WE, THE CONVENORS OF THE MINDANAO PEACEWEAVERS (MPW), VIGOROUSLY RE-AFFIRM OUR SUPPORT FOR THE PEACE PROCESSES IN THE COUNTRY.
We assert that peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and between the GPH and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) should be relentlessly pursued. Moreover, the resulting peace agreements, as well as all previously signed peace agreements between the GPH and other armed parties must be fully and persistently implemented.
We challenge all the peace actors to be consistent in standing by the policy of inclusion and public participation; taking stock from the gains in “other peace processes” that government and other armed non-state actors have engaged and; bringing substantive concerns of Indigenous Peoples, Women and vulnerable communities in armed conflict to the peace table.
Peace talks and inclusive political processes must be our way to address the issues of poverty and inequality, human rights violations and injustice, social exclusion and discrimination which underlie the armed conflicts in the country. Echoing the cry of many women, children and communities repeatedly suffering the effects of violence, we appeal to the conflict parties to silence their guns and suspend armed hostilities.
As peace advocates, we resolve to protect human rights, putting an end to extra-judicial killings and unresolved human rights violations. We denounce all forms of electoral violence that have become part of our contentious electoral contests.
We will work to build the peace that comes from meeting the basic needs of our people such as jobs, land and livelihood; homes, health, and education, and the safety and security of our communities – especially as the world confronts the present economic crisis and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
The peace we pursue is far too important to become another casualty of partisan politics and hawkish policies. We pledge to put people at the heart of our politics; to put principles over patronage.
We believe that only a negotiated political settlement is the most feasible, practical and just path to peace.
We will together – despite our differing political persuasions –build a more peaceful and prosperous future that our children deserve.
Cast Our Conscience Vote : Vote for Peace and Change!
GPH-MILF and GPH-NDFP Peace Talks : Guard the process, Preserve the gains, Pursue relentlessly!
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