Gabriela representative Liza Maza said the Bangsamoro people can't help but interpret Arroyo's move as a declaration of an all-out war against them. "The Arroyo government's obstinacy, all the while ignoring the legitimate demands of the Bangsamoro, does not bring the conflict anywhere near resolution," she said.
?If people do not disarm how can you prevent your rogue elements? If you cannot control your people from using arms, you should disarm them. How can you talk peace if your group is attacking innocent municipalities?? Puno asked.
According to the report from the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), the island?s biggest importation last year consisted of US$138.28 million rice from Vietnam, making up 12 per cent of Mindanao?s total imports.