MARAWI CITY – As the government and Moro Islamic Liberations (MILF) moved on further towards resuming formal talks with their signing of another framework pact, Muslim leaders have urged presidential aspirants to reveal their plans to resolve the decades-old conflict in southern Philippines.

Lawyers Adel Tamano and Paisalin Tago said it is “imperative” for the electorate of Mindanao to learn from the presidential wannabes their respective positions on the century-old search for peace and development in the “Land of Promise.”

Speaking at the commencement exercises of the Western Mindanao State University last Tuesday, Tamano said the presidentiables should also explain their position on the Mindanao peace talks.

“In fairness to the people of Mindanao, I believe it is only fair that our presidentiables should now tell us what their Mindanao conflict resolution agenda is and how they intend to foster better harmony among the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao,” he said.

Tamano, president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities, and former spokesman of the United Opposition, said achieving the elusive peace in Mindanao should be an utmost priority of Malacañang’s next occupant.

“That (agenda) is not a matter of choice, it’s a political imperative,” he said, adding that “the bitter lessons of war have taught us this painful reality,” he said.