Arroyo-Obama meeting on Mindanao peace process seen

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to bring to US President Barack Obama's attention the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when they meet in Singapore next week. Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar on Sunday said the one-on-one meeting could happen at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore on Nov. 14 and 15. Olivar said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who will be dropping by the country on Nov. 12 and 13 before attending the summit, would be instrumental in making the meeting happen. “If there is a chance for them to have sidelines talks, we will take advantage of the situation because we continuously discuss with our American friends these issues starting with Secretary Clinton," he said. To be discussed in the summit are regional cooperation on security, trade, investments, climate change, disaster management and business development, according to Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez. Olivar said the government welcomes assistance from the US and other countries in terms of ensuring peace and security in Mindanao. He noted that the involvement and favorable opinion of the US are highly valued by the MILF. The Philippine military has recently accused the MILF of kidnapping Irish priest Michael Sinnott in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur - an accusation denied by the secessionist organization. The government and the MILF have had a ceasefire since July to prepare for the resumption of peace negotiations. The government is confident that the abduction of the 79-year-old Sinnott would not derail the improving peace process with the rebel group.- GMANews.TV