2008-07-04 14:16:47 -
Philippine Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the government is doing its best to resolve the last remaining contentious issue of ancestral domain in its talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Esperon says gov't doing its best to resolve ancestral domain issue with MILF
By Digna D. Banzon
DAVAO CITY www.balitapinoy.net
During a briefing for different stakeholders in Mindanao here Thursday, Esperon explained that ancestral domain has four strands: concept, territory, jurisdiction and governance.
Except for governance, he said the three others are getting favorable responses as the two parties, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF have exchanged proposals.
Esperon said the issue is on the word 'freedom'
whether the word freedom itself be retained which is the most contentious issue that has to be resolved.
He said this will be subjected for discussion by legal groups of the government panel and before it will be submitted to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for approval.
The new OPAPP secretary said the ancestral domain must still go through the formal peace talks.
Esperon also said the government has never changed its track by doing its best for a breakthrough on the ongoing peace process.
At the same time, Esperon said donor countries will continue their support for the development of Mindanao even after a peace agreement is signed.
Dr. Kenneth Bush, team leader for AusAid Mission for the peace, conflict and development analysis, asked Esperon the role of the international community.
In reply Esperon said 'as we welcome your contribution for peace we also welcome your investments in Mindanao,'
Those who attended the briefing were officials from the Australian Aid Mission, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Mindanao Business Council, Mindanao Peace Weavers, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consulates of Japan and Palau, government officials and the media.
