Next government urged to hold more peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing presidential adviser on the peace process Annabelle Abaya urged yesterday the next administration to hold more dialogues with rebel groups, especially those in Mindanao.

Speaking during a peace forum in Hacienda Palmera in Zamboanga City, Abaya said dialogues are crucial to craft a common vision for the future.

“Dialogues will clear up understanding on ticklish issues,” she said.

“By June 30, I will be joining you as a partner brandishing the banner of peace.”

Abaya said the next administration should also conduct a sustained information campaign for the people to understand the issues involved.

“I hope the next administration will create a lot of spaces wherein people can talk about the issues,” she said.

“In the process of doing these, people can understand, from opinions and eventually build consensus.”

Abaya said during the recent Dialogue Mindanaw, participants were asked to give their views and opinions on various issues related to peace.

“No consensus was made because people had so many questions,” she said.

“Owing to this, they did not form opinions so there was no consensus. This reflects the lack of information dissemination.”

Abaya asked the government’s peace partners to use funds wisely for projects for peace.

“OPAPP will fund its partners, not compete with them,” she said.

“This is an acknowledgment that our partners know more what’s needed on the ground.” The OPAPP has funded 124 projects of the 250 proposals submitted through the “Projects for Peace,” Abaya said.