European Union condemns Philippines violence

European Union condemns Philippines violence

MANILA (AFP) - The European Union on Tuesday condemned the "indiscriminate" killing of civilians amid an upsurge of Muslim separatist violence in the southern Philippines and warned it could affect future aid.

The unrest in the Mindanao region has claimed the lives of more than 40 civilians and displaced more than half a million people since the fighting started in early August.
"The European Union is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Mindanao, the growing number of civilian casualties and displaced persons. It particularly condemns the indiscriminate killing of civilians and calls for those responsible to face the due process of law," it said in a statement.
"The European Union is also concerned that civilian militias may become embroiled in the violence. This is particularly worrying and has the potential to inflame sectarian violence," it added.
The violence was sparked after the Supreme Court blocked a draft peace agreement that would have given the Muslim minority substantial control over large areas of the south.
The EU said the conflict "can only be resolved through dialogue and calls upon all parties to show restraint and genuine respect for the rule of law."