Roxas affirms commitment to peace and progress for Muslim Mindanao

Presidential aspirant Mar Roxas cited the gains accomplished in the Mindanao region under Daang Matuwid.
(Photo from Roxas’ official Facebook page)

MANILA – Daang Matuwid standard bearer Mar Roxas on Monday affirmed his commitment to the Muslim community in the Philippines as he visited the Manila Grand Mosque in Manila.

In his speech, Roxas cited the gains accomplished in the Mindanao region under Daang Matuwid.

He said that data showed that PHP260 billion worth of infrastructure projects have been provided in Mindanao for the past five years – twice more than the terms of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada combined at PHP125 billion.

“This is part of Daang Matuwid’s pursuit for peace in the region, which should continue alongside the strengthening of local economies. Progress without peace is impossible; but so is peace without progress. Kaya sabay-sabay ‘yan. Ang progreso, ang imprastraktura, ang tulong, ang serbisyo, katapat nun ay ‘yung kapayapaan. ‘Yan ang hinahanap natin sa Ka-Mindanaoan,” Roxas said.

He vowed to continue the pursuit for peace in the region in order to have a solid basis for progress in Mindanao and said that he would push for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) under his administration.

“I would also push for broader consultations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” he said.

“Patuloy tayong mag-uusap, patuloy tayong magmi-meeting, patuloy nating hahanapin ang kapayapaan, susulong tayo ng panibagong bill sa kongreso. Hindi naman pwede na hayaan na lang nating magpatuloy ang digmaan, ang hidwaan, ang putukan, ang mayat-maya’t bombahan sa Ka-Mindanaoan,” Roxas said.