By Leslie D. Venzon
MANILA, April 9 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday his administration will continue pursuing peace in Mindanao, as he renewed his call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
In his speech during the anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan delivered at Mt. Samat, Bataan, President Aquino said fostering stability is imperative for providing more opportunities for countrymen in Mindanao.
He said that in doing this, no one will be driven to join radical factions, terrorist groups and others interested only in pursuing their selfish agendas.
“Two generations have already suffered due to the violence that has dominated Mindanao. Now that we are here, we will not allow succeeding generations to suffer the same fate,” the President said.
As the government treads the straight path, President Aquino believes that the country has the capacity to overcome challenges to avoid passing them on to next generations.
“However hard our task may be, whatever challenges we may face, we will continue to pursue peace, because this is the way to obtain justice for all,” President Aquino said.
“Let me emphasize: This generation has the responsibility of maintaining peace, and of continuing the pursuit of widespread prosperity. This is the vow that the Philippines makes, not only for the victims of past wars and violence, but also for present and future generations of Filipinos, and for the rest of our brothers and sisters across the globe,” he stressed.
Further, the Chief Executive said the country is facing “serious” trials, among these are the dangers brought by pandemics, the disasters caused by climate change and the spread of fear and violence by terrorists.
“If we fail to unite, many more opportunities will be wasted; many more lives will be claimed by chaos, and many more livelihoods destroyed by lack of understanding. The challenge is to strengthen our solidarity further, and tread a single direction towards the fulfillment of our collective aspirations,” President Aquino further said. (PNA)