Referendum for Bangsamoro Organic Law
Political polarization has seeped into the communities between those who are for the ratification of the BOL and those who are against it
The official campaign period for the referendum for Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM) or simply called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), officially started last Dec. 7.
Unfortunately, election-related violence has also started with two casualties reported as of the writing of this article.
Possible hot spot areas for the upcoming plebiscite are Cotabato City in Lanao del Norte, and the island provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Political polarization has seeped into the communities between those who are for the ratification of the BOL and those who are against it.
Studies have shown that various forms of political and social polarization increase the risk of violent conflict within communities. The question is, how strong is our local institutions in mediating potential conflicts in the region?
The Bangsamoro Administrative Region, once it is set up, will radically change governance, social services, finance, education, etc. It will finally give the Bangsamoro people--all the 13 recognized tribes and the indigenous peoples in these areas--self-governance and self-determination. But not all people within the Bangsamoro share the same view.
Crucial in this campaign is for the government to address two of the most critical demographics with regards to the plebiscite: the youth and the traditional leaders. They have different outlooks and perspectives, although these are not mutually exclusive.
The Bangsamoro youth are an important demographic as they are the future of the region. Without their input, any legacy that the Bangsamoro wishes to establish would be lost. As the future leaders of the region, the youth should be given importance as their voices allows for better public services and programs.
Preventing and countering violent extremism is especially important as the youth are vulnerable to negative radicalization due to their idealism and beliefs. However, they must learn the proper way of handling the campaign. A negative campaign strategy is counter-productive.
Traditional leaders of the region are also a critical demographic. In the Bangsamoro culture, these leaders have a say in governance and civil processes in their respective communities. But they also speak a different language compared with the millennials and the younger generations.
Hence, traditional leaders need to reach out to our youth and conduct religious and political dialogues.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has to understand that a common thread that is important in both demographics are the bonds of kinship.
It is here where the Bangsamoro finds trust and confidence, especially in family affairs and the conduct of business, governance, and other civil affairs. This bond has also been used to address a century-old conflict called rido.
Bangsamoro groups typically focus on their differences, which can result in pushing the individuals and parties toward opposite positions. We must learn to strategize and encourage people to consider their common interests that can help mitigate such effects.
Thus, proper messaging is important. Let’s bring the message that the Bangsamoro Organic Law is for peace and that peace is possible within our lifetime.