My statement on the Jolo bombing

The Jolo bombing, which happened on Christmas Day of all days, should serve as a stern reminder to government that the path to peace, even if fraught with danger, should nevertheless be pursued with greater intensity and aggressiveness. It should tell us that we must relentlessly confront the root causes of armed conflict and violence, which are poverty and discrimination.

The peace initiatives of the government must not be sidetracked by these acts of senseless violence. It must, in fact, strengthen our resolve to bring peace negotiations to a higher level and end decades of armed conflict and social unrest in the South.

With inspiring and determined leadership and a people inspired to get involved and see an end to war and violence in their respective communities, there is no reason why we cannot succeed in silencing the guns of war for all time.