30 June 2015 - Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process, gave the Filipino Community in Geneva a comprehensive briefing on the peace initiatives of the Philippine government in particular the GPH-MILF Peace Process. Organized by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva / Philippine Consulate General in Geneva, the meeting was held at the Philippine Mission on June 23.

Entitled “Enduring Peace and Progress and the Birth of the Bangsamoro,” the briefing covered the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in October 2012, the adoption of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March 2014 and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“Our return to the negotiating table then demonstrated the renewed commitment of our local communities to have peace and they have shown indefatigable interest in rebuilding their lives after dealing with hostilities they have gone through the past years,” Secretary Deles said.

She explained the different provisions of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law and, the roadmap to peace that envisions the eventual creation of the Bangsamoro.

The Secretary also explained the status of the GPH-MNLF Agreement

“Despite the challenges of keeping all parties committed to dialogue, I continue to persevere. I draw inspiration from the people on the ground. We continue to hope and this hope is grounded on faith because we know ultimately that what we are doing - all our efforts - are for our people whose lives we should all  endeavor to uplift so they can live in peace and with dignity.”

Members of the Filipino community lauded the Secretary for her optimism, strong determination and dedication to peace building and development throughout Mindanao and in taking bold, historic steps to pursuing prosperity and security for the people of Southern Philippines. END