KIKO SCORES GOV'T FOR MISPRIORITIES IN MINDANAO;
CALLS FOR RETURN TO NEGOTIATING TABLE

Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today scored government for spending more funds for the hunt of two of the missing Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders, than for the relocation and assistance of residents of conflict areas in Mindanao who were forced to flee from their homes.

"The figures of the conflict in Mindanao are appalling and just show s how gravely the problem is being mishandled. We're spending P500 million for the hunt of two men, while we are giving only P78 million for 600,000 civilians--or a mere P130 per person--who have been displaced by the war. Does the government see an end to this conflict with this kind of priorities?" Kiko lamented.

Kiko has been calling for the MILF and government to return to the negotiating table to craft a new peace pact following the cancellation of the controversial GRP-MILF Peace Pact by the Supreme Court.

"We have long called on government to declare a ceasefire and go back to the negotiation table. Had it done so, the possibility of MILF surrendering these wanted commanders could have saved the AFP from spending a whopping amount for their search. This could've gone to basic services that will help Mindanao residents get back on their feet. The priorities of this government in this war are atrociously blinded. And talo naman talaga sa labanang ito ay ang mga sibiliyan," Kiko added.

"The only way to give our people in Mindanao a chance at peace is for both sides to show tremendous amount of sincerity. The government needs to think long-term, and make the presence of government felt in Mindanao, not just through the presence of its armed forces, but through economic activity and social reform," Kiko ended.