Noy to continue to work for peace

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has vowed to continue working for peace in Mindanao as an ordinary citizen.

“In 21 days, I will be stepping down from office… to all…who wish to fulfill the promise of Mindanao, I will remain your friend and ally. Tell me how I can help this process, even as an ordinary citizen, and I will come to your aid,” Aquino said during the launch of his book titled “Junctures: Selected Speeches and Statements” on Thursday.

The President said much remains to be done even as he reminded the people of the progress made by his administration.

Aside from working for peace, Aquino said his administration also strived to provide critical support to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He cited the Basilan circumferential road, which began construction in 2000, as well as the improvement of eight ports and two airports to promote regional connectivity.

Aquino said investments in the region increased from P87.9 million in 2010 to P6.58 billion last year. “From 2010 to 2015, total investments amounted to P14.3 billion,” he said.

“Not too many years ago, negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) had reached an impasse. While both sides recognized the importance of peace, the conflict had gone on for four decades, and there was an understandable lack of faith between the two sides,” he added.