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

Peace process blamed

SAF officials blamed the deaths of the commandos on the military’s withholding artillery support, which would have led to escalation of the fighting and ultimately the collapse of the peace process.

Angry over the deaths of the commandos, many lawmakers are threatening to vote against the BBL, citing many unconstitutional provisions.

The MILF says, however, that failure of the BBL to clear Congress does not mean it will go back to war. The peace agreement stands and it will negotiate with the next government, the group’s leadership says.

President Aquino is leading a vigorous campaign to save the BBL and end the four-decade conflict in Mindanao.

Responsibility for peace

“By commemorating this Day of Valor, we reflect upon the lessons of history, so that we may learn to never repeat its failures, and instead move forward together toward that which we seek to accomplish. After three generations, with the blessing of hindsight, we clearly know the causes that led to the world wars,” Mr. Aquino said.

The President stressed that “this generation has the responsibility of maintaining peace, and of continuing the pursuit of widespread prosperity.

“This is the vow that the Philippines makes, not only for the victims of past wars and violence, but also for present and future generations of Filipinos, and for the rest of our brothers and sisters across the globe,” Mr. Aquino said.

Seemingly alluding to the bias against the Moro people that has resurfaced following Mamasapano, Mr. Aquino reminded Filipinos that “despite our differences, we live in and share a single world.”

“The legitimate concern of one is a concern of all. This is the crossroads before us: Shall we help to solve problems while they are still small, or remain indifferent and face an even more formidable challenge in the future? I recall what my father said: If you allow others to trample upon the rights of your fellowmen, you have allowed the trampling of your own rights,” he said.

Need for unity

Mr. Aquino stressed the Filipinos’ need for unity.

“We are well aware: The trials we face as a country, even those we face today, are indeed serious. Among these are the dangers brought by pandemics, the disasters caused by climate change, and the spread of fear and violence by terrorists,” he said.

“If we fail to unite, many more opportunities will be wasted; many more lives will be claimed by chaos, and many more livelihoods destroyed by lack of understanding. The challenge is to strengthen our solidarity further, and tread a single direction towards the fulfillment of our collective aspirations,” he said. With a report from Tonette Orejas and Greg Refraccion, Inquirer Central Luzon

RELATED STORIES

US still supports peace process between PH gov’t, MILF, says envoy

Include all Mindanaoans in peace process

Iqbal puts entire peace process in ’jeopardy’ – Marcos