A Mindanao lawmaker hailed Wednesday the agreement recently reached into by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to rid war-torn areas in the South of landmines for the protection of civilians, saying it augurs well for the next President of the country.

Cotabato Rep. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza, member of the congressional advisory panel on peace talks, said the agreement is a welcome development as it is a good start in connection with the government’s bid for a lasting peace in Mindanao.

"This augurs well for the country's next president. This will allow the new administration to hopefully carry on with substantial negotiations," she said. "This is definitely a good start – for government and the MILF to focus on positive areas where real cooperation is possible," Mendoza added.

She noted the significance of the agreement, saying "on humanitarian grounds, both parties really have to first and foremost look after innocent civilians and refugees, who have nothing to do with the armed conflict, and yet, tend to bear the brunt of skirmishes."

"As to landmines, we look forward to the day when the Philippines can declare itself totally free of the victim-triggered explosive devices that kill or maim mostly civilians," the solon added.

Mendoza said the Philippines is among the 156 countries that either ratified or acceded to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. She said the treaty prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel landmines and obliges parties to destroy all such explosive devices in their territories.

Government and MILF negotiators signed two documents in Kuala Lumpur on May 5, covering landmine clearing and the safety of civilians in conflict zones.

Humanitarian groups with "proven record for impartiality, neutrality and independence" would monitor, verify and report on the two parties' observance of their commitment to safeguard non-combatants and civilian communities. "We hope the government can also reach similar agreements with the National Democratic Front," Mendoza said.