Bangsamoro Leaders' Assembly: In War There are No Victors, Only Victims

We, the 90 participants in the BANGSAMORO LEADERS’ ASSEMBLY , representing the different sectors and organizations of the BM in Mindanao-Sulu Palawan and Manila, under the auspices of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, a national network of Moro-led non-government organizations , are deeply saddened by the recent unfortunate incidents that took place in Albarka, Basilan and Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay that resulted in the loss of lives of men in uniform and the dislocation of the people in the areas amidst the ongoing peace process between the GPH and the MILF.

We sincerely condole and share the bereavement of the families of those who died in these incidents even as we sympathize with the displaced residents of the affected areas. These incidents could have been avoided if only the parties consciously adhered to the agreed peace mechanisms established by the peace process.

We appeal for sobriety and restraint as we demand from appropriate authorities like the CCCH, AHJAG and other authorities for an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation on the facts and circumstances surrounding the commission of these twin incidents to determine and punish the real culprits.

Incidence of this nature does not only victimize those who bear arms but including innocent civilians and the vulnerable members of the community like children, women and the elderly. We therefore implore the media for responsible and prudent reporting, and to avoid sensationalization that only inflame deep seated biases and historical prejudices.

We challenge the stakeholders to the on-going peace process not to allow these incidents to happen again through sincere efforts in reaching a final solution on the century old Moro question. The early conclusion of the peace process could save further loss of precious lives and bring the long needed development of Mindanao.

We support the move of our President Noynoy C. Aquino lll against an all-out war and continue the peace talks in spite of the incident in Basilan and Sibugay in consonance with the observation of the primacy of the peace process.

We call upon the GPH and the MILF to immediately return to the negotiating table to resume the talks in order to hammer out the gaps that led to the stalemate of the talks and continue find means for the peace talks to end in signing political agreement;

We call upon the GPH and the MILF to religiously abide with all interim agreements including those that bind the ceasefire in order to avoid unnecessary clashes that can result in loss of lives and properties and the displacement of communities;

We appeal to all not to be carried away by their emotions and make decisions that will only derail the peace talks towards a dead end.

Finally, we call on all the Filipino People to support the on-going peace talks and provide the necessary political environment conducive to the continuance of the peace processes.

IN WAR THERE ARE NO VICTORS, ONLY VICTIMS.