27 Sep PBGEA: “Without peace, Mindanao will not attain its full potential”
On September 26, Monday, a business group said that to attain Mindanao’s full economic potential, the peace process between the government and the National Democratic Front – Philippines (NDFP) should be a success.
Stephen Antig, Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director stated, “Without peace, Mindanao will not attain its full potential.”
The resumption of the peace negotiations between the GRP and NDF was a desirable development, Antig told Kapehan sa Dabaw, Davao press club.
Antig stated, “Peace is very important for further development. We welcome all peace effort. We are happy that the peace talks are moving and will be complete once and for all.”
Many banana businesses are affected by the insurgency happening on the island, he added.
Referring to PBGEA member in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, Antig said that about P20 million was lost in three to five years due to this rebellious actions committed by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The government’s effort in reaching out to the NDF to implement a peace agreement that will discuss the cause of the armed conflict was recognized and acknowledged by Ferdinand Marañon, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. 11 president.
Marañon stated, “We hope that all of this unnecessary taxation of our banana farmers and members will be stopped and the NPA can control their members not to extort money from our farmers.”
Private companies lost P246.12 million due to NPA attacks, according to the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command.
On October 6 to 10, the GRP and NDF peace panels to hold the second round of their peace negotiations.
The Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms and the Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms and End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces will be discussed in this second round of negotiations.
The peace panels confirmed the previously-signed agreements during the formal resumption of peace talks last month. The agreement includes allowing of accelerating the process of negotiations, covering the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks, socio-economic reforms, political and economic reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces; and reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees list.
News Source: Mindanews
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