Dureza keynotes Mindanao week of peace in Sarangani

By TENG LAUBAN DATU
Cotabato City Bureau Chief

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Sarangani Province — One is a governor, the other a peace worker and the last, a revolutionary leader.

Though differing in beliefs and ideologies, they sat side by side, exchanging light banter and anecdotes, as the cheers of more than 300 residents reverberated across the jam-packed gymnasium here.

Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal were the main guests of honor of the Mindanao Week of Peace celebrations.

Coming from various parts of Mindanao, the three gentlemen came together to express their unequivocal commitment to long-lasting peace and genuine development in Mindanao.

In his keynote address, Dureza, who flew in from Davao City, underscored the need for convergence in order to push the peace process forward.

“What is the best way to engage (the various peace stakeholders)?” he asked. “We need to find convergence.”

He emphasized that the proposed law is anchored on the principle of convergence and inclusivity.

“It is important (for all) to support the BBL,” Dureza said, as he called on the people of Sarangani to help lobby for the law’s passage.

He likewise stressed the importance of “social healing,” specifically in dealing with victims of the Marawi crisis.

“Relationships have been broken. You have to repair these relationships,” Dureza said.

He explained that even though physical structures have been rebuilt but the social fabric of the community is not mended, residents will find it difficult to fully recover from the adverse effects of the conflict.

“Rebuilding relationships take (more) attention, (more) effort,” Dureza pointed out.

For his part, Iqbal said the MILF is “undoubtedly committed to (achieving) long-lasting peace in Mindanao.”

“The only visible way ahead is to pave the way for peace, not war,” the top MILF leader said.

Iqbal said the MILF leadership was very happy with the outcome of the recently concluded Bangsamoro Assembly held in Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao.

During the assembly, President Duterte reaffirmed his full support for the law that aims to finally “address the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro.”

Iqbal said the MILF is supportive of the Duterte Administration’s initiative to shift to a Federal form of government.

But he said that he wants the BBL to be approved by Congress first before the transition to Federalism happens.

For his part, Solon pointed out that “in war, there are no winners. All are losers.”