A Muslim civil society organization (CSO) called Assalam Bangsamoro People's Association (ABPA) headed by Pendatun Disimban, president, believes that solving the struggle for self-determination of the Moros and eradicate poverty will require a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the Mindanao problem.

Disimban issued the statement amidst uncertainties surrounding the resumption of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the administration of President Aquino.

GRP and MILF peace panels last met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 3 under the administration of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo during which they signed a declaration of continuity of the negotiations.

The ABPA official cited the seemingly unending poverty the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), namely: The provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

He said ARMM has been consistently ranked the poorest in the whole country. He added that a negotiated settlement of the Mindanao conflict and the Bangsamoro would help economic development.