Deles sees stronger peace process

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles expressed hope the peace process will emerge stronger despite the recent challenges it faced following the Mamasapano incident.

“I admit we are bruised and feeling battered but we are here to proclaim we still stand firm in pushing the peace process,” Deles said during a book launch event in Manila on Friday marking the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“The past two months were psychologically and physically battering, but the last two weeks affirmed that the way we have responded made the process stronger,” she said.

Deles recounted the outpouring of support for the peace process from various sectors through the statements of support and activities organized to advocate peace and push for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The results will be a stronger process and a stronger BBL with more people on board,” she said.

Deles said the CAB was signed after 17 years of negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

She recalled the events and the challenges that faced both negotiating panels before they finally signed the CAB on March 27 last year.

“We have gone through a difficult process of negotiation,” she said.

Deles said the challenges disproved those who claim the peace agreement was rushed and not carefully studied by the government.

Two books –“Getting to Peace” and “In Defense of the Draft Bangsamoro Basic Law” – as well as the third issue of the Kababaihan at Kapayapaan magazine were launched during the commemoration of the signing of the CAB, held at the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens in Intramuros.

“We are publishing these books for those who are saying that the peace process was rushed, that this was not a process of negotiation,” Deles said.

She said it is useful to look back at what the peace process has gone through.

Government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer attended a gathering of women’s groups in Quezon City marking the first anniversary of the CAB.