|
News Release
21 July 2008
GMA visit in the ARMM and Cotabato City won't reverse Moro people's
misery
Cotabato City - Moro organizations in Cotabato City will hold a picket
rally in front of the office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
today to protest President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit in the Moro
areas.
According to Amirah Ali Lidasan, national president of Suara Bangsamoro,
GMA's visit in the flood-stricken areas of Cotabato City and Shariff
Kabungsuan raises more doubts for the Moro people because it was timed
when the SWS survey showing her negative 38 pints was released.
"It is disheartening to learn that the Moro people are once again being
used to lift President Arroyo's sagging personality ratings, when we all
know that her one-day visit here will not erase the fact that under her
administration the Moro people have felt the most miserable living
conditions because of the high cost of prices," said Lidasan.
Lidasan added that the residents would feel more secure if the President
could stop the incessant oil price hikes and rising prices of basic
commodities that has added to their already difficult life because of the
flood, rather than giving their community a one-day medical and relief
mission.
"The communities do not need a one-shot deal of relief, rather a life-time
security if the government will do something to uplift their living
conditions by giving them food security, employment and salary especially
for the employees and teachers of the ARMM," said Lidasan.
Lidasan also added that security for the Moro people also meant that the
peace negotiations will not be railroaded and the Moro people's right to
self-determination will not be compromised just so Arroyo can present a
peace package.
"Given the weaknesses of the ARMM in providing good living conditions for
the Moro people and limitations on their right to govern and decide as
shown in the issue of issuing laws such as creating provinces, it is
therefore not right to confine the peace negotiation to a constitutionally
agreed autonomy. The ARMM should not be used as a substitute for the Moro
people's aspiration for the right to self-determination because it is
limiting and not reflective of the rights of the Moro people," said
Lidasan.
Suara Bangsamoro is joined by Kawagib Moro Human Rights Organization and
the youth group Liga ng Kabataang Moro in protesting GMA's visit in
Shariff Kabungsuan and Cotabato City.
|
 |
