by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (4 July) -- Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in a briefing on Thursday, July 3 in Davao City expressed the continuing support of donor countries even after the peace agreement is signed.

Esperon conducted a Peace Process Updates and Security Briefing for different stakeholders in Mindanao that was joined by the AusAid, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Mindanao Business Council, Mindanao Peace Weavers, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consulates of Japan and Palau, government officials and the media.

Dr. Kenneth Bush, team leader for AusAid Mission for the peace, conflict and development analysis asked Esperon the role of the international community.

"As we welcome your contribution for peace we also welcome your investments in Mindanao," Esperon said.

Esperon said that with regards to the agreement, there are contentious issues that need to be addressed.

He said as far as the ancestral domain is concerned this includes four strands: concept, territory, jurisdiction and governance.

Except for governance, he said the three others are getting favorable responses as the two parties, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has exchange proposals.

Esperon said the issue is on the word "freedom" whether the word freedom itself be retained which remain a contentious issue up to this time.

He said this will be subjected for discussion by legal groups of the government panel and later approved by the President.

But he said the ancestral domain must still to through a formal peace talks.