World Bank: BOL ratification a milestone for lasting peace in Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines — The World Bank Group on Thursday hailed the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), saying that it is a milestone to promote “lasting peace” in Mindanao.
“We wish to congratulate the residents of the Bangsamoro and the Filipino people for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This exercise is a significant milestone toward sustained momentum for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Mindanao,” the World Bank Group said in a statement.
The World Bank Group also said that much work is needed in ensuring peace for the Bangsamoro people after the recent bombings in Jolo, Sulu.
READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 20, with 111 others injured
“Much work remains translating the promise of autonomy and the peace process into security and prosperity for the Bangsamoro people and all the people of Mindanao,” the statement said.
“The recent bombings in Jolo and the residual violence in some other places in conflict-affected areas following the BOL’s ratification highlights the complexity of challenges facing the region and the country,” it added.
The World Bank also advised the Philippines to enhance employment, justice, and security to achieve peace in the Bangsamoro region.
“Achieving just and lasting peace, as well as inclusive growth in the Bangsamoro, is going to be a continuing journey. To succeed, the new region will need support from all sectors of the Philippine society so that it can deliver jobs, justice, security and a better life for all,” the group said.
On Jan. 26, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared that the BOL creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is “deemed ratified.”
READ: Yes votes have it: Law creating Bangsamoro region ratified
The poll body also announced on Wednesday that the second stage of the Bangsamoro plebiscite for the inclusion of BARMM was “trouble-free.” /ee
READ: Comelec: Trouble-free Bangsamoro plebiscite in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato
