Aquino-Murad meet hailed, more transparency urged

AS A World War II guerrilla veteran who shared the sufferings of the Filipino people from atrocities of the Japanese occupation forces in defense of freedom, democracy and loved ones, in the same manner that the people of Mindanao suffer from the crossfire between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), I hail President Aquino for going into a meeting with MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo, Japan. However, I disagree with his sneaking out of the country without the knowledge of his countrymen. Why did he keep it secret when his security, he being the President of the Philippines, is of paramount importance

under the circumstances?

Former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol said President Aquino showed his commitment to “bring the conflict in the South, which has stunted the growth of the region and caused untold miseries to the people, to a peaceful end.”

On the other hand, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said, “The people are entitled to know in the spirit of transparency what happened

during the furtive talks.”

Specifically, he wants to know the answers to the following questions: How the rival MILF would be treated and/or accommodated in the peace talks; what legislation may be necessary to enhance the successful implementation of any peace accord; how much the budgetary requirement is for the conduct of negotiations and implementation of any peaceful settlement; how the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao would fit into the negotiation and eventual agreement. (Inquirer, 8/7/11)

We, veterans, hope that there will be an end to the hostilities in Mindanao sooner or later.

—GODOFREDO O. PETEZA,

district commander,

Veterans Federation of the Philippines

(chartered under RA 2640),

Camarines Norte Veterans District-Region 5,

JP Rizal Street, Barangay Camambugan,

Daet, Camarines Norte 4600