Go after murderers, but keep peace process moving
We, the leaders of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, support President Aquino’s call to bring to justice the killers of our soldiers in Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay. These killings should not go unpunished and should immediately be dealt with, with the full force of the law. By bringing these murderers to justice, we are sending a clear message that crime does not pay in our country.
In addition to this, we also support the decision of President Aquino to continue with the ongoing peace talks between our government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). We believe that it is only through genuine and lasting peace that sustainable development can be achieved in Mindanao. By declaring an all-out war against the MILF, thousands of innocent civilians will again be displaced and affected. More importantly, this will just continue the vicious cycle of war and conflict that has been a major cause of the region’s rampant poverty and lack of development. We strongly urge the MILF to show its sincerity to the peace process by giving its full cooperation in ensuring that those who perpetrated the killings will be caught and made to account for their transgressions.
We are one with the entire nation in continuing to hope and pray that lasting peace, prosperity and development be achieved in the beautiful island of Mindanao.
—JESSE ROBREDO, secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government; GRACE PADACA, former governor, Isabela; AMONG ED PANLILIO, former governor, Pampanga; TEOFISTO GUINGONA III, senator; NERIC ACOSTA, presidential adviser for environmental protection; BOLET BANAL, representative, Quezon City; KAKA BAG-AO, representative, Akbayan; TEDDY BAGUILAT JR., representative, Ifugao; SONIA LORENZO, former mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; ROQUE VERZOSA JR., mayor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur;FLORANTE GERDAN, former mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya; CECILIA CLARE REYES, mayor, Alicia, Isabela; MARIVIC BELENA, mayor, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; GLORIA CONGCO, mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija; VALENTE YAP, mayor, Bindoy, Negros Oriental; SHIRLYN MACASARTE, board member, North Cotabato; JOCELLE BATAPA-SIGUE, former councilor, Bacolod City; JANAREE DISOMIMBA, former mayor, Tamparan, Lanao del Sur; MABEL SUNGA-ACOSTA, former councilor, Davao City; FERMIN MABULO, former mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur; FRANCIS TINIO, former councilor, Binalonan, Pangasinan
