02 February 2015 – Responding to recent events, several countries have reiterated their support for the Philippine Government’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao as they condole with the families and loved ones of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) personnel who perished on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder, in his January 27 letter to Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said that “Canada continues to encourage efforts to achieve peace and we remain committed to supporting the Bangsamoro peace process. We support the diligent efforts of all sides to bring about an era of opportunities for the people of Mindanao.”  

In a statement issued last January 30, the US Embassy hailed the SAF units as they “fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country.” The statement also reiterated the United States’ “support for the Philippine Government’s efforts to combat international terrorism while promoting a just and lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in Mindanao.”

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell expressed the hope that “the peace process is not discarded as a result of this tragedy,” while the Spanish Government said that it “hopes for a quick investigation…as well as for a consequent accountability of the persons responsible for the attack in order to resume as soon as possible the search for a solid and a long-lasting peace in Mindanao, with a wide consensus among the concerned parties.”

In a press release dated January 30, the Swiss Embassy in Manila said, “It is Switzerland’s hope that this tragic event will not destabilize the ongoing peace process. More than ever, peace is needed now and under no circumstances should it be the ultimate victim of Sunday’s event.” END