Duterte open to modifying BOL

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is open to modifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to address the concerns of sectors that may not be satisfied with it.

While the passage of the law has been hailed by peace advocates here and abroad, Duterte is not expecting everyone to favor the measure.

“In every conflict in the life of people especially during a war, the innocents are the most affected... So you try to think it over because I have already signed the (BOL),” Duterte said in Zamboanga City last Thursday.

“I have no expectation. Others may not like it. Let’s see if it can still be modified or replaced. One cannot wage a war immediately just because he is disappointed,” he added.

Duterte said he would be forced to deploy soldiers and police officers if conflict breaks out. The President previously warned that failure to enact the BOL and correct the injustices done to Muslims could worsen the conflict in Mindanao and strengthen the recruitment of terrorists.

Under the BOL, a 75-25 wealth sharing term in favor of the new Bangsamoro region will be implemented to raise its share in tax revenues.

The national government will allocate P5 billion to the Bangsamoro annually for 10 years or P50 billion to rebuild areas ravaged by conflict. BOL also allows the region to enforce the Shari’ah or Islamic law exclusively to cases involving Muslims while adhering to the Constitution. Tribal laws will apply to disputes involving members of indigenous groups.

The EU and the UN, among others, have lauded the enactment of the BOL and have promised to continue supporting peace efforts in Mindanao.

Support to BOL

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza welcomed yesterday the statement of support to Bangsamoro of the EU, UN, Japanese government and Organization of Islamic Conference.

In his statement, Dureza said the EU and the UN “have been with us in our long and at times challenging moments through their consistent support.”

“The Japanese government on the other hand has been a faithful partner in the advancement of peace in Mindanao with its continuous support to the peace process and reconstruction and development of the region,” Dureza added.

Meanwhile, thousands joined the consultative assembly on the BOL yesterday in the main enclave of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao.

The MILF organized the assembly in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao for its members and supporters to discuss the law.

MILF figurehead Hadji Murad Ebrahim reiterated the readiness of their members to decommission once the Bangsamoro government is in place. 

Representatives of Moro National Liberation Front, under former Cotabato City mayor Muslimin Sema and Yusoph Jikiri, erstwhile governor of Sulu, were present.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman said his administration is ready to facilitate a transition to the Bangsamoro region.

As this developed, the Philippines highlighted the BOL at the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for strategic communications Ernesto Abella headed the Philippine delegation. He was joined by Philippine embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick Chuasoto and Minister for Political and Legislative Affairs Rosanna Villamor-Voogel.

“The Philippines protects the human right to freedom of religion or belief of all its citizens. This commitment is enshrined in our Constitution and reflected in our laws, policies, standards and guidelines and Supreme Court decisions pertaining to freedom of religion or belief,” Abella said in his remarks during the third plenary session. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, John Unson, Pia Lee-Brago