ARMM execs prodded to back MILF peace talks

COTABATO CITY — Former President Fidel Ramos prodded officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, most of them identified with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), to help sustain President Arroyo’s peace initiatives with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Ramos had a brief dialogue with regional officials here after launching local humanitarian projects of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation the other day.

He said the success of the government peace talks with the MILF will catalyze much-needed improvements in the region’s fledgling economy.

"If a peace agreement is reached by the national government and the MILF, there will be security and it will not be difficult for us to convince domestic and foreign investors to pour in much-needed capitalization for projects that will provide the region income and generate employment," Ramos said.

The MNLF forged a peace pact on Sept. 2, 1996 with the government through the efforts of then President Ramos. — John Unson