Manila (AsiaNews) - The long-awaited ceasefire between the Philippine army and the rebels of the Moro Islamic Front (MILF) in Mindanao "will bear fruit" in the long run, because it "prepares the ground for long desired true peace" in the region. This is what Divine HeartSister Jesnon C. Porras tells AsiaNews, originally from the area at the heart of a conflict which, in forty years, has affected 200 thousand people, particularly women and children.
On July 24President Arroyo announced through her spokesman, Eduardo Ermita, the suspension of military operations against the MILF. The directive - Suspension of offensive military operation (SOMO) – was decided to allow the resumption a formal dialogue with the Islamic rebels. It will last indefinitely with immediate effect.
Sister Jesnon stresses that the civilian population “is so tired of military attacks”. The "sporadic shooting" in the years of fighting between army and rebels has caused "unspeakable misery and more harm than good”. The religious sister recently visited Mindanao - her birthplace - and reveals that many people are living "in anxiety and fear" the result of "deplorable conditions which must immediately be put to an end."
The resumption of peace talks are a "positive step" but this requires "sincere good will at a political level" and "real concern for the local population" from both the MILF and the Philippine Government. Sister Jesnon welcomes the work done by the Catholic Church and civil society - Christians and Muslims - who have created “programs to support economic development” and in cooperation with the authorities and citizens, showing they “have the peace process and prosperity” in the region at heart.
In past times the Filipino bishops have stressed that the issue in Mindanao should be resolved through "peace talks more than with the thunder of the guns." Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, president of the Philippine Bishops' Conference, says that "there are no conflicts between men that can not be resolved through a genuine dialogue between the parties."
A position Sister Jesnon agrees with: “the peace talks are the best way to resolve the conflict in Mindanao. Let us ensure that everyone can work for peace”. 
