Hope fades for peace with rebels
- Julian Labores, Manila
- March 27, 2012
Hopes for peace with Moro rebels in the southern Philippines are fading, according to the results of a survey released yesterday by pollster Social Weather Stations.
The survey, which was conducted among 1,200 people from across the country in December, reveals that 62 percent of respondents remain optimistic the government will be able to reach a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The figure continues a downward slide from 71 percent in September and 83 percent in June last year.
Fewer people believe a peace agreement will be reached before the end of President Benigno Aquino’s term of office in 2016.
The government and the MILF failed to reach an agreement during talks on March 19 in Malaysia.