Marawi City (4 August) -- Leaders in Lanao del Sur hail the recent separate declarations of truce between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Ulama League of the Philippines President Judge Aboali Cali said he and other peace advocates in Mindanao welcomed the reciprocal declarations hoping that the truce would redound to the immediate re-opening of the GRP-MILF peace talks.
Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued a policy directive suspending military operations (SOMO) against the MILF.
The SOMO was aimed to advance peace and stability in war-affected areas and provide a stable environment for the resumption of peace talks between the government of the Philippines and the MILF.
The move was immediately reciprocated by the MILF announcing suspension of military action (SOMA).
The mutual truce, Judge Cali said, will also give internally displaced persons (IDPs) the chance to return to their respective homes safely.
It will further contribute to the restoration of tranquility and harmony in Mindanao, he added.
For his part, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. urged the government and all concerned sectors in conflict-affected areas to be cautiously assertive to preserve the truce by helping pacify both the military and MILF forces from any unnecessary armed engagements.
The Governor stressed that the significance of the mutual declarations would be more meaningful if both forces could effectively avoid any provocations.
Meanwhile, President Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) said that there is nothing more she could wish for than peace in Mindanao where Muslims, Christians, and Lumads can live together in peace, harmony and cooperation respecting each other's religious beliefs. (PIA)
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