MANILA, July 31, 2010—American Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. has underscored the need for Filipinos to join hands and work together to bring peace in Mindanao.

Describing Mindanao as a “resource-rich area, when fully developed could fuel the country’s growth,” Thomas stressed Muslims and other stakeholders should talk and find solutions to the problem of unpeace.

He said the American government will be there to support the initiatives.

“It’s our job to support you because you can find solutions yourselves,” he said during an open forum following his speech on human trafficking before the Rotary Club of Manila on July 30.

He said the American government will continue to support the peace efforts from the outside as there are other countries, notably Malaysia, Libya and Japan that are interested in the peace efforts.

In his SONA last Monday, President Benigno Aquino revealed his plans to begin peace negotiations after the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.

Thomas said the government should be given enough time to work on the issue.

“I met with Secretary Deles yesterday and learned they’re still trying to formulate their plans,” the Ambassador said.

He acknowledged that everyone recognizes military solution will not suffice to bring peace to Mindanao but there is a need to improve the economic and justice systems and address issues related to graft and corruption and tribalism within the area.

Thomas said that as an American ambassador, his number one job is to secure and protect American citizens abroad who have fallen victims to terroristic acts.

He believed that terrorists have intent to kill and are not the kind of people who will talk and lay down arms.

“These are groups who do not want to talk to people and won’t lay down arms as these are people who kill Americans or Filipinos,” he explained.

Thomas disclosed that the person behind the kidnapping of Filipinos and Americans in 1995 had pleaded guilty before an American court.

He also said Ramsey Yousef, a member of Al Qaeda was once in Manila, as there are Abu Sayaf and other groups that exist in the Philippines.

“As far as I am concerned, as long as one terrorist exists, that’s one too many and that person should be eliminated,” he said.

He however, added that “if that person decides to lay down arms and talk, we will give him or her and the group full support.”

Thomas said he is an ardent believer of Mohandas Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.

“I believe non-violence is the way to go,” the American envoy further said. (Melo M. Acuna)