links: http://www.gov.ph/2013/02/26/statement-of-president-aquino-on-the-sabah-incident-february-26-2013/
TRANSCRIPT:
Statement
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
On the Sabah incident
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
On the Sabah incident
[Delivered at the New Executive Building, Malacañang, on February 26, 2013]
I address you today about the incident
that is now taking place in Sabah, allegedly under the leadership of
Prince Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram. Our relations with Malaysia have
always been colored by the issue of Sabah—an issue that has persisted
for over half a century. This issue is complex: from the basis of our
claim, to the question of the rightful heirs, and even involving the
translation of documents from an era when our grandparents weren’t even
born.
This incident involves approximately 180
people, twenty to thirty of whom are armed. Having an armed group in
Lahad Datu presents a challenge that the Malaysian authorities cannot
ignore. From the outset of this incident, our primary consideration has
always been to protect all lives. Secretary del Rosario had already
reached an agreement with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah that this
issue should be resolved in a peaceful manner.
Our armed forces and police have been
actively communicating with their Malaysian counterparts to peacefully
resolve the situation. Other agencies of government have also been
tasked to prepare for any contingencies that could potentially affect
our citizens. For example, the Philippine and Malaysian Navies have
worked together to prevent other groups from entering Lahad Datu. From
the three extensions of the deadline given by Malaysia, to the constant
coordination as events unfolded, our efforts have not ceased.
Apart from this, we have also sent a
number of emissaries to the Kiram family to ask them to convince the
group in Lahad Datu to return home peacefully. In fact, there is a
humanitarian ship with social workers and medical officers on board
nearby to facilitate the peaceful departure of those in Lahad Datu.
What is clear is that a peaceful
resolution of this issue is to everybody’s interest. Even if we assume,
for the sake of argument, that there are legitimate grievances, the
presence of an armed group in Lahad Datu will only bring us further away
from resolving these issues.
Let me say to Sultan Jamalul Kiram III:
I have just been made aware that a letter to me, from you, was sent
through OPAPP in the very first weeks of my term, when we were
organizing the government. Unfortunately, this letter was lost in the
bureaucratic maze. Let me make clear that there was no intention to
ignore your letter. Knowing this now, will you let your mistaken belief
dictate your course of action?
The avenue of peaceful and open dialogue
is still available to us. Let us therefore sit down as brothers to
address your grievances in a peaceful, calm manner according to our laws
and according to correct processes when your people arrive home.
And so this is my appeal to you: These
are your people, and it behooves you to recall them. It must be clear to
you that this small group of people will not succeed in addressing your
grievances, and that there is no way that force can achieve your aims.
You are a leader of your clan, and every
leader seeks the well-being of his constituents. These times require
you to use your influence to prevail on our countrymen to desist from
this hopeless cause.
The action of these people purporting to
be your followers, endangers more than just their own lives. They also
put at risk our countrymen peacefully engaged in their livelihood in
Sabah. These are hundreds of thousands of individuals. Their families,
dependent on their wages, are likewise being made to suffer. Filipinos
residing in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, who trade with Sabah, have had
their commerce disrupted. Most of these people are your fellow Muslims.
This is a situation that cannot persist. If you are truly the leader of
your people, you should be one with us in ordering your followers to
return home peacefully. As President and chief executor of our laws, I
have tasked an investigation into possible violations of laws by you,
your followers, and collaborators engaged in this foolhardy act. May I
remind you as well that as a citizen of the Republic, you are bound by
the constitution and its laws. Among your possible violations is Article
II Section 2 of the Constitution, which states that the Philippines
renounces war as an instrument of national policy, the enabling law of
which is Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes those who
“provoke or give occasion for a war…or expose Filipino citizens to
reprisals on their persons or property.” Thus, you are now fully aware
of the consequences of your actions.
We have not yet reached the point of no return, but we are fast approaching that point.
My duty is very clear: it is to protect
the interests of all of our people, and if that is not possible, then to
do what will redound to the interests of the greatest majority. This is
the time to demonstrate that you are a true leader both in name and
deed. The right thing to do now would be to order your followers to
return home as soon as possible. The choices and consequences are yours.
If you choose not to cooperate, the full force of the laws of the state
will be used to achieve justice for all who have been put in harm’s
way.
Footnotes (↵ returns to text)
- This video includes the Q&A after the delivery of the President’s statement.↵
GPH Website
http://www.gov.ph/
links:
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OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS WEBSITES
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