SEPT.

10, 2013

NR # 3222C

SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR.S STATEMENT ON THE ZAMBOANGA CRISIS

10 SEPTEMBER 2013 We at the House of Representatives condemn the needless violence taking place in Zamboanga initiated by the Nur Misuari led Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which is definitely not at all the solution to achieve the peace sought by our brothers in Mindanao and by the Aquino government. While there are reports that six hostages have been released by the MNLF there have been at least 20 more taken hostage in Santa Catalina. At least six are dead, most of whom are civilians. Former Deputy Speaker and now Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco has already set a curfew in the city to protect the thousands of individuals and families affecting six districts. Earlier Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla, Misuaris spokesman denied the MNLF initiated the attacks and claimed this was a diversionary act of the Palace, which is utterly ridiculous as statistics of the thousands affected by the infiltration of the MNLF do not lie and the current crisis is serious. Currently, peace talks are taking place with the MILF, as the government is still very determined to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. Whatever needs to be discussed with the MNLF, on the other hand, can be brought to a negotiating table and congress can be the third-party venue for the Executive and the MNLF to come to terms for our nation. There is no need for an international body to mediate on the matter but sincerity and calm from all parties involved. Violence has never been a solution to what the MNLF admitted is a political problem. There is no need for casualties and displace thousands of our people and disrupt their lives in an ironic fight with peace as supposedly the end product. (30)