CODE-NGO extends its sympathies to and grieve with the families of those who were killed in the recent clash in Al-barka, Basilan.  We also strongly support the continuation of the GPH-MILF peace talks despite this incident which has resulted to the tragic loss of many lives. We believe that waging an all-out war against the MILF will only lead to greater losses of lives and property and will only badly damage our dream of  a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and in our country.

The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), a coalition of 6 national networks and 6 regional networks of development-oriented civil society organizations (CSOs), with more than 1,600 base organizations nationwide, extend our sympathies to and grieve with the families of those who were killed in the recent clash in Al-barka, Basilan.  We also strongly support the continuation of the GPH-MILF peace talks despite this incident which has resulted to the tragic loss of many lives.

We are one with many CSOs and other sectors, especially those in Mindanao, who believe that waging an all-out war against the MILF will only lead to greater losses of lives and property and will only badly damage our dream of  a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and in our country .   We ask our political leaders and media people to be responsible in reporting the facts of the clash and to exercise utmost care in their statements at this sensitive time.  Sowing fear and anger among our people will only reap further conflict and sorrow.

We call for an impartial investigation of the bloody clash in Al-barka.  We also ask that those who are responsible for the loss of so many lives be held accountable immediately.  We support President Benigno S. Aquino’s call to seek all-out justice for them.
 
The peace talks between the GPH and the MILF is an ongoing process. We call on both parties to meet through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) to prevent the escalation of violence.
 
Together with our member network in Mindanao, the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE), we commit to walking only in the Paths of Peace, wherever we work in urban and rural poor communities in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country.  We will stand unafraid to denounce loud and clear the all-out war campaigns and the violation of human rights in many communities in Mindanao.  Our passion for peace and justice is in the heart of our work for sustainable development.  We know all too well that our civilian partners in the communities suffer the most in any situation of conflict.
 
No to war!  Yes to Peace!

Statement of the National Board of Trustees

Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO)

26 October 2011

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Email. caucus@code-ngo.org