STATEMENT FROM PAGTABANGAN BASULTA COALITION
A CRY FOR JUST AND LASTING PEACE
We are civil society organization working together for the development of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. We are alarmed and concerned with with the rising armed hostilities in Sulu and strongly condemn the loss of innocent civilian lives not only in Sulu but also in the cities of Davao, General Santos and Makati.
We call for swift end to the hostilities to prevent a protracted armed conflict that will certainly aggravate the poverty condition existing in Sulu, characterized by high poverty incidence of 92%, low life expectancy of 52.3 years, very low incomes, high illiteracy and almost total lack of access to basic services (7 of 10 families have no Water ). Sulu remains to be the poorest province in the Philippines.
When conflict is rooted in social injustice, we cannot rely on purely legal and military solutions. Violence begets more violence. Continued armed conflict will only aggravate impoverishment and unpeace that make Sulu what it is today.
We therefore call on all concerned parties to recognize and uphold conflict resolution and transformation mechanisms that would build trust and seriously address the deeper causes of unrest, and the growing society divides to prevent future violence. We commit ourselves to assist in a comprehensive peace-building process grounded on law and order, social justice, good governance and development that is long overdue for Lupahsug as is fondly called the Sulu Sultanate was recognized as a political entity by sovereign nations. as early the 14th century.
We remain steadfast in helping the local government- under the leadership of the provincial government- institutions, and communities of Sulu pursue these common objectives in a partnerships of joint accountability and transparency. This process will require the involvement of traditional and religious leaders. And the people of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi- Tawi who have a stake in their future and can provide the relevant cultural and societal perspectives. We call on all people of goodwill to join us in this effort.
In the last eight months, pagtabangan Basulta, working with local governments and communities that compose various stakeholders. Has adopted a common framework of human security and has identified priority programs, project and activities that address critical issues of good government and people participation, basic development rights and peace and social justice and are in the verge of implementing these with considererable human and financial resources, and social capacity Violence can only reverse this process of development.
The people and local institutions of Sulu are taking concrete steps to overcome the extreme deprivation and powerlessness that have gripped them for so long. Their efforts should not be thwarted. Lupahsug should be given its chance to transform from a dreaded war zone into a community where human rights are respected and basic needs are met. We urgently call for the swift end to hostilities, and to jointly consolidate efforts to address the growing societal divides in Sulu.
16 February 2005
PAGTABANGAN BASULTA COALITION
