, is needed “in order to address issues and concerns on both parties that would help build better understanding and strong relationship, bounded by the commitment to attain one common goal—to build a safe and peaceful Basilan.”

For their part, the MILF Commanders has called on the public to support the on-going peace process between the Government and the MILF. The commanders are united in their desire to build a strong MILF organization that will fully realize the commitment it made in the framework agreement.

With the peace advocacy on FAB initiative, the MILF promises a beginning and a better foundation of unity among the MILF, the PNP and the AFP, the local government unit, the Civil Society organizations and the people of Basilan.

The police chief also thanked the presence of the Philippine Army 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez and Provincial Administrator Tahira Ismael in the peace convention.