“Aquino also an icon of peace for Muslim Mindanao” - Hataman

Rep. Mujiv Hataman of Anak Mindanao joins the entire nation in expressing great loss over the death of former President Corazon Aquino, who passed away early this morning, August 1, 2009.

“In behalf of Anak Mindanao, and in behalf of fellow Muslims of this country, allow me to express our sincerest condolences not just to the Aquino family but to all people of this nation, who all looked up to the former President as a loving mother who did not tire of guiding us in times of confusion and remained to be the symbol of righteousness and integrity we held on to as a people,” Hataman said.

Hataman further emphasized that the icon of People Power did not just bring back democracy to the country but also opened the doors for peace in Muslim Mindanao.

“Let it not be forgotten that President Aquino in her earliest days as President, initiated peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro revolutionary groups, a manifestation of her sincerity in prioritizing peace in Muslim Mindanao. She personally went to Sulu on September 5, 1986, just a few months after her assumption to office, to meet MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari,” the Muslim solon stated.

“This meeting led to the reinstitution of peace talks and eventually to the recognition of an autonomous Muslim Mindanao in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, making way to the rebuilding of peace in the region,” Hataman ended.