Muslim leaders support Deles, back peace talks under Aquino

October 19, 2010 - Civil society and political leaders and peace advocates in Mindanao today expressed full support for embattled Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles as it urged the Senate to ensure full funding for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process when it tackles the proposed 2011 General Appropriations Act.

Respected MNLF and Muslim leader Yussuf H. Jikiri urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to stand firm on Secretary Deles as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. As a MNLF leader, Jikiri is worried over the move to oust Secretary Deles as it will derail the peace process restarted by President Aquino as part of his reform agenda.

"Let the peace process start in order for us to move closer to a true and lasting peace in Mindanao," Jikiri said.

Hajja Bainon Karon, head of the Federation of United Bangsamoro Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said Deles is the best person to pursue the peace process to a successful conclusion as she understands the multi-faceted issues that continue to feed the violence that cost thousands of lives, especially Mindanao women, and billions of pesos in damage to property.

Karon said Mindanao women have been encouraged by President Aquino's appointment of Deles as it gives the government a female perspective in settling the three decades-long rebellion that has victimized mostly women and children.

"Women in Mindanao have long been the victims in this war and we want a final political settlement that we believe could be achieved because of the huge political capital of Presdient Aquino and Secretary Deles has invested in it," Karon said.

Guiamel Alim, head of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations, said civil society groups fully support Deles' retention as presidential adviser on the peace process.

"Secretary Deles represents a main flank in President Aquino's reform agenda and we believe congressmen were not fully briefed when they voted for that resolution that called for her replacement. She has the full respect of civil society groups in Mindanao," Alim said.