Peace advocates on Basilan mission

COTABATO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front yesterday said a group of 12 peace advocates from different countries will tour Basilan on a “peace mission” to study the situation of women and children affected by the July 10 hostilities between the Marines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas in a secluded town in the island province.

Muhammad Ameen, chief of the MILF’s secretariat, said the mission, organized by the Southeast Asia Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (SAGPPAC) and the Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition, is also aimed to help prevent the escalation of hostilities in the province.

Ameen said, to barnstorm Basilan from Aug. 10 to 12, is comprised of a 12-member, all-women peace advocates from East Timor, Thailand, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Philippines.  

“While in Basilan, the group will hold a dialogue with their counterparts in the local government units [in Basilan] and interview some military top officials there,” Ameen said.