MILF lawyer welcomes petition of 62 communities to join Bangsamoro plebiscite
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Lawyer Lanang Ali Jr. on Friday welcomed the petition of 62 communities to be included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao plebiscite, saying it showed support for the community of Muslim Filipinos.
“Makikita natin dito na maraming kapwa natin Muslim na outside the area of jurisdiction na gusto ring pumasok sa bagong Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Ali said in a statement.
On Tuesday (Nov. 6), Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said it would take into consideration the first 62 petitions for voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite.
The plebiscite is needed for the ratification of the BOL which would create BARMM, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
READ: Comelec sets plebiscite for BOL on Jan. 21, 2019
READ ALSO: Comelec expects to print referendum ballots next month
Ali added that the law could address war in Mindanao, noting that more religious groups and politicians are supporting for its full implementation.
“Ito pong BOL ay solusyon sa more than 50 years na giyera sa Mindanao. Solusyon po natin iyan. Marami na po sumusuporta sa Bangsamoro hindi lang Bangsamoro. Sumusuporta rin ang mga religious groups, mga politician sumusuporta. Nandito na tayo, chance na ito,” Ali said.
Ali also said the ratification of BOL is a “historical moment” which could promote peace and development in the country.
“Historical ito, huwag nating bitawan itong historical moment. Once and for all matuldukan na ang kaguluhan, karahasan at magkaroon na ng peace and development hindi lamang sa Bangsamoro kundi sa buong Mindanao, hindi lang sa buong Mindanao kundi sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.
On July 27, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the BOL or the Republic Act No. 11054 which grants self-rule and autonomy for the Muslim south. /muf
