Zubiri appeals for a peaceful Bangsamoro law plebiscite

Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. (Photo by CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Sunday appealed to “all sides” concerned for a “peaceful” Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite.

Zubiri issued his statement came on the eve of the plebiscite.

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“As I have appealed for a Yes vote, I am now appealing to all sides to go out and vote peacefully, and not to coerce or harass the voters to allow the true will of the people to come out,” he said.

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“I am praying for a peaceful and orderly plebiscite tomorrow in the ARMM that will lead to the new Bangsamoro Region. A region with enhanced autonomy, greater fiscal powers and a Parliament that is truly inclusive with women, youth and Indigenous Peoples represented.,” he added.

The first plebiscite will be on Jan. 21 while the second one is set for Feb. 6.

Voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, and Isabela City in Basilan will take part in the first part of the plebiscite.

The rest of the core territories, including areas that asked to be included in the new Bangsamoro area, will get to vote on the second part.

The BOL seeks to replace an existing poverty- and conflict-wracked Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a potentially larger, better-funded and more powerful region named Bangsamoro for the minority Muslims. /atm