Peace process exec urges MNLF, gov’t troops to stop firefight

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday urged the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the military to stop hostilities in Zamboanga City.

OPAPP Undersecretary Joe Lorena said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM that the 1996 Peace Agreement forged by the government with the MNLF will not be terminated, disproving information the camp of the MNLF rebels had received.

“We have no plans of disintegrating the 1996 Peace Agreement,” Lorena said.

MNLF members took over some Zamboanga villages early Monday and attempted to hoist their flag in the Zamboanga city hall after the government allegedly signed an appeasement package compromising the provisions of the agreed 1996 peace pact.

“The government was not turning its back to the woes of Bangsamoro leaders. We, in the government, heard your pleas. In fact the government is preparing to go to a tripartite (review) to present how the implementation will go,” Lorena said, expressing dismay over the crisis that was sparked by the false information.

He pointed out that the first phase of the Peace Agreement signed on September 2, 1996 was already implemented.

“The skirmish happening today is useless because the administration is making a way forward to push through with the full implementation of the agreement,” Lorena said.

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