IT IS INDEED very grim and disturbing news that Zamboanga is under siege from some elements of the MNLF.
Like any Filipino, we hate violence! We abhor war!
While there may be differences in the way of working for lasting peace and development in the ARMM, the use of force and violence can never be one of these. Attacking a place like Zamboanga, injuring and killing civilians caught in the crossfire is not one either. We have already experienced too much suffering for many years, for many decades.
We condemn the use of force in Zamboanga as it cannot do any good. In war, we are all losers, and war will bring us farther from our desired goal of peace.
But peace, for our Muslim people, is now at our doorsteps. These acts of aggression will just deter these peace initiatives that has [sic] taken decades to be forged. No less than our President Benigno Aquino III has recognized the justness of our Muslim cause.
For the Filipino Muslim, he has fully agreed to the creation of our Bangsamoro. By supporting his peace initiatives, we are giving peace a chance.
Rep. Pangalian M. Balindong
Deputy Speaker
2nd District, Lanao del Sur
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