MANILA, August 25, 2011— A Mindanao-based prelate is optimistic over the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite its latest impasse.
Even if the MILF rejected the government’s proposal to give them autonomy rather than a sub-state, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad views it as opportunity to better fine-tune their respective proposals.
“I don’t consider it as a failure but only to give time to reflect and understand deeper each other’s proposal. It’s just a time-out, at the same time, a chance to review and fine-tune the proposals,” he said.
“I am still hopeful for a fruitful meeting,” according to Jumoad.
Last Tuesday, the MILF peace panel rejected the proposed draft of the Aquino government saying it was way below what it expected and that it has “no meeting point” with their own peace panel draft.
Jumoad also echoed Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma’s appeal for a widened peace constituency in solving the decades-old conflict in Southern Philippines.
The grassroots level consultations, the bishop added, remain vital in pursuing peace in the region aside from the bilateral dialogue.
“My appeal would be that it should not only be limited in terms of consultation. We should not underestimate the people on the streets because they have so much to share. That is why I proposed that there should be a wider consultation,” Jumoad said. [CBCPNews]
