“Peace remains a major priority program of her administration,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said. Arroyo adds, “Whether it is a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) or our ongoing fight against the communist insurgents, I am confident we will be able to achieve peace.”
She said the best weapon against terrorism and insurgency “soft power” or investments in infrastructure and social services to improve the lives of the people and give them hope for the future.
The President said her government is pursuing peace negotiations with the MILF and “there is reason to be optimistic. As you know there are previous signed accords between the MILF and the government.”
The government also remains open and ready to resume formal negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF. (OPS)
