Peace talks to tackle Palaro anew

Puerto PRINCESA, Palawan — A government official said yesterday the staging of the Palarong Pambansa this year would depend on the ongoing peace talks between government and a rebel Muslim group.

Jesus Dureza, Presidential adviser for Mindanao Affairs, said the government peace panel is set to hold peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) soon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"The decision has comparatively improved and the government is putting back the peace process with the MILF and the ceasefire is also in place," said Dureza in yesterday’s start of the BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines) East Asia Growth Area Friendship Games in Puerto Princesa here.

Dureza said the multi-sports meet for elementary and high school students, will still be staged in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, possibly this October.

"The decision is, we’re holding the Palaro in Tubod," said Dureza, chairman of the Mindanao Economic Developmental Council (Medco).

He said the government will provide all the necessary contingency measures to ensure the staging of the event, postponed thrice due to the unstable peace and order situation in the region, is peaceful and orderly.

Dureza explained that postponing the Palaro anew is not an option since it would mean yielding to the rebel’s intention of disrupting the games.

"No amount of threatening from people should stop us (from holding the Palaro in Tubod) for by doing so, they will have moral victory. We should get on but then again, it’s easier said than done," he said.

The October date for the Palaro, however, runs in conflict with the third Mindanao Friendship Games, set Oct. 19-24 in Mati, Davao Oriental.