Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has proposed the convening of the National Security Council to address recent developments involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In an interview Thursday with DZRH, Binay said that the National Security Council might be needed to address the issues of peace and order in Mindanao, along with other local security issues.
“Itong sa national security problem natin, iyong nangyayari sa Mindanao lalo na, tama lamang na magkaroon ng pagpupulong ang ating National Security Council,” the Vice President said.
Binay also described as an example of “economic appeasement” the P31 million in funds that the Alex Boncayao Brigade allegedly received, citing the Economic Development Corps Project (EDCOR) as the historical precedent for such aid.
He also said providing financial and other assistance to former rebels can be considered as “economic appeasement” but stressed that steps must be taken to ensure that funds are used for the intended purpose.
The EDCOR was formed during Pres. Ramon Magsaysay’s term as incentive for the Huks to disarm and rejoin mainstream society. This was done by providing areas for resettlement in Mindanao.
“Ang laging napagkakasunduan na isang dahilan kung bakit may nanlalaban sa pamahalaan ay pangangailangan sa ekonomiya–kailangan ng lupang mabubungkal at kung anu-ano pa. Ang ABB ay kasama din naman sa mga nanlaban sa pamahalaan, kaya iyan ay tulong na lang sa kanilang mga livelihood,” he asserted.
