EDITORIALPursue one peace accord with all Muslim groupsBy The Manila Timeshome/Opinion/Editorial/Pursue one peace accord with all Muslim groupsThe Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) made good sense in its suggestion that the Philippine government synchronize its peace agreements with the two Muslim rebel groups in Mindanao under a single, coherent plan for enduring peace in the South. Mr. Aquino decided to abandon the agreement in 2013 and opted to pursue a separate peace agreement with the MILF, with Malaysia brokering the talks. Although the Aquino initiative wound up with its own peace agreement in Mindanao, it resulted in more questions than answers. We share the view of experts and seasoned negotiators that the Philippine government should forge one peace agreement with Muslim groups as one community for peace and stability to hold, and in order to conform with the strict guidelines of the Philippine Constitution. By linking the two peace accords, the two Muslim groups and the government can work toward establishing real and lasting peace in Mindanao.

Source: Manila Times February 11, 2019 16:58 UTC