Govt allays fears of post-Ramadan violence in Mindanao

Malacañang on Saturday sought to allay fears by some Catholic bishops of possible violence after the end of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III already made it clear the government will push peace efforts with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after Ramadan. “Huwag naman sana…. Tulad ng sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino, pagkatapos ng Ramadan mag-uumpisa na peace process (There should be no more post-Ramadan violence because like President Aquino said, we will resume the peace process after Ramadan)," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. The Muslim community on Friday marked the end of Ramadan by taking part in the joyous Eid’l Fitr rites that cap the month-long prayerful fasting and sacrifices. However, Jolo (Sulu) Bishop Angelito Lampon said the people in his diocese are bracing for possible escalation of hostilities, citing experiences in past years. “Usually, something happens after Ramadan. That is our experience... that’s why we take extra-precautionary measures," Lampon said on Church-run Radyo Veritas last Thursday. Lampon appealed to those planning to sow fear and violence to just forgo their plans. He said the fear of violence is the reason why the people in Jolo welcomed the decision of the police and military leadership to go on heightened alert as early as last Monday. However, Lacierda maintained the government is ready to conduct the peace process in hopes of resolving the Mindanao conflict. “while our brother Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr, we are preparing our peace panel. Government is [ready] to conduct peace process and resolve the situation in Mindanao," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV