Palace says war not better option, but trust in MILF shaken

MALACANANG is bent on pursuing peace in Mindanao but hinted that the Palace’s trust in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has it limits.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government will continue to exhaust all avenues to peace because the human cost of going to war is too high.

Asked however if the government remains trustful of the MILF, Valte replied:         “It’s not ever-faithful and ever-trusting... we are aware how high emotions are running but at this point, peace is the better option. The human cost of going to war is too high to take.”

She said that for now the government has mechanisms available under the peace agreement noting that the military had already said it plans to file charges against those behind the killing.

“We repeat, we are seeking justice at the right place at the right time. Claims that we are not giving due recognition to the sacrifices of our soldiers... is the farthest thing from the truth,” Valte said.

Among those killed in the 10 hour gunbattle with MILF warriors  Tuesday  in Basilan  were Sergeant Andy Bonifacio Mabalot, Private Garry Colonia and Private First Class Ervin Dequito—whose remains were flown to Davao City from Zamboanga, while the body of First Lieutenant Frank Junder Caminos was taken to Cagayan de Oro City.

At least six MILF were killed in the clash.

The 15 soldiers flown to Manila Friday were First Lieutenant Colt G. Alsiyao, First Lieutenant Vladimer A. Maninang, Second Lieutenant Jose Delfin E. Khe, Sargeant Ronald G. Sta Rita, Corporal Roderick J. Cabucana, Private First Class (PFC) Jonis S. Rigor, Balayang, PFC Michael D. Miguel, PFC Jordan D. Olivar, PFC Emerson C. Tugas, PFC Dennis R. Bulan, PFC Renie Y. Arciaga, PFC Rommel L. Ondivilla, PFC Mark Ted A. Quiban, PFC Roverto M. Ricafranca, and PFC Jordan M. Magno.

The families of soldiers killed in action will receive P250,000 from the Presidential Management Staff, Special Financial Assistance from the Philippine Army, P50,000 from the Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (MBAI), and P50,000 for funeral services support.

Members of the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative’s (PAFCPIC) “We Care Program” will receive up to P100,000 if they have contributed for more than two years.

Dependents of the slain soldiers are also entitled to scholarship grants including tuition exemptions and allowances.

The slain soldiers may be posthumously awarded either the Distinguished Conduct Star, MMM Spearhead Device or Gold Cross Medal.

Valte also fended off speculations that President Aquino had become protective of the MILF, after he met with the group’s leaders in Japan last Aug 4.

“It’s a show of good faith. We sincerely believe the peace talks are something we should invest in,” she said of the Japan meeting.

She also said that while Malacañang understands the sentiment of many Filipinos, it must not base its decisions on emotions.

“We understand the sentiments of people outraged by what happened. We are one with you. But as President Aquino said, we must make decisions when we are calm,” the Palace official said.

“The President is aware of the call for all-out war and he has said no... and he has reiterated his reason for saying so... the price is too high, the human cost is too great,” she added.

Several sectors have called for the scrapping the peace process with the MILF after Tuesday’s clash in Basilan.

President Aquino personally condoled with the slain soldiers’ families who were at the Libingan ng mga Bayani mortuary.

There, Aquino reiterated that the peace process will continue, even as government troops pursue those who killed the soldiers.

Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Friday called on the Aquino administration to end the truce with the MILF and launch a total war on the secessionists.

Estrada’s sentiments were echoed by his son, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who even called for the resignation of Teresita Deles as presidential adviser on the peace process.

Last Thursday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also urged Aquino to stop the peace talks because, according to him, the MILF is not sincere in its pursuit of peace.

Former police chief and Senate defense committee chairman Sen. Panfilo Lacson also urged Aquino to follow the example of Estrada who waged a full war in 2000 that led to the fall of several MILF camps in Mindanao.