Pope Francis Supports the Peace Process in Mindanao
Although scheduling constraints prevented a direct visit to the Southern Philippines, Pope Francis made it clear that he endorses the ongoing peace process between the government and the Philippines’ largest organized armed group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
This came as very good news to our Global Associate Dr. Susana Anayatin, who has made it her work as one of the region’s premiere peace activists to build and connect communities in Mindanao wishing to end the decades-long conflict.
Despite recognition of the accomplishments and hopes for an ultimate end to the conflict, in recent days there has been an uptick in violence between the National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This new outbreak in the southern province of Maguindanao, threatens passage of the Bangsamoro law, which many leaders feel would aid in bringing an end to the conflict. More on the current violence and the details of the law at jeopardy can be found here.
As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide insight from Dr. Anayatin directly.
