Bishop calls for restraint in Basilan
Conflict rumors spark urgent appeal to keep faith in peace talks
- ucanews.com reporters, Manila
- Philippines
- November 1, 2011
Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela today called for calm amid heightened tensions between the military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Basilan province.
The prelate speaking on Church-run Radio Veritas appealed to the military and rebels commanders "to maintain peace and order in the province.”
“Please let wisdom prevail so we can know how to properly react to the situation we are in,” the bishop added.
His appeal comes after the MILF said on its website yesterday that it is bracing for attacks in Al Barka, the town where 19 soldiers were killed in a gun battle while on a mission to arrest “two renegade” rebels and a terror suspect on October 18.
One of the rebels is Dan Laksaw Asnawi a deputy commander, whom the MILF refuse to hand over to authorities.
“We will defend ourselves,” rebel spokesman, Abu Majid, said.
On Sunday, the military announced plans to deploy an army brigade in Basilan.
Bishop Jumoad said it would be best if both sides continued to place their trust in the peace negotiations instead of their weapons.
“Our government has already said it is committed to the peace talks… so we hope we can have sincere, honest and committed talks instead,” the prelate added.
President Benigno Aquino's office today tried to reassure the rebels that the cease-fire agreement was still in place and said they should “cooperate or stand aside” in the government’s pursuit of “lawless elements.”
The prelate speaking on Church-run Radio Veritas appealed to the military and rebels commanders "to maintain peace and order in the province.”
“Please let wisdom prevail so we can know how to properly react to the situation we are in,” the bishop added.
His appeal comes after the MILF said on its website yesterday that it is bracing for attacks in Al Barka, the town where 19 soldiers were killed in a gun battle while on a mission to arrest “two renegade” rebels and a terror suspect on October 18.
One of the rebels is Dan Laksaw Asnawi a deputy commander, whom the MILF refuse to hand over to authorities.
“We will defend ourselves,” rebel spokesman, Abu Majid, said.
On Sunday, the military announced plans to deploy an army brigade in Basilan.
Bishop Jumoad said it would be best if both sides continued to place their trust in the peace negotiations instead of their weapons.
“Our government has already said it is committed to the peace talks… so we hope we can have sincere, honest and committed talks instead,” the prelate added.
President Benigno Aquino's office today tried to reassure the rebels that the cease-fire agreement was still in place and said they should “cooperate or stand aside” in the government’s pursuit of “lawless elements.”
