“At least 14 killed as blast rocks night market in Davao City”, a devastating news not only in Davao but for the whole country last September 2, 2016, for it speaks about a big issue in our country which is in a long-run has not yet subsided (CNN, 2016).  It was said that the blast was an act of terrorism. Hearing this news brought about our eagerness for the issue to be resolved especially because the scenario involves our country's own citizens. With this petition we hope that the government will undertake actions to instill peace between them and the rebel groups and for it to be put into settlement.

 The ongoing conflict between the Philippine government and Islamic groups is one of the issues that need to be addressed by legal processes. Throughout the course of their group’s (MNLF) establishment, clashes resulted to the loss of many lives, 120,000 at least. Even if many agreements and ratification like the ARMM (RA #6734, ) have been made, violence and rebellion is still very present and number of deaths constantly increases. These just show that all of the agreements and legislature are not enough to counteract this endeavor. Extensive legal processes and personal conversations between the government and their group is greatly needed.  Without said confrontation, such news will always appear in our TV screens and social media sites.

With all of these happening we can’t just watch and be bystanders, we need to take action to address this problem; if you want peace to be evident in our country, join our petition. We would like the government to put into deep study the objectives of said groups and whether the situation is amendable by law. If their goals are found to be reasonable and can be administered under the law, why not give them a chance? Giving them what they desire might just bring the peace we yearn for our country. Moreover, what they only really want is independence is it not? The government should also have double, even triple assurance of the security of the people with protection especially those residing in Mindanao by providing them with relocation sites which are secured. This is to safeguard the welfare of Mindanaoans who are affected by certain clashes and battles while the agreement is taking place.

We hope that as one we can push the government to prioritize this problem because peace is an essential thing in achieving our economic and nationalistic dreams.