Can Peace be Achieved in Maguindanao?
MANILA, Philippines – The Maguindanao massacre was triggered by two clans’ struggle to gain power over the province. This kind of conflict is not exclusive in Maguindanao but local leaders in other provinces have found a way to maintain peace among clans. In an interview on ANC’s Talkback with Tina Palma on Monday, Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez said their peace program not only involved residents but local authorities and insurgents as well. “First thing we did was invest in the culture of peace training where we invested in leaders and developed what we call peace and development advocates in every barangay, even went to the extent training our army, police together with the MILF…” Dominguez said. Sarangani was among the recipients of the “Galing Pook Award” for its peace efforts. The Galing Pook Foundation honors yearly outstanding practices of local government units ranging from peace and conflict resolution to environmental management. Another awardee is Tabuk in Kalinga Pr
