The conflict between the GRP and the MILF is fast escalating into an all-out armed confrontation. To date, hundreds of combatants and civilians have been killed or wounded and thousands of families have been displaced. The armed conflict is fast spreading in many fronts. Prospects for the immediate cessation of hostilities are diminishing in light of government pronouncements supporting the military actions. The GRP and the MILF have begun all-out offensives against each other.
The IFFC is urgently appealing to the GRP and the MILF to declare a 72-hour truce to facilitate high-level negotiations to work out a ceasefire. The truce is imperative to create the atmosphere conducive to negotiations. This appeal is specially addressed to His Excellency, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada who is the only one who can stop the escalation of this armed conflict in Central Mindanao.
Signed by:
FR. ELISEO R. MERCADO, JR., OMI
Chairman
DATU HOSAIN B. AMPATUAN
Vice Chairman
ATTY. BENEDICTO R. BACANI
Member
MR. AVELINO M. ACOYMO
Member
PASTOR ALVARO O. SENTURIAS
Member
MR. HERNANI C. PASTOLERO
Member
