Erap, groups call for ceasefire in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada yesterday urged the public to pray for a ceasefire in Zamboanga City to help President Aquino solve the skirmishes perpetrated by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction of Nur Misuari.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said they are united with peace advocates nationwide in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Zamboanga City.

“We should pray to stop the fighting that not only affects Zamboanga but the whole country,” Estrada said.

He said ending the nearly two-week hostilities between government forces and the MNLF would protect the country’s image from the foreign press who have described the Philippines as “dangerous.”

“This should be resolved soonest. Let’s hope and pray,” Estrada said.

Estrada, during his term as President, declared an all-out war against another separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He, however, declined to give any opinion on how the Aquino administration is addressing the conflict.

Estrada just called on the people to help and support Aquino, saying that no leader wants to have such problem.

Estrada also defended his ally, Vice President Jejomar Binay, for trying to broker a ceasefire with Misuari.

Binay was lambasted by various sectors for allegedly using the Zamboanga turmoil to boost his candidacy for the 2016 presidential elections.

“The Vice President is just helping and not meddling. He’s concerned,” Estrada said, adding that he is also ready to help should the administration ask for it.

Bayan said the ceasefire should pave the way for securing civilians in the area.

“An all-out military offensive by government is not a solution to the crisis as this will continuously endanger the civilian population. Already, civilians in areas where the armed conflict raged are considered members of the MNLF unless proven otherwise. This lays the groundwork for possible violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” said Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes.

International bodies such as the International Committee on the Red Cross should be allowed to assist and ascertain the conditions of civilians caught in the armed conflict, he said.

He said Bayan also deplored the MNLF for using civilians as human shields.

“Liberation movements, if truly sincere in advancing their cause, must adhere to International Humanitarian Law and not endanger civilians,” he said.

Bayan also criticized the Aquino government for closing the door to a peaceful settlement of the conflict, relying on military operations as its only option in Zamboanga.

“In a time of crisis, all options for a peaceful settlement, and even a temporary cessation of hostilities, should be explored by the government as this will lessen the dangers faced by civilians. It is therefore unacceptable that partisan politics within the Aquino administration would stand in the way of a peaceful resolution to the crisis.”

The group said the Aquino government should make its policy clear on the MNLF and current peace efforts with the MILF.

“The continuing failure of the Philippine government to address the roots of the armed conflict will give rise to continuing resistance by other groups and forces in the future. Only through engaging in genuine socio-economic and political reforms, and by upholding the Moro people’s right to self-determination, can a just and lasting peace be secured,” Reyes said.

– With Rhodina Villanueva