Gov't, MILF issue joint statement condemning Zamboanga siege

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels issued today a joint statement saying that the perpetrators in the Zamboanga City siege must be stopped and held accountable for their acts.

Both panels, which resumed the peace process in Malaysia, condemned in the strongest terms the violence concurrently being inflicted in Zamboanga City by elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Nur Misuari.

"Those behind the continued acts of violence in Mindanao do not want the current peace process between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to succeed. Their actions intend to derail the process using violence and disinformation to spread fear and chaos in Mindanao," the joint statement said.

But they said that both parties remain committed to pursuing the peace process to its just and rightful conclusion, "in the belief that it is through partnership that institutions reflective of the true needs and aspirations of the Bangsamoro and other peoples of Mindanao shall be installed."

The GPH panel said that the Aquino administration will abide by its past commitments with the MNLF.

The MILF, on the other hand, urged the MNLF brothers and sisters to work together so that the Moro struggle will benefit all.

Both panels also expressed their heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the people of Zamboanga City and other areas affected by the violence.

The Zamboanga City siege came weeks after Misuari declared an independence of Mindanao. His group signed a peace accord with government in 1996.

Misuari is opposed to the on-going peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.