MANILA, Philippines - Former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief and Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon reiterated that an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would not be the solution in attaining peace in Mindanao.
"Magkakaroon ng maraming malawakang collateral damage - civilian life, mga Kristiyano, mga Lumad, mga peace-loving Muslims," Biazon said in anterview with radio dzMM.
Following the death of 44 police commandos during a bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last week, Biazon noted that declaring a war would only complicate the situation in the region.
The lawmaker instead pushed for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
"Ito ang pinakahuling mekanismo na pwedeng magbigay sa atin ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao," Biazon said about the BBL.
The former AFP chief added that government should focus on giving justice for the slain commandos and granting benefits for their families.
Distributing the bounty for the said slain terrorist Marwan to the families of the slain police commandos is being considered, according to Biazon.
"Siguro huhupa ang emotional reaction kung may hustisya at 'yung hustisya na 'yan e makakamtan lamang sa pamamagitan ng koordinasyon ng Philippine government at MILF," said Biazon, adding that this would bw a proof of the MILF's sincerity for the peace process.
The government and MILF peace panels urged the nation to give peace a chance as the alternative would be "simply unthinkable."
President Benigno Aquino III is yet to convince Congress to approve the BBL.
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