DATU PIANG, Maguindanao (MindaNews/23 July) – Malacanang's announcement at 4 p.m. of a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) “effective immediately” was met with applause and tears, and yes, disbelief, especially for those displaced by war since August 2008.

See also:

Abp Quevedo to GRP, MILF: "End your war... enough is enough!"

Bakwits to Gov't, MILF: "We want to go home now!"

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced in Malacanang Thursday afternoon President Arroyo’s policy directive “to advance stability and peace in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, intensify and sustain law enforcement measures, and provide a stable environment for the resumption of the peace talks” between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

YES TO PEACE. In Guindulungan, Maguindanao, bakwits not only lined up the highway, they also went up the roof of this unfinished structure near the mosque, to say "stop the war, yes to peace." MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews  they will reciprocate with a suspension of military action (SOMA) as soon as they can pass on the orders to their field commanders, Iqbal said they’re eyeing July 25 as the date of effectivity of their SOMA.

The SOMO  was issued four days before President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ermita’s announcement of the SOMO came  just as thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs, also known as evacuees or bakwits) – from at least seven towns in Maguindanao and North Cotabato -- braved the afternoon sun, lining up along the national highway with their placards and streamers demanding “stop  the war,” “resume the peace talks” in what has been dubbed as “Bakwit Power 2.”

A State of the Bakwit Address (SOBA) was held earlier in the morning at the gymnasium of the Notre Dame University, demanding an end to war and resumption to peace talks.

Cotabato Arcbhishop Orlando Quevedo’s  “open appeal for peace and for our evacuees,” addressed to “all warring parties” was read at the SOBA. Quevedo urged both parties to “end your war” because “enough is enough” (see other story).

Government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis, who was in the press briefing with Ermita, was quoted as saying that the issuance of the SOMO was “triggered by the mounting number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao where they are living in deplorable conditions.”

“And we hope that with this SOMO, the IDPs could be able to return to their respective barangays and communities,” he said.

RESUME THE TALKS. Just one of many messages along the highway in Maguindanao, from the bakwits. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

The Office of the Press Secretary quoted Seguis as saying the SOMO is a “unilateral decision on the part of the government panel because of the President’s concern on the condition and welfare of the IDPs.”

In Guindulungan, Maguindanao, a crowd of bakwits greeted a convoy of military vehicles, including an armored personnel carrier with their placards. The tension was eased when some soldiers and some IDPs  flashed Peace signs using their right hand.

Ermita’s six-paragraph statement said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “shall suspend all offensive operations in the conflict-affected areas” and  “shall revert to Active Defense mode as provided for in the ‘Guidelines on the Primacy of the Peace Process’ and the subsequent ‘Reminders on the GRP-MILF Peace Process.’”

But Ermita also announced that the Philippine National Police “shall continue to undertake its law enforcement activities to bring the three renegade MILF commanders and other lawless elements to the bar of justice. The AFP shall play a support role.”

“Masaya” (I’m happy), said Rexall Kaalim of the grassroots-based Bantay Ceasefire (Ceasefire Watch).

Aiza Amanula, 38, mother of seven from Barangay Alonganon hopes they can now go home. It has been nine months since they fled their village.

“Mapia” (Good), said Monera Mamalinta, 45, of Barangay Reina Regente, when told the President had issued a SOMO. Mamalinta has been in the evacuation center since April 18.

It took some time before Mamalinta and her companions realized the issuance of a SOMO and SOMA could mean they can now return home.

But Mamalinta looked teary-eyed. She has no more home to return to. Her house was among those burned.

Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado of the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus, one of the organizers of “Bakwit Power 2,” said “when we left Datu Piang this evening, we all noticed the beautiful sunset! What a great view to close this one long victorious day! The SOMO is a long overdue gift for the IDPs. The conflict is far from over but let us momentarily celebrate this small victory. Alhamdulillah.”

Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Jesus Dureza said the SOMO “augurs well in moving forward the peace efforts in Mindanao.”

“Pres. Arroyo’s commitment to a peaceful settlement with the rebels, even in the face of challenges, is unwavering. The building blocks for peace in Southern Philippines are further reinforced. Let everyone, rebels and non-rebels aloke take the bold step of sustaining together the peace paradigm. Now, of high priority is the humanitarian assistance for the thousand (sic) civilians who are affected by the conflict,” Dureza said.

Quevedo said his basic hope for SOMO was “contained in my appeal.”

“My reaction now,” he told MindaNews, is that he is “hopeful that it would hold and lead to more, e.g. bakwit return, end of bombings, resumption of peace dialogue.”

“We need prayers,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

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