Local civil society consortium reaffirms support for peaceful solution to Sabah issue

The Consortium on Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) expressed full support to the stand of President Benigno S. Aquino III for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the standoff in Datu Lahad, Sabah.

CBCS executive director Bobby Benito said, he is one among the many sectors who believe that the Sabah crisis should be resolved in a democratic process through peaceful round table negotiations and discussions to reach an acceptable and just agreement.

Benito noted the meddling of many groups and individuals in the issue which he said compromises the lives and livelihood of thousands of Filipinos who have been staying in Sabah for quite sometime.

"So many parties have meddled with the Sabah crisis for personal interests unmindful of the negative implications this may cause to our countrymen living in the area. We are glad of the repeated assurances from both the GPH and MILF peace panel of their strong commitment to the peace process," Benito said.

Doing their share in peace building, CBCS is initiating a rally today, March 18 with participating civil society groups, students, academe, students and other stakeholders at the Tantawan Park, Cotabato City, in the observance of Bangsamoro Freedom Day commemorating the Jabida massacre, Benito said.

The activity, he said, is part of the information and education campaign to enlighten the people on the Sabah crisis and come up with statement re-affirming support to President Aquino's resolve for a democratic and peaceful resolution to address the problem.

Benito also appeals to the media, particularly those Manila-based to exercise "responsible and peace journalism" to avoid undue confusion and divisiveness among the people of Mindanao.

"I appeal to the media especially the national media to exercise responsible and peace journalism particularly on the Sabah crisis which is a sensitive issue," he said.

ARMM regional governor Mujiv Hataman has declared today, March 18 – Bangsamoro Freedom Day as a special non-working Muslim holiday in the autonomous region. (PNA)