‘Ferrer logical choice as peace panel head’

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) welcomed the appointment of University of the Philippines professor Mirriam Coronel-Ferrer as the new chairman of the government panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying she was the “logical choice.”

President Aquino has appointed Ferrer as replacement for newly appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. 

Alfredo Ferrariz Lubang, PCBL national coordinator, said Ferrer was a mainstay in the government peace panel since 2010. 

“It ensures the continuity and momentum on the government side.  It is also another significant boost for the distinct salutary role of able and fine women in the peace negotiations,” Lubang said.

Lubang recalled that Ferrer as PCBL coordinator and co-chair of a working group of a global movement against landmines, assisted an international mission in engaging the MILF leadership to commit to a total ban on anti-personnel landmines and cooperation in the campaign against the use of landmines.

“Her civil society peace advocacy work, as well as her academic research, writing and teaching on the peace process, both on the Muslim and communist fronts over many years makes her perhaps the most eminently qualified ever peace panel chair,” Lubang said.