BARMM top official firm on CAB

BANGSAMORO Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) chief minister Ahod Ebrahim has stood firm on “adhering” to the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The top BARMM official’s statement came following a threat made by former president Rodrigo Duterte to conduct a signature campaign to secede Mindanao from the Philippines.

The BARMM chief minister’s statement did not mention Duterte’s threat or whether or not Bangsamoro is against it.

Minister Ebrahim though emphasized the Bangsamoro region’s right of self-determination.

“Underlying the CAB is the recognition and justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and the aspiration to chart our political future through a democratic process that will secure our identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance,” said Ebrahim in his official statement on Friday, February 2.

“Although more has yet to be done, parties to the CAB have made great strides in the implementation of its components that are ultimately beneficial to the Bangsamoro people,” stressed Ebrahim.

Ebrahim also urged Filipinos to protect the gains of the peace process and to support the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to allow peace and civility to reign over their affairs.

“We are grateful for and acknowledge the significant contributions made by past and present presidents of the Philippines in arriving at the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro Question.”

In a news conference on Tuesday night, January 30, in Davao City, Duterte had raised the idea of separating Mindanao from the Philippines.

Duterte’s proposal came amid the ongoing heated discussion over the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

According to Duterte, his proposal could be done through the process of gathering signatures.

A number of lawmakers have readily raised their stiff opposition to Duterte’s proposal to have Mindanao separated from the Philippines. Among them were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Also, Makabayan bloc member ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said Duterte’s proposed secession of Mindanao could lead to potential chaos.