Mindanao Catholic leaders pledge support for BOL

MANILA, Philippines — A group of Catholic leaders in Mindanao expressed support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which they believe will bring peace and stability to conflict-affected parts of the region.

The Mindanao Catholic Church Leaders for Peace—composed of bishops and school presidents—stressed that BOL, or Republic Act 11054, is more than just a piece of legislation but a peace agreement that involves the future development of Mindanao and the entire country.

The BOL is meant to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“After many failed attempts, this may be the last concrete chance for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” MCCLP said in a statement Thursday, ahead of the plebiscite set on January 21 and on February 6.

The Church leaders said the new autonomy law will address three “historical injustices” against the Muslim community—the diminution of their ancestral territory, the threat to their cultural identity and the loss of their political governance.

“After more than a half century of armed struggle and countless peace negotiations, the BOL represents the mutual acceptance by both sides for the creation of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” the group said.

MCCLP said the Church leaders, for their part, would focus on engaging in the dialogue of life, action and spirituality among Christians and Muslims.

“We also need to commit to interfaith and interfaith dialogue toward mutual respect and understanding so as to reduce or eliminate biases and prejudices. Religion should be viewed as a bridge toward reconciliation, not a wall that divides,” it said.

The Catholic bishops and school presidents also offered to help in promoting quality education in the region by creating a more inclusive history of Mindanao and fielding volunteer teachers for the madaris schools of Muslim school children.

“With all our constituents in parishes and schools, we pray for a lasting peace in Mindanao—a gift and a task—that respects cultural and religious diversity, while acknowledging one God, Creator and Provider of us all,” MCLLP said.