Conflict could lead to rice shortage - solon

A leader of the House of Representatives fears a shortage in the country's supply of rice and corn if the war in Mindanao drags on because the island is a major producer of the two basic commodities and other agricultural products.

Deputy Minority Leader Sergio Apostol (Lakas, Leyte) said that at least 22 percent of the country's rice supply "come from the areas of conflict."

Meanwhile, Sen. Gregorio Honasan urged the government yesterday to set up livelihood and infrastructure rehabilitation programs in war-torn areas in Mindanao.

"Rather than falling again to the trap of the vicious cycle of war and ceasefire, the government should proactively set in place adequate livelihood programs that could help Mindanao embrace their own development and progress," he said.

On the other hand, Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri (Lakas, Bukidnon) urged Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado to clarify reports that the Armed Forces plans to bring in American military advisers for the war in Mindanao.

"The presence of foreign advisers of whatever nationality will complicate the mess in Mindanao," he said. "If war is inevitable, then let it be an all-Filipino affair. There is no need to import parachute military advisers."

Apostol suggested that the government shift rice and corn production to other parts of the country like Samar and Leyte and to be ready to import rice, corn, and other food supplies.

"How will we be able to fill in the gap with the current planting season halted by the fighting," he said.

Apostol said the rising cost of the war in terms of human lives and food production highlights the need to resume peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Even if the fighting stops tomorrow, damage -- physical and psychological -- has already been done and it will take a while to get back on track," he said.

Honasan said various development programs in Mindanao, which has been suspended by the war, should be given impetus by the concerned government agencies.

Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on peace, unification, and reconciliation, said at least P20 million worth of farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities had been destroyed in fighting between government troops and rebel forces in the past several weeks.

Government statistics showed that some P202 million worth of infrastructure projects have either been severely damaged or destroyed in the fighting, he added.

Zubiri said the government should reject assistance from abroad except humanitarian aassitance and military equipment within the framework of the Armed Forces modernization program.

"Humanitarian aid to help non-combatants should be welcomed," he said. "(Also) with or without the conflict, and ages before the conflict, our soldiers already need new equipment and weaponry."

In Lamitan in Basilan, police and Army troops have been placed on alert following an MILF attempt to kill the town mayor.

Mayor Inocente Ramos would have been killed last Wednesday, but the united action of the townspeople was able to prevent the assassins from ambushing Ramos.

Ramos and some companions were in Barangay Balobo to extend assistance to refugees when residents informed him that heavily-armed MILF fighters were waiting for him at the town proper.

After receiving the information, Ramos and a few policemen proceeded to a nearby Army detachment and asked for reinforcement from the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Col. Pedro Ramon Sinajon, commander of the 5th Infantry Battalion, immediately sent two armored personnel carriers to Barangay Balobo to force the guerrillas to abort their plan.

Ramos said a civilian volunteer was killed after police and militiamen repulsed about 500 MILF fighters during a brief gunbattle last Tuesday.

Business activities in Lamitan also stopped following the MILF attempt to occupy the town after attacking the town proper from four directions, he added.

A total of 107 government troops have been killed in clashes with MILF guerrillas, the Armed Forces said yesterday. -- With Perseus Echeminada, Roel Pareño, Mike Frialde, John Unson, Allen Estabillo