The road to the Bangsamoro: A brighter path
I am for this — within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country.
THIS was the statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte after formally receiving the final draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a ceremony in Malacanang on Monday, July 17.
He added: “After decades of armed struggle and violence, we will soon come up with a constitutionally consistent legal instrument that will lay the foundation for establishing real and lasting peace in Mindanao. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law puts into life and spirit the constitutional mandate provided in the 1987 Constitution for the establishment of a truly autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.”
The words of the president echoed through the halls came down as a promising light to those present. Spirits were high and the crowd cheered with anticipation, optimistic that finally, after decades of fighting, a number of negotiations, and painstaking hours of discussions, writing, and debates on what should and should not be included in the BBL; the path has become clearer and the future of the Bangsamoro is now more promising that ever in history.
When the first Bangsamoro Basic Law was submitted to Congress under the Aquino Administration.
Almost half or 48 percent of Filipinos disapprove of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, according to an SWS national survey conducted March 20-23, 2015. As well, the survey found out that majority doesn’t believe that the Philippines will benefit from the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It was a tough time then, tougher for the men and women who with blood, sweat and tears, fought and worked hard for the BBL’s passage.
Today, the times present a different reality. The strong affirmation of the president’s full support for the establishment of the Bangsamoro is a statement embedded in his political platform, evident since Day 1 of his election campaign. He made a covenant with the Moro people and many believed him, many are believing him still.
With a chief executive whose popularity ratings skyrockets to exceed everyone before him and many leaders in Asian history, President Duterte is changing perspective in more ways than one. He changes mindsets on socio-political matters, and he is changing perspectives on the public’s acceptance and appreciation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Change, is indeed, coming.
MILF Chairman Alhaj Ebrahim Murad, on his speech delivered on the same occasion said, “The composition of the commission [Bangsamoro Transition Commission], which drew its membership from government, MNLF, MILF, and other sectors demonstrated our ability to rise above our partisan interest and to work for the welfare of our people.”
He added: “As we submit the proposed Bangsmoro Basic Law, we consign with the president the hope and dreams of the Bangsamoro people. As we hand over the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to the president, we put our trust and confidence in the process of government. As we submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to you, Mr. President, we hold on to the fulfillment of the covenant we signed three years ago.”
Listening to MILF Chairman, I saw a leader and a revolutionary man focused less on politics and more on moving forward for building lasting peace and development in the Philippines and the nation. Such manifestation of a strong faith to the present government deliberately puts aside doubts and differences, and unifies these leaders toward the realization of the Bangsamoro.
On that fateful day, filled with so much hopes, I remembered the civilians who were caught in a crossfire in the different conflicts in the Bangsamoro homeland. I also remember the Moro mudjahideens who gave their lives to fight for the freedom from oppression of the Bangsamoro people. I recall the days of toil for building peace and reconciliation, in the hopes to correct historical and social injustices. And I told myself that finally the Bangsamoro destiny is walking on a brighter path.
In spite of all these, however, the work continues, for there is still more work to be done. As well, the challenges present in the form of violent extremists who disrupt the growing peace in the Mindanao region is a problem that still begs to be solved.
The rise of ISIS sympathizers and the continuing recruitment of young people into their twisted ideologies and violent acts call for the Bangsamoro and the Philippine government to work hand in hand for a feasible and effective solution.
On that day, a battle has been won. There are still many battles ahead. The war may not be over yet, but we are seeing brighter lights on the horizon. The battles we vectored only show that the long desired lasting peace in Mindanao will not always remain a dream.