ARMM passes resolution backing creation of Bangsamoro entity

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed support for the creation of the Bangsamoro entity under the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

ARMM officials led by Gov. Mujiv Hataman handed over to President Aquino on Wednesday a resolution expressing their support for the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity.

The President attended the ARMM’s 2nd local government summit at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City where he rallied the people to support the government’s peace initiatives to ensure success in the long term.

Close to 500 local executives of the ARMM attended the summit where they discussed vital socio-economic and political concerns, and the recent breakthroughs in the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

The resolution of summit participants stated that the region’s five provincial governors, 118 mayors, including the chief executives of the ARMM cities of Marawi and Lamitan, are ready to help facilitate the transition from the present autonomous regional government to the Bangsamoro entity.

The MILF-led Bangsamoro entity will replace the ARMM once ratified through a plebiscite in its proposed territory, to include all of the autonomous region’s component areas.

Hataman said local officials in the autonomous region recognize President Aquino’s commitment to the peace process.

Hataman said he is ready to vacate his post once the Bangsamoro entity under the Bangsamoro Basic Law now being drafted for submission to Congress succeeds in the plebiscite.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles also called on civil society to help in the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Deles also asked civil society organizations to campaign for good governance during the election in 2016.

“It is important for all residents and voters in the Bangsamoro to campaign hard to ensure that in the first Bangsamoro government, the reform candidates will have a good place,” Deles said in a keynote speech before the three-day peace summit convened by leaders of civil society organizations and representatives of Mindanao’s tri-people (Moros, Christians and Lumads).

“It is a transition that needs to redound to Mindanao, to the Philippines, and to the world,” Deles said.

Deles also lauded the civil society organizations for their continuing initiatives to support the government and MILF peace talks.

Deles urged the civil society organizations to continue to work hard and help inspire the public to embrace a culture of peace.

“We have to persist and persevere as many challenges will still come our way. Don’t give up but speak up. Don’t let the naysayers dominate the airwaves,” Deles said.

On the other hand, the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rejected the appeal of government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer to join the peace process.

“They can continue with what they plan to do, while we continue with our struggle for Bangsamoro independence. We can’t join in that ongoing peace process,” said BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Alexis Romero