Razon: Peace efforts in M’danao on post-Ramadan intensified
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MANILA, Sept. 22 – Peace initiatives in the Southern Philippines, particularly in predominantly Muslim areas in
Mindanao are ongoing in the aftermath of the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Avelino I. Razon Jr. said efforts for peace-building and
conflict prevention are under way primarily in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as the
government peace panel made preparations for the reopening of formal negotiations with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF)
On Sunday some 200 Abu Sayyaf terrorists ambushed a convoy of Philippine Marines in Indanan, Sulu,
triggering a firefight that left 19 terrorists and nine soldiers killed.
But Razon said the fighting would not affect the resumption of peace talks.
For one the MILF was not involved in the fighting and another is that there are no MILF rebels in Sulu.
Razon on Monday attended the Eid’l Fitr celebration at the Green Mosque at the Islamic Center in Manila.
The observance coincided with the International Day of Peace held every September 21.
Later this week, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will be spearheading
“Kids for Peace” workshops at an evacuation center in Maguindanao and at an elementary school in Davao
City, as well as a peace caravan in Davao del Norte simultaneous with a national “Trees for Peace” tree-
planting program.
OPAPP on Monday spearheaded the commemoration of the international peace day at the Quezon City
Memorial Circle.
Moreover, OPAPP was also at the forefront of the celebration of the Eid’l Fitr at the Amoranto Stadium in
Quezon City, at the Maharlika Village center near the Blue Mosque in Taguig City, and at the Green Mosque
Islamic Center near Quiapo in the City of Manila.
“We continue to advocate for peacemaking and peacekeeping initiatives, as we work to reduce the level of
violence and hopefully end permanently the armed conflict with all insurgent groups,” Razon said,
For this month of September, the country commemorates the 6th National Peace Consciousness Month with
the aim of instilling in every Filipino a national consciousness on the various peace efforts and the overall
comprehensive peace process.
“In the search for just and lasting peace in this nation, we aim to continue the peace talks and conclude the
final peace agreements with various rebel groups,” Razon said.
He added: “We also continue to implement complementary measures to minimize the level of violence arising
from armed conflicts and fully implement the provisions of all existing peace accords.”
Regarding former guerrillas who wish to return to the fold of the law, Razon said the government has been
implementing an enhanced reintegration, rehabilitation, and amnesty program to mainstream former rebels
into society.
“We are working to transform conflict-affected communities into peace and development areas, and heal the
social wounds brought about by long-drawn internal armed conflicts,” Razon said.
“In the pursuit of building peace down to the community level, our approach is to construct the structures of
peace and de-construct the structures of violence,” he stressed.
On the aspect of human security, Razon said the government aims more than just the end of violent conflict but
the pursuit of human rights and good governance as well as better access to education and health care.
“We shall ensure that each individual will have opportunities and choices to fulfill his or her own potential to
the fullest, as we aim to reduce poverty, achieve economic growth, and prevent conflict,” he added.
Razon encouraged all stakeholders of peace to conduct healing and reconciliation programs in conflict-
affected communities, and interfaith initiatives in the local and international arena.
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