WITH THE President’s statement today, we take the first step forward – a very major step – towards realizing one of President Aquino’s promises in his inaugural speech.  Last June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grand Stand, President Aquino told the Filipino people, “My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao.  We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.”

Today, we advance the process of picking up the pieces of a tattered peace process and resuming the quest for a just peace for the peoples of Mindanao with the designation by the President of Atty. Marvic F. Leonen as the government’s chief negotiator in pursuing peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Atty. Leonen, who is currently serving as the Dean of the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, is a leading expert in Constitutional and International Law.  He brings to this critical task a varied and rich experience and expertise in advancing people’s rights, having worked on various concerns ranging from agrarian reform, access to justice, ancestral domain, health, environment, international economic law to the Mindanao question.  He recently took part in initiating and sustaining a collective endeavor within the academe, including Mindanao-based universities, to examine the prospects of the peace process under the new administration.  He has worked with civil society and engaged all branches of government, including local governments.  In the rigor and dedication of his efforts to bring a just resolution to issues faced especially by marginalized sectors and communities, he has earned the respect of the peoples in Mindanao.

As mentioned in the President’s statement, we are in the final stages of completing the reconstitution of the peace panel and will be announcing the members of the panel very soon.  The President has directed Atty. Leonen and his team to review all past agreements, records of the talks, and documents exchanged by the two Panels.  We are furthermore committed to study the results of the many consultations and dialogues which have been carried out by different groups in the past couple of years as input towards determining the best way forward with due recognition of the challenges and constraints facing the concerned parties.

As stated by the President in his speech at the Peace and Security Forum held on April 22, 2010, during the campaign period, we will endeavor to restore confidence in the peace process that is participatory and accountable.  Towards this end, the President has approved the establishment of an advisory body to the different peace panels which will be drawn from representatives of our legislature, members of the 1987 Constitutional Commission, retired Chief Justices of the Supreme Court, representatives of local governments, and former chairs of the government negotiating panel.  As well, we will be convening an assembly of civil society peace advocates from different parts of the country to determine the structures and mechanisms by which we can ensure sustained consultation and engagement involving the full range of concerned sectors, communities, and peace constituencies.

We seek to restart peace talks with the MILF fully cognizant of the parameters set by the President for securing the safety and well-being of our people.  In his April 22 speech, he laid down four key elements which the government must pursue: (1) Governance, (2) Delivery of Basic Services, (3) Economic Reconstruction and Sustainable Development, and (4) Security Sector Reform.  As we pursue a peace settlement on the negotiating table on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the root cause of the conflict, together with other government agencies and partnering with the private sector and civil society, our efforts shall also be untiring in building peace on the ground, to become a felt reality among communities too long caught in the midst of armed conflict.

The path to peace will not be easy.  In the face of difficult challenges, we ask for the understanding, participation, and support of all concerned citizens.  Peace in Mindanao is a national agenda which affects the entire nation.  The peace process requires the involvement of myriad hearts, hands, and minds.

With today’s press briefing, we wish to initiate the practice of regularly updating media, and through your media coverage, to inform and engage the public about the state of the peace process.  Thank you for being with us this morning and we look forward to many more conversations with you.