links: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/leonen-lauds-gov%E2%80%99t-forces-upholding-ceasefire-urges-them-observe-due-diligence-addressing-
Leonen lauds gov’t forces for upholding ceasefire, urges them to observe due diligence in addressing conflicts
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, June 8 – Government of the
Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen on Wednesday lauded
the efforts of the military and the police in the south for observing
the ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Leonen addressed the government security forces during a conference
inside the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (ID) in this municipality.
“Every tactical action has its strategic repercussions,” Leonen said
while urging them to be always ready to enforce the law as well as
protect and assist communities in their areas of responsibility. He also
called on them to be always prepared to address conflicts on the ground
such as clan wars or “ridos,” kidnappings and other criminal
activities.
The panel chair added that necessary coordination with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in running after criminals within
MILF-controlled areas will be facilitated by the GPH-MILF Joint
Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the
recently reactivated Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) which are
bilateral efforts of the two parties to curb and deter criminal
activities and potential flashpoints in areas covered by the ceasefire
agreement.
Also present were 6th ID commander Major General Rey Ardo,
Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) for Western Mindanao
Police Chief Superintendent Manuel Barcenas, and field commanders of
the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Marines
inside the areas covered by the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement.
Along with Leonen were government senior military adviser Brigadier
General Leo Cresente Ferrer, newly appointed GPH senior police adviser
Senior Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, AHJAG chair Brigadier Gen. Roland
Amarille, and head of the GPH CCCH Secretariat Major Carlos Sol.
Engaging security forces
Leonen met with the security forces as part of the panel’s regular
consultations with various stakeholders following the 28th formal
exploratory talks between the GPH and the MILF panels in Kuala Lumpur
last month.
During the discussions, field military commanders raised their
concerns and suggested that more multi-sectoral consultations be
conducted in their areas, to which Leonen willingly obliged.
“We will be very willing to come subject of course to our schedules,”
he explained saying that other members of the GPH peace panel are also
engaged in consultations with different stakeholders in Mindanao.
“We want to make sure that a critical mass of our people will be behind us supporting the peace agreement,” he said.
Leonen reiterated that government wants to ensure that any peace pact
that it will sign with the MILF will be inclusive, collective and
democratic, adding that the final peace agreement cannot even be
initialed unless it is publicized to the people.
He also called on the government troops to educate themselves and
help inform the stakeholders on the developments in the peace process.
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