Binay on talks: I was authorized

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay insisted yesterday that he was authorized by President Aquino and Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari to negotiate between the government and MNLF for the peaceful settlement of the standoff in Zamboanga City.

In an interview aired over GMA-7, Binay said he informed Aquino that Misuari’s line had been opened for the Vice President to negotiate a peaceful settlement.

“I told President Noynoy (Aquino) on Wednesday that I was able to talk with chairman Nur and he expressed willingness to talk about a peaceful settlement in the conflict in Zamboanga City,” Binay said.

The Vice President clarified his participation was merely to advise the President on options to end the conflict and secure the release of civilian hostages, and he was sad that the ceasefire agreement he brokered Friday evening did not hold.

Binay said he called up Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last Thursday to inform him of his discussions with Aquino. But he said he did not yet involve himself after Gazmin told him that there were ongoing talks between Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Misuari.

Binay explained he decided to talk to Misuari after reports that the negotiations bogged down.

“I told chairman Nur if it is okay for him to talk about peaceful settlement. He said okay by all means. I told him that I would call on Secretary Gazmin which I did. Secretary Gazmin also told me that he is okay with the desire to have a peaceful settlement,” Binay said.

“Both the MNLF and the Philippine government wanted peace, but there were terms set that were not acceptable,” he added.

He also said that some of his critics are apparently not supporting a peaceful settlement between the government and MNLF, and are insecure of their political dreams.

“It seems that those who are attacking me are not after with a peaceful solution. The President himself was the one laying down the options and even Secretary Gazmin. They always say to look for a peaceful solution. When I was the one who proposed for a peaceful solution, they are now claiming that I am politicking. What more do they want?” Binay said.

“There are people whose agenda is not for a peaceful solution, but for the enhancement of their political dreams,” he added.

He observed that the government’s approach to end the conflict in Zamboanga City appeared to be not yet on the right track.