Mindanao CSOs gear for educational campaign to support Bangsamoro Law

Mindanao CSOs gear for educational

campaign to support Bangsamoro Law

Various civil society organizations (CSOs) in Cotabato City  are ready to engage in educational debates “doubtful Mindanaons” to ensure that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted to Congress on Wednesday promotes the interests of all the stakeholders.

“We must be grateful and at the same time vigilant against spoilers. May we ask the Muslim, Christian, and the Indigenous People to engage in spirited discussions and debates,” said Samira Gutoc of the People Development Initiative for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“Amid our diversity, the Filipino people should be in one alliance for the success of the Bangsamoro accord which will benefit all through the basic law. We look forward to reading the BBL and participate in its success,” said Datu Alexander Mama-o, president of the Filipino Alliance for Integrity and Reform (FAIR Movement-Philippines, for his part.

“Thank God! It is already out,” said Claretian priest Angel C. Calvo, president of Peace Advocates Zamboanga.

On Wednesday, President Benigno S. Aquino III formally transmitted the proposed BBL to leaders of both chambers of Congress in Malacañang to start the legislative process.

The BBL would operationalize the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed last March 27.

The peace deal is a product of over 17 years of negotiations between the parties that envisions the establishment of the Bangsamoro region that would replace the old, graft-ridden Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set up.

The proposed region would be run by a ministerial-form of government with additional powers and financial autonomy compared to the existing operations of the ARMM.

The Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and Generation Peace Network (GenPeace) described the recent development as a breakthrough in the peace efforts for enhancement of peace and development in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

“Peace building is a continuing process and we in the youth sector take the challenge to help ensure that the gains of peace in this generation will be sustained and benefit all,” the groups said.

Both YMPN and GenPeace also called for Congress to set aside political differences and unite for the crucial passage of the BBL which is a landmark edict in the history of lawmaking and peacemaking in the country.

“Once the BBL is open to the public, we call on our fellows in civil society to engage in a productive dialogue as we make yesterday's dream of a just and lasting peace a reality of today and tomorrow,” they said.

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Lao said the transmission to Congress of the BBL proposition signals the government’s commitment to end the conflict in Mindanao, which has stunted the socio-political stability and stunts the economic growth and development of the region for decades.

“Let us avoid unnecessary comments or remarks that might inflame or exacerbate the rising emotions attendant to highly charged discussions and deliberations on the proposed BBL,” she said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, for his part, has urged Congress to study, deliberate and act upon all matters related to the advancement and welfare of the Bangsamoro people, and make BBL the basis of peace and prosperity in Mindanao. (PNA) (091214)