By Mai Gevera

Davao City (6 February) -- Experts, peace advocates, government officials, and other personalities from various sectors gathered yesterday (Wednesday) for a television special of ANC, an ABS-CBN News Channel.

The televised special was themed "Mindanao: The Way Forward". It brought TV journalists Tony Velasquez and Lynda Jumilla as anchors of the show.

It was attended by MILF peace Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel member Michael Mastura, and Moro National Liberation Front counsel Randolph Percasio.

Local officials also participated like Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez, North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol, Cotabato Mayor Muslimin Sema, and Sultan Kudarat representative Datu Pax Mangudadatu.

Also around were government leaders that included Marine commandant Major Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, and Mindanao Economic Development Council undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana.

Peace advocates also attended like Amina Rasul-Bernardo, Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Augusto Miclat of the Initiatives for International Dialogue, Tony Lavina of Ateneo School of Government, Asia Foundation's Steve Rood, and Margie Floirendo.

Media personalities also participated in the forum like ABS-CBN senior vice president for news Maria Ressa, Newsbreak editor in chief Marites Vitug, and MindaNews editor Carolyn Arguillas.

The panel discussed on how Mindanao could be positioned more attractively for the outside community. A question: what went wrong in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain was raised. As well as how the government, the MILF, and all the sectors in the community could end the conflict and finally move for a peaceful Mindanao.

ANC has thought of coming up with the special so Filipinos and people abroad could have a clear picture of the situation in Mindanao and contribute any approach to solve the conflict.

The guests took turns in giving out their views and opinions on segments categorized on the Mindanao's potentials, problems, peace conflict especially on MOA-AD, and the recent moves to bring back negotiators to talk peace.