‘Peace is justice for all’: Aquino calls anew for passage of BBL

PARTNERS IN PEACEMAKING President Benigno Aquino III stands united with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan province, at the 73rd anniversary of the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) on Thursday. RAFFY LERMA

Drawing from the lessons of World War II, President Benigno Aquino III made another pitch for peace in Mindanao and appealed anew for the passage of a law that would establish an autonomous Bangsamoro region.

“Conflict can only lead to more suffering and misunderstanding, while solidarity brings widespread benefit. This is the same lesson that leads us to champion lasting peace in Mindanao, and to call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” Mr. Aquino said.

The President led the 73rd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan province, recognizing the heroism of the Filipino and American forces who fought Japanese invaders in 1942.

READ: Aquino, veterans mark ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ in Bataan

A handful of surviving veterans and their families were present at the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan.

Following tradition, the President laid a wreath for the fallen heroes at the shrine.

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa also offered wreaths at the shrine’s colonnade.

The Philippines and the United States were allies in the war, with hundreds of Filipino and American troops dying in the infamous Death March that followed the capture of Bataan by the Japanese.

Partners in peacemaking

Emphasizing that adversaries could become friends as shown by the strong relationship shared by the Philippines, the United States and Japan today, Mr. Aquino said “those who were once our enemies are today our partners in realizing a just peace for all,” referring to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has signed a peace agreement with the government.

“In coming together to foster stability in Mindanao, all the more are we able to widen the scope of opportunities available to our countrymen. In doing this, no one will be driven to join radical factions, terrorist groups, and others interested only in pursuing their selfish agendas,” Mr. Aquino said.

Mamasapano clash

“Two generations have already suffered due to the violence that has dominated Mindanao. Now that we are here, we will not allow succeeding generations to suffer the same fate. However hard our task may be, whatever challenges we may face, we will continue to pursue peace, because this is the way to obtain justice for all,” he added.

The peace process between the government and the MILF has been disrupted by a clash between police commandos and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25.

Forty-four SAF commandos, 17 MILF guerrillas and three civilians were killed in the fighting, sparking widespread public anger that led to the suspension of discussions in Congress of the BBL, delaying the passage of the proposed charter that would establish an autonomous Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.