Iqbal says no turning back on peace

Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (left) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (right) receive from university president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, (center) the Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ, Award during commencement exercises at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. JB R. DEVEZA/INQUIRER MINDANAO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—There’s no turning back on the road to peace.

A high ranking leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gave this commitment on Thursday after he, and the head of the government peace panel, were conferred awards by a top university here in recognition of their devotion to the quest for peace in Mindanao.

“No matter what happens to the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law), the MILF will stay engaged in the peace process,” said Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel that signed a peace agreement with the Aquino administration.

Iqbal made the statement on the sidelines of Thursday’s convocation ceremonies at Xavier University that is part of its 76th commencement exercises.

Iqbal, together with Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel in talks with the MILF, were conferred the Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ, Award for their contributions to social development.

Iqbal was cited for his “conscientious and patient efforts to engage in democratic dialogue and negotiations for peace in Mindanao, for his untiring work towards a negotiated political solution that eschews the ways of extremism and terrorism, and for his unflinching and heartfelt service to bring peace and progress to our country.”

Ferrer’s “exemplary contributions to peace-building and conflict management” was recognized by the university.

The Jesuit-run Xavier University also bestowed the Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa to Teresita Quintos-Deles, head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Deles served as commencement speaker.

Deles said the recognition of their efforts to bring lasting peace to Mindanao is “very affirming,” considering all the flak the peace process and peace negotiators, have been getting following the deaths of 44 police commandos, 17 Moro rebels and three civilians in an operation to get international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao province.

Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, university president, said the three negotiators’ efforts to bring peace to Mindanao are an act of courage in the face of daunting challenges.

“More than ever, especially after the Mamasapano tragedy, Xavier University signifies its support for staying the course in pursuing peace,” Yap said.

The university’s decision to push through with the recognition of Iqbal, Deles and Ferrer was initially met with opposition from Xavier University alumni, with some taking to social media to voice their sentiments.

But Archbishop Antonio Javellana Ledesma, SJ, of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, said opposition to the recognition that the university is giving the three, and BBL indirectly, is largely borne out of a misunderstanding of the peace process.

“We have no other option but to continue the dialogue on peace,” said Ledesma, who witnessed the awarding ceremony. JB Deveza, Inquirer Mindanao