Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
11 May 2014

In a statement before the ASEAN leaders, President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude and appreciation for supporting the Philippines in the recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).  Specifically, he expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for facilitating the negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the countries of Brunei and Indonesia which acted as the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

According to the President, the success of the peace process contributes to the growing experience and best practice of a culture of peace and respect for diversity in ASEAN. He said that the Philippines strongly advocates a more proactive approach towards the pursuit of peace, freedom and stability. He mentioned that the pursuit of peace and the resolution of conflicts should not end in the cessation of hostilities and the signing of agreements but rather, everyone must act to achieve peace every day.
President Aquino also emphasized the utmost interest of every leader on minimizing or preventing the loss of lives or casualties and ensuring that communities remain whole while sustaining development.

Moreover, the President proposed for the promotion of gender mainstreaming in peace building, peace processes, and conflict resolution. He cited his pride on the role of women in the peace process achieved by the country due to the signing of the CAB, which according to him, is an indication of the prominence of women in nation building in Philippine society.

President Aquino then said that he looks forward to prospects for greater economic development once ASEAN integration begins. Likewise, he encourages other leaders to commit in completing an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights of the migrant workers in time for the integration of ASEAN.

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