Bombing incidents won't stop Bangsamoro peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - The recent bombings in two Mindanao cities won't affect the yet-to-be concluded peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

Colonel-Ferrer said in a statement that the bombing incidents are an insult to the people of Mindanao’s right to personal and collective wellbeing and security.

She said the culprits behind the explosions showed "utter disregard" to civilians as they targeted places that seemed to indicate a goal to inflict maximum casualties.

"It is very clear that these criminals have no place in the nation’s aspirations to take violence away from our politics, to build peace and attain justice and development," said Coronel-Ferrer.

The government chief negotiator said the two parties remain "steadfast" in pursuing the peace deal.

"Bombings and other inhumane acts  have not softened our resolve to continue to work for non-violence, peace and development in these areas that have suffered far too long from hostilities. The peace process remains on track," she said.

On July 27, a car bomb exploded in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people.

At least eight more people were killed while about 30 others were injured when another explosion rocked Cotabato City.

The latest explosion occurred after the United States issued a global alert against the Al Qaeda. But President Benigno Aquino III said he has not seen any indicators that the bombing incidents are linked to the terror group.

But he said there are groups who want to derail the ongoing peace process.

“Huwag nating kalimutan na meron talagang mga ilang sektor na ayaw magpatuloy ‘yung ating peace process. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayo parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para ma-prevent lahat ito,” he said.

The peace negotiations are set to resume after the end of Ramadan.