Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) Chairman Virgilio L. Leyretana Sr., welcomed Tuesday the “mutual efforts by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels in breaking the impasse in the peace negotiations, thereby reviving the glimmering hope to end the lingering conflict.”

“This breakthrough is a major headway for the peace-building process which the incumbent administration is pursuing to attain permanent peace in Mindanao,” said Leyretana.

He added that the effort strengthens our resolve to accelerate Mindanao’s progress and reinforces the strong foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development through the multi-track peace process.

“The need for peace in conflict-affected areas is indispensable to development. Without peace, there can be no new economic activities and much less job opportunities while local entrepreneurs may not expand their businesses and neither will prospective investors be encouraged to invest in Mindanao.”

The MEDCo chief said to avoid further pitfalls in the process, “we call on both parties to be more transparent and ensure that the ‘re-framed’ Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is fully understood by all sectors, most especially those who are directly affected by conflicts.”

The armed forces of both the military and the MILF should exercise prudence to prevent unnecessary incidents that may hamper the peace process, he said.

“We also call on both parties to explore confidence-building measures to ensure smooth implementation of all activities leading to the resumption of the peace talks, thereby making the entire process meaningful in the lives of all Mindanaoans,” Leyretana said.