ARMM bizmen cite commitment to peace in SONA speech

Manila (30 July) — Business leaders from the Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao (ARMM) cited her commitment in pursuing peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which she enunciated during her State of the Nation Address last July 27.

“There is nothing more that I would wish for than peace in Mindanao. It will be a blessing for all its people, Muslim, Christian and lumads,” the President cited in her SONA.

“We’re very tired of this conflict, masaya kami sa sinabi niya (we’re happy of what she said).” Said Datu Haron Bandila, chairman of the ARMM Business Council.

In her speech the President reiterated that achieving peace in Mindanao “will show other religiously divided communities that there can be common ground on which to live together in peace, harmony and cooperation that respects each other’s religious belief.”

The ARMM businessmen according to Bandila are elated with the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the MILF, which was declared days before the SONA. A reciprocal declaration of a suspension of military activities (SOMA) was also made by the MILF last July 26.

The cessation of armed operations between both sides was meant to allow the stalled peace talks to continue.

Bandil said that peace will usher in more development in the area. He said they are already tired of the never-ending conflict which dates way back to Spanish times; the only thing which made them stay was their firm belief in maintaining a business-as-usual attitude amidst the hostilities. (PIA XI)