An Appeal to Normalize the Situation in Midsayap

Midsayap March 12, 2007

The escalation of the conflict in Midsayap last March 6 to 7, despite the intervention of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH), reveals a clear gap between the positive direction of the peace process at the national level policy and the negative influence of the military mindset on the ground. This gap mainly stems from the obvious lack of coordination displayed by the ground troops as well as their open disregard for the ceasefire agreement undermining the presence of the IMT.

During the dialogue at Southern Christian College in Midsayap today between the Commanding General of the 6th ID and the JCCCH and IMT, with the participation of the civil society, representatives of the affected communities voiced their frustration on the deplorable humanitarian situation they are experiencing. In the presence of Major General Nehemias Pajarito, commander of the 6th ID, they expressed their desire for the normalization of the situation through the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the affected barangays. Consequently, Major General Pajarito responded that this can be possible although only gradually and as long as someone will be made responsible for the security in the areas.
We, the undersigned participants of the above-mentioned dialogue, would like to put into writing the following recommendations:

The immediate repositioning of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) back to their original positions prior to January 25 or at mutually agreed positions that will be determined by the JCCCH.

The setting up of more Joint Monitoring Assistance Teams (JMATs) to closely monitor the situation in the area and ensure coordination between the AFP and the BIAF
Urging the GRP to define the role of the AFP in the peace process down to the last detail: from the conduct of troops relative to the ceasefire, coordination of troop movements in proximity to BIAF-MILF areas, the use of artillery and aerial bombing, etc. Specifically, we recommend that the November 12, 2003 memorandum on the AFP Guidelines on the Primacy of the Peace Process be reiterated and reinforced by the addition of clear cut guidelines and accountability.

Reorientation of the officers and men of the 6th ID PA and the BIAF-MILF on the direction, the guidelines and the interim agreements of the GRP-MILF peace talks, more specifically on the ceasefire agreement, its mechanisms and the role of the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group and the IMT
Immediate action on the above recommendations so that classes in the West district of Midsayap comprising a total of 18 schools giving instruction and badly needed basic education to more than 4000 pupils can be resumed.

We strongly demand quick action to be taken on the earlier promises in terms of relief assistance, including rehabilitation and the operationalization of the inter-agency task force created by Secretary Jesus G. Dureza last March 1, 2007. We hope that the task force will finally put to rest the lingering land conflict in Rangaban, which is the root cause of this crisis. We call on the Local Government Units (LGUs) to take a lead role in coordinating all efforts to resolve this crisis peacefully.

We find this situation alarming and shocking to most of us who had always considered Midsayap, our home, a peaceful and secure place for our children.

While there had been killings and ambushes in the past, Midsayap has never experienced this open and sustained military presence and confrontation that forced our people to flee from their homes in a massive manner. Let us all unite to reclaim the peace that we rightly deserve. Ceasefire now!

Signed:
ALVARO O. SENTURIAS, JR.
Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM)

FR. BERT LAYSON, OMI
Mindanao Peoples Caucus

DR. PORTIA MAPANAO
UCCP and Balay MinSug

YUL OLAYA
Save the Children

FR. ROMEO SANIEL, OMI
Notre Dame of Midsayap College

DR. ELMA NEYRA
MPW Inter-NGO Task Force for Relief and Rehabilitation

ROGER EGAS
Timuay Justice and Governance/MPPM

SUNNIE Z. JUMUAD
TRIPOD Foundation, Inc.

DR. ERLINDA N. SENTURIAS
Southern Christian College (SCC)

HABBAS CAMENDAN
Islamic Call Society

JUNALYN SUMLAY
MNLF Youth Leader

ELWYN NERI
PeaceBuilders Community

RAQUEL M. LAURENTE
Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)

ALIX VALENTI
Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)

ATTY. MARY ANN M. ARNADO
Mindanao PeaceWeavers

REXALL KAALIM
Bantay Ceasefire