Peace, not war

(Manifesto of the Free Legal Assistance Group Region 7 on the recent carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao)

The Free Legal Assistance Group (Flag) Region 7 joins the whole nation in mourning the carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, 2015 that resulted in the death of 44 members of the PNP-SAF commandos.

The senseless slaughter of members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the PNP demands a nononsense investigation by an impartial and independent body on the circumstances on how and why the unfortunate incident happened, and the persons responsible therefor.

Yet, even before the start of such investigation, demands are being made by some quarters to stop or derail the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and to launch an all-out war against the Moro rebels.

Flag pleads for sobriety and patience in this hour of national tragedy and urges Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic law as a step towards the attainment of a lasting peace in southern Philippines.

Flag also exhorts the government to punish those responsible for the carnage whether from the rebel ranks or from the government side and take steps not to repeat this horrible and unfortunate incident.

There is no substitute for a democratic dialogue. There are no victors in an all-out war and the only peace that can be achieved in a bloody internecine conflict is the peace of the graveyard.

Adopted in Cebu City, Philippine this 6th day of February, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen.-- Flag Region 7