Peace process must remain within constitutional limits- Kiko Pangilinan

October 29, 2011

Press Release
October 29, 2011

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, an administration ally who earlier had called for a suspension of the peace talks to review the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), welcomes the decision of both parties to finally review the 2001 ceasefire agreement.

Pangilinan points out that “gaps in the agreement must be addressed. While we are for peace, we must build a peace process that recognizes its limits under the Constitution.”

Pangilinan also reiterates his earlier position against broad military efforts that could only endanger more lives.

He says, “While we welcome the efforts of the Armed Forces to capture and bring to justice those responsible for the murderous rampage that led to the deaths of our men in uniform, we must reiterate our position that bombings and the capture of rebel camps do not necessarily lead to victory in the field.”

“The US dropped more bombs during the Vietnam War than then did during World War II, yet they lost to the Vietnamese,” he points out.

“We must win the peace. Military operations, war, and destruction will not achieve this.”