Bishops to ethnic groups: Let peace deal work

MANILA, Philippines - A Mindanao-based bishop on Monday appealed to other rebel groups in the region to give the peace deal between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government a chance to work.

Basilan bishop Martin Jumoad said the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement aims to give lasting peace as well as economic development to Mindanao.

The bishop made the appeal following the recent skirmishes between rebel groups and government troops in Cotabato and Maguindanao, and bombing of a church in Zamboanga.

"We appeal to those who plan for arm struggle to stop it and allow peace agreement to prosper...if they continue to wage war against the government and take up arms against the government then there will be no peace in Mindanao.

"There is no other way except to allow peace to come and it is possible through this agreement," the prelate told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

For his part, Iligan bishop Elenito Galido called on the various ethnic groups in the region to support the peace accord.

He said Church officials have been aggressive in holding dialogues among the Christians, Muslims, Lumads and other groups in Mindanao, explaining to them the peace accord. 

Based on latest figures, a total 53 people were killed during the encounters between the soldiers and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the region, displacing more than 100,000 residents.

Besides the BIFF, those who are opposing the Bangsamoro agreement include  a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Sultanate of Sulu.  The Bangsamoro would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.