PIMENTEL URGES ARROYO GOVT TO USE ALL MEANS TO STOP AFP-MNLF CLASHES IN SULU

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today urged the Arroyo government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to persuade the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) group led by Ustadz Habier Malik to immediately stop the hostilities in Sulu.

Pimentel warned that the fighting may spread to more areas in Mindanao while other MNLF forces may be drawn into conflict if the government will not take the initiative to effect a ceasefire.

He said Malik's declaration of a "holy war" or jihad may lead to an escalation of armed clashes which will endanger the peace process in Mindanao.

Pimentel, who is now in Cagayan de Oro City, said he has received reports that fighting has spilled over to several Sulu towns.

"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should halt the fighting in the eight Sulu towns: Marang, Mt. Tumantangis, Indanang, Seit, Tay-ungan, Panamao, Bayug, Talipo," the senator from Mindanao said.

Pimentel said AFP posts in Jolo are under threat of attacks from the rebels. The peace efforts may be laid to waste," he said.

"An escalation of hostilities in Sulu should be avoided at all costs because of the terrible consequences it will bring. We should not allow more people to lose their lives and limbs. We should prevent the dislocation of the civilian population."

The fighting, according to Pimentel, would also disrupt if not cause the cancellation of the May 14 elections in Sulu.