Statement of the BANGSAMORO CAUCUS on the Collapse of the Recent GRP-MILF Peace Talks

We are deeply appalled by the sudden collapse of the
GRP-MILF Peace Talk. At a time when the Bangsamoro has
almost seen light at the end of the tunnel, it is
highly unacceptable to bring the negotiation table to
the field of war.

We denounce as unacceptable the statement of AFP Vice
Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero in imposing a condition
that peace talk will not continue without MILF’s
disarmament. This irresponsible pronouncement shows
military desires for war and has no interest in the
Peace Talk. But this is not surprising as there are 95
clashes between AFP and MILF in 2007 alone despite the
ceasefire agreement.

The Bangsamoro since time immemorial have been
deceived by agreements. The Tripoli Agreement as well
as the 1997 GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement are just the
deceptive peace agreements that have never been
fulfilled. Good faith in the peace process will
guarantee peace but with the historical experience of
the Bangsamoro, we cannot help but cast our doubt
although we remain hopeful for we seek lasting and
sustainable peace.

But this December 2007, our doubt was sustained when
the GRP presented to the MILF a Memorandum of
Agreement beyond the consensus points that led to the
breakdown of the Peace Talk. This is truly
unacceptable. The sincerity and confidence of the GRP
in the attainment of lasting and sustainable peace in
Mindanao is now more questionable than it has ever
been before.

Specifically, the rhetoric in amending the
Constitution to accommodate MILF demands are empty
words without any concrete policy and action,
seemingly being advanced to further personal political
ambition while using the Bangsamoro as excuse.

The issue of ancestral domain should NOT be the
subject of constitutional process. The Bangsamoro were
forcedly excluded from their land by the very same
constitutional process that legitimized plunder and
land grabbing of our ancestral domain. We cannot
expect justice under the constitutional process.

We do not intend to beg for our right in our Ancestral
Domain because we own them even before any
constitution has been promulgated in the Philippines-
-our ancestral domain rightfully belong to us.

The indications of excuses for breaking the peace
process is evident. There is every reason to push for
peace which is indeed the sole solution but it is
disturbing that the GRP is apparently leaning towards
the road to war.

What the Bangsamoro is asking for is equal economic
opportunities, empowerment and genuine governance
reflective of the interest of the Moro masses. We push
and demand for peace with justice. We want our sons
and daughters to enjoy the blessings of peace and
prosperity. We hope for a place where we do not simply
co-exist but more importantly live as truly human
persons.

Peace Now !
Sincerity Not Rhetoric!
Ancestral Domain Not Empty Words!
Peace Agreement Not War!