INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:15:00 12/07/2009
MANILA, Philippines—Even as the political and security situation in Maguindanao remains volatile, the International Contact Group (ICG) involved in the peace negotiations between the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front met Friday, it was learned Monday.
Representatives from the governments of the United Kingdom, Japan, and Turkey, as well as those from the four non-government organizations (Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, The Asia Foundation, Conciliation Resources, and Muhammadiyah), met to discuss organizational matters, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.
On the other hand, the ICG in a joint statement released after the meeting said: "We welcome the announcement that talks will resume on December 8-9. We hope that future negotiations lead to lasting and just peace and stand ready to provide assistance to help achieve that aim."
The creation of the ICG was one of the conditions for the resumption of formal talks between the Philippine government and the MILF.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, who also sits as GRP Peace Panel chairperson, briefed ICG members on the proclamation of martial law in Maguindanao.
Both panels are scheduled to formally resume peace talks scheduled tomorrow and Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Seguis assured ICG members that the implementation of martial law in Maguindanao is limited in terms of objectives, duration, geographic coverage, and operations.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 1959, declaring martial law in Maguindanao, last December 4.
Seguis echoed Press Secretary Cerge Remonde’s earlier statement that the objective of the proclamation of martial law “is to arrest the suspects, protect the witnesses, dismantle private armies, ensure press freedom in the area, and of course, stop the rebellion.”
He added that it is essential that vital evidence and witnesses be secured and safeguarded right away, before they are lost.
He also reiterated that the declaration of martial law will only be operative for a maximum of 60 days, as specified under the Philippine Constitution, and that it is limited in Maguindanao and not in any other provinces within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Martial law can be lifted at any time before the expiry of the 60-day period.
Seguis quoted Article 7, Section 13 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: “A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilian where civil courts are able to function, not automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.”
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