Guingona hails gov’t deal with MILF

Senator Teofisto Guingona III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Teofisto Guingona III lauded the peace framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH), saying it was “the dream of every each Filipino” to have a peaceful and united country.

“As the chair of the Senate committee on peace and unification, I laud the GPH and MILF, and the third party institutions involved in the development and finalization of the framework agreement,” Guingona said in a statement Monday.

“I believe that this framework agreement is an opportunity for each citizen to contribute to a peace agreement that addresses the legitimate grievances and claims of the Bangsamoro people, the sentiments of other stakeholders on the ground, and the dream of each Filipino of a progressive, united and peaceful nation,” he added.

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday announced in a televised statement that the agreement will create a new autonomous political entity to be called “Bangsamoro” that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“I believe that with this framework as a clear guide, the Philippines is a step closer to a final and comprehensive peace agreement that would benefit the people of Mindanao and the entire nation,” Guingona said.

The senator said he was looking forward to an agreement that will be “one of the strong foundations for sustainable peace, and economic and social development to Mindanao and the entire nation.”

The Philippine government has been fighting the MILF separatist insurgency for many decades. The peace framework will also cover other groups that have broken away from the MILF.

“I join the efforts of many in ensuring that the process and the results of the peace negotiations are understood by the Filipino people because this is an agreement for the entire nation,” Guingona said.