A letter writer from Iligan City wrote here that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants peace, not war in Mindanao (Inquirer, 10/24/09) and that “peace talks” should be pursued. Miriam Dahunog dreads the possible return of that war freak, former President Joseph Estrada, as commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Let’s cut to the chase: The MILF has for its ultimate goal the setting up of an independent Islamic State in Mindanao—never mind the predominantly Christian population in the island. That goal has never changed and will not likely change until its last man standing and fighting finally falls.

The Supreme Court has already declared that any “peace agreement” with the MILF that would allow the dismemberment of the Philippine Republic is totally unconstitutional and null and void. So, what “peace talks” is Dahunog talking about?

—STEPHEN L. MONSANTO,
slmonsanto@yahoo.com.ph