Datu Odin Sinsuat , Maguindanao
11 February 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the “Sports for Peace” Ceremonial Kick-off held in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.

In his speech, the President said that the activity reflects camaraderie in different parties that will establish lasting peace in Mindanao. “Pinatitibay nito ang pagkakaisa sa pagharap sa hamon, ang respeto’t paggalang sa kabilang koponan anuman ang resulta ng laro,” he said.

Organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 6th Infantry Division, “Sports for Peace” supports the Framework Agreement with the Bangsamoro following the historical launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program and the fluvial caravan for peace held earlier today.

During the sportsfest, the President witnessed a 5-minute friendly football match participated by designated players from the AFP and other security groups, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The President emphasized that “posible palang magkasama ang mga panig na dati’y nagtutunggali sa gitna ng putukan sa isang paligsahang nagtataguyod ng pagkakaibigan at pagkakaunawaan.”

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