The European Union (EU) on Friday expressed its support for the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which is seen to finally bring peace and order in Mindanao.
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the BOL into law on Thursday after the Congress conducted marathon hearings to pass it.
“The passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by the Congress of the Philippines and its subsequent signing by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte represents an opportunity for the Filipino people to embrace peace and stability after decades of strife,” Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said.
After the signing of the law, a referendum will be conducted sometime in November 2018 in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The majority of the people there must approve the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
“It comes after 21 years of formal talks after the first ceasefire agreement between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Kocijancic said.
“It underlines both parties’ commitment to peace and their ability to tackle a variety of complex matters through a comprehensive and inclusive law,” she added.
EU said it remains a “staunch supporter” of the peace process in Mindanao “in view of long-lasting peace, development, and prosperity in Mindanao and for the Filipino people.” /vvp