Lanao del Norte leaders call for support for Bangsamoro Organic Law

MANILA, Philippines — Local chief executives in Lanao del Norte are urging their constituents to participate in a plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said on Monday.

In recently concluded forums conducted by the OPAPP, officials in six municipalities that are included in the plebiscite called on the residents to go out and vote on Jan. 21.

“All of us here in Baloi, let us vote. This is for all of us, not just for the Muslims but also for the Christians and all the tribes in Baloi,”  Vice Mayor Mustapha Ali said in Filipino. 

In a forum in Tangkal, former provincial board member Solaiman Mutia urged those in favor of the measure to convince their neighbors and the community to vote.

“Let’s all stand for this because this is a program of President Duterte,” Mutia said. 

Calandada Dumalondong, one of the division commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said they would go out and gather support once the campaign period officially starts.

“We will go out to ensure the BOL wins not just in the municipality of Tangkal but also in nearby areas,” Dima-londong said. 

Munai town Mayor Casan Maquiling said that all residents and barangay officials in his jurisdiction support the ratification of the BOL.

“We know the BOL is the only way to resolve the conflict in Mindanao,” Maquiling said.