Kiko-to end armed conflict in the country could lead the emergence of cities
By Jason de Asis
 
SENATE OFFICE, Manila, December 4, 2010-“An end to the armed conflict around the country could lead to the emergence of cities such as General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao city,” Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said, adding that these cities emerged in 1996 because of a window of opportunity created by a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“If peace and order will prevail in Marbel, Iligan, Cotobato and Zamboanga local and foreign investors will be entice to invest in our country which will result to the emergence of progressive cities,” Kiko said.
 
President Aquino III announced to have 18 days of ceasefire this holiday season with the armed rebels. “Decades-old social unrest and armed conflict have cost the country tens of thousands of lives in the last half a century, and drained the national coffers of meager resources that could have been used to fund basic social services,” Kiko explained.
 
The Senator welcomes the silencing of the guns of war this yuletide season saying that the genuine hope that soon, through a negotiated honorable peace settlement, these guns will be silenced for all times.

Kiko pointed out that this generation of leaders may achieve what previous generations have failed to do and the nation may achieve lasting peace for a lifetime, for the cause of progress, for the welfare of the nation and for the future of the children. (Jason de Asis)