Mindanao in full support of framework agreement

We are very thankful to the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all those who took part and are working for peace in Mindanao.

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was a long time in coming but the day did come, and that is what matters to us. We suffered from the armed conflict in the mid-1970s and we no longer want the chaos and confusion that characterized that period in our lives. We will never forget how our families, businesses and education were affected at the time. It was a time of horror and uncertainty.

We are from Midsayap and we give our full support to this peace deal. This is a historic moment for the Muslims and we should grab the opportunity to turn the agreement into a reality. We also extend our gratitude to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for the assurance that soldiers in our area and elsewhere will continue to be deployed to help achieve total peace. Their presence is needed in our community despite this momentous breakthrough in the peace talks. They have done so much for our communities and appreciate what they are doing.

We advocate peace in the Mindanao region and support the framework agreement 100 percent. We have waited long enough and will never again allow terror and violence to rule, disrupt and destroy our lives.

We all want peace.—DANA S. DUJAIN, [email protected]