Special Assistant to the President, Sec. Bong Go has expressed bright prospects on the development of the peace talks in Mindanao, especially with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Secretary Go said that the MILF is fully aware and acknowledges the efforts of the Office of the SAP towards the success of President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign for peace in the region.
“Alam po ng MILF [kung] ano yung effort na ginagawa ko rin para matuloy po itong usapang pangkapayapaan. Alam po ni (MILF)Vice Chairman Jaafar at (MILF)Chairman Murad, parati po kaming nag-uusap, alam po [nila] na gusto na rin ng gobyerno at ni pangulo na tapusin na yung giyera. Gusto po ni pangulo ng kapayapaan…kaya parati silang nag-uusap,” said Sec. Bong Go.
“Sana ay matuloy na to,” Secretary Go said. He added that he is thankful to the MILF for being open to such talks.
Also, Sec. Bong Go added that efforts to reach out to the National People’s Army (NPA) are on the way.
“‘Yung sa NPA, mag-uumpisa na po yung pag-uusap nila (with government panel) kaya po nanawagan ako na sana maging sincere sila (NPA) sa pag-uusap,” Said Secretary Go.
He further explained that even when PRRD was still mayor of Davao City, both of them have already climbed to the mountains together numerous times to talk to the leftists. There is already trust between them since both Sec. Go and President Duterte have repeatedly gone to NPA bases even without bodyguards.
“At alam niyo kung gaano kasincere si Pangulo sa pag-uusap na ito. Sana kayo rin, equally,” pertaining to the NPA.
The sincere approach would come in various projects the government will propose.
“May inooffer po ang local government na livelihood,” said Sec. Go. The President has already directed the TESDA to talk to the local government units and the military to help the NPA rebels lead new lives.
Additionally, the President has also asked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to study how they can help distribute lands. “Tulad dito, tungkol sa palm oil, bibigyan ng seedlings ng government, pero saan mo naman itatanim yan kung wala namang lupa?,” Sec. Go said.
There is also the collaboration of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of National Defense for the “Balik Baril Program.” The initiative encourages rebels to surrender their firearms to the government in exchange for peace and new beginnings.
As for the 2022 elections, Sec. Bong Go has again addressed rumors that he is planning to run for a position in the government.
In an interview with the press at Buluan, Maguindanao, Sec. Go emphasized that he does not want to talk about a possible senatorial run and that it is still too early to talk about politics despite the endorsements coming from many groups and President Duterte.
“Ayoko pa pong pag-usapan yan(senatorial bid), masyado pa pong maaga para pag-usapan yung pulitika,” said Sec. Go. “Unang una po, hindi po ako handa tumakbo…kasi di ko pinaghandaan …hindi naman ako pulitiko—wala akong pera, wala akong pang-ikot. Wala akong panahon kasi marami po akong trabaho…ang kaya kong gawin sa ngayon ay mag trabaho kay pangulo and manilbihan sa Pilipino. Trabaho lang po muna ako,” Sec. Go said when asked about his possible candidacy.
“Maraming salamat sa boss ko…thank you very much to President Duterte sa endorsement niya,” added Sec. Go about the President’s endorsement. “Maraming salamat sa MILF,” Secretary Go also said regarding the MILF’s support.###
