MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 2, 2012) – Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles on Sunday appealed to Filipinos to support the government peace talks with Muslim rebels, saying that major breakthroughs in the negotiations may soon be possible.
Speaking at the “1Goal for Peace” ceremony that kicked off the celebration of the Peace Month 2012 at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City, Deles called on the public to rally behind the “gains of the peace process.”
She said the peace process being pursued by government would achieve more milestones if more Filipinos will support it. “The time for peace is now. Together, let’s score a goal for peace,” Deles told peace advocates and guests.
“The values of teamwork, cooperation, support, determination and resilience amidst challenges and difficulties are important in pushing the gains of the peace process,” Deles added, underscoring the need for unity and collective efforts among Filipinos amidst diversity to achieve the ultimate goal of resolving the decades-old armed conflicts in the country.
“If we work together, we can make things happen. In working for a just and lasting peace, no one loses; no one is short-changed or aggrieved,” she said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Deles said the government hopes to be able to sign a series of agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front within this year and complete their implementation during the Aquino Administration.
20