Leni: Peace process key to resolving Mindanao conflict

Vice President Ma. Leonor ‘Leni’ G. Robredo on Monday highlighted the need to take the peace process seriously amid intense fighting between government forces and local terrorost group members in Marawi City.

“I believe we have to be serious in the peace process. That is what they have been asking for so long and we should show them that we are serious,” she said on interview in Balo-i Lanao Del Norte, where she visited an evacuation site.

Robredo said it is important for everyone to know that the government is looking for permanent solutions to achieve peace.

The Vice President replied to a question from the media on how to resolve the Marawi crisis.

“That is why all the things each one of us can contribute, we should give it all. We are thankful that even private citizens, many of them are helping. We need more aid,” she said.

Yesterday, the 52-year-old former Camarines Sur representative was in the Balo-i evacuation site before she proceeded to Iligan City.

Robredo, wearing a blue traditional veil, met Marawi weavers from Dayawan community in Iligan.

Robredo was supposed to visit the Islamic City coinciding with national holiday of Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, but she was not allowed to enter Marawi for security reasons.

The Vice President called for unity amid the difficult situation in Marawi.

“It’s really difficult (to tackle the problem) because we do not have a united front,” Robredo said.