US supports PNoy's approach to solving Mindanao conflict

The United States fully supports the stand of President Aquino to pursue an all out justice in parts of Mindanao in the wake of the clashes that are exacting toll on civilian, military and rebel populations, saying the government the and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must stick to the ceasefire agreement in pursuit of the peace process.

US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell relayed the message to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in a meeting on Wednesday.

“We fully support the government of the Philippines’ efforts to bring security and stability to the southern Philippines, including through the ongoing peace process," Campbell said in a statement Thursday.

Japan, United Kingdom, and the European Union also voiced their support to the peace process, which is supposed to end more than 40 years of Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

Skirmishes in Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay between government troops and the MILF started when Army soldiers went deep into a rebel stronghold in Basilan last week, prompting at least 19,000 people to seek refuge from the firefight.

Measured approach'

US Ambassador Harry Thomas said a “measured approach" on the part of government could help avoid a repeat of MILF attacks against civilian communities in Mindanao in 2008.

The attacks occurred after an expanded homeland agreement that would have given the MILF autonomy and control over vast territories in Mindanao was not signed and was later on declared as unconstitutional by the Surpreme Court, which argued that it would require a constitutional amendment.

“Recalling the sorrow and tragedy that affected hundreds of thousands of lives when violence erupted in 2008, the United States welcomes and expresses its full confidence in the careful, measured approach of the Government of the Philippines at this time of heightened tension," Thomas said.

The MILF leadership denounced one of its commanders, Ameril Umbra Kato, who responsible for the attacks.

Thomas said the US welcomes efforts to reinforce the ceasefire that has been in place since 2009. “We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can avoid violence and continue to work toward an agreement that will provide for a peaceful and prosperous future," he said. — KBK/VS, GMA News