Peace advocates still support BBL despite massacre of 44 SAF men

MANILA, Philippines — Peace advocates have expressed support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law despite the criticisms it earned following the bloody massacre of 44 police commandos in Maguindanao.

“The BBL is not the problem. It may not be the entire solution, but this peace instrument diligently crafted for almost decades by both government and the MILF — could help end the cause and costs of armed conflict in Mindanao. Killing the BBL is tantamount to killing the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation for peace….Killing the BBL is to repeat the Mamasapano incident a thousand fold with the whole nation as the unfortunate victim,” Gus Miclat of the Friends of the Bangsamoro said on Thursday at a media briefing.

The proposed BBL has been criticized by some lawmakers following the carnage in Mamasapano in Maguindanao over the weekend. It was supposed to abolish the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao and establish the Bangsamoro political entity as a result of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF last year.

“Although we grieve the loss of lives, we appeal to government officials, specifically our politicians and all peace-loving Filipinos not to hold hostage the GPH-MILF process. Let us all stay the course and see through the adoption of the BBL,” said Mirma Mae Tica of Women Engaged in Action on 1325.

Police officers were supposed to serve warrant on Marwan and Basit Usman, known terrorists in Southeast Asia, when they encountered BIFF and MILF troops. The botched operation which killed 44 members of the Special Action Force was the biggest loss of the elite unit’s history.

“We appeal to them to reconsider their position. We call on our legislators not to contribute possible stalling of the passage of BBL in legislative halls,” said Yolly Esguerra of the Philippine Misereor Partnership.

She challenged lawmakers to pass a BBL that institutionalizes mechanisms that similar hostilities will not happen again in the future.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and JV Ejercito have withdrawn their coauthorship for the BBL early this week.

At the House, several lawmakers have also reconsidered their support for the bill.

Congress hearings have been suspended because of the carnage.