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Thursday, October 11, 2007
Peace zones harbor rebels, criminals: military
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Peace zones have been exploited to harbor rebels and lawless elements, said Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Rodolfo Obaniana in defending his stand against the arbitrary setting up of peace zones, especially in Mindanao.
Obaniana was reacting to a report published in the official Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) website luwaran.com.
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In a report in luwaran.com, the MILF accused Obaniana of not believing in the peace zones.
In a text message, Obaniana however clarified he is not against peace zones, but added the fact remains that peace zones are being exploited by rebels and lawless elements.
"Unilaterally declared peace zones are made as sanctuaries by the (communist) NPAs and lawless elements. Plain and simple, they disrupt the internal security operations of the AFP. There are other ways to achieve peace and development, but these should favor the legitimate government and its forces, not the hoodlums and terrorists," Obaniana said.
MILF committee on information deputy chair Khaled Musa meanwhile said: "It is unfortunate that the military would not consider declared peace zones as steps forward in the protection of non-combatants, who are usually the hard hit in case fighting occurs."
He said that while the MILF also has its misgivings on the creation of peace zones in various battlefield areas, they are however giving their support to an endeavor that aims to protect civilians from war.
Musa said the MILF also expresses serious reservations on the declaration of peace zones since only rebels are prevented from bringing their arms but government soldiers are not.
He said this is the reason why the MILF also send representatives -- in addition to messages -- to such initiatives especially in Pikit and Carmen in North Cotabato.
The MILF official, however, said peace zones are not the ultimate solution to the Mindanao conflict as real peace can only come when the Mindanao problem will be finally addressed by the parties to the ongoing Philippine government-MILF peace process. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (October 11, 2007 issue)
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