Sulu church exec: BBL will spark ‘greatest civil war’

JOLO, Sulu, Philippines — A local church executive warned that if the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed as it is written now, it will sow “the greatest civil war between Muslims and Christians.”

Vicariate of Sulu parish coordinator Fr. Romero Villanueva said that with the new Bangsamoro government, it will open the possibility for “those with radical minds” to seek independence.

“It will practically create a government within a government. The new government could gather forces somehow and be very strong. When that happens, the great temptation would be is those who have radical minds will seek independence,” Villanueva said during the public hearing of the BBL here.

The priest said that with its newfound strength, some radicals within the Bangsamoro government might demand to inclusion of the whole of Mindanao and even Palawan to its core territory.

Fr. Romero Villanueva. PHOTO BY NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

“More than likely, their demand will include all of Mindanao and Palawan. If that happens, we will experience the greatest civil war it is. It might even result to Muslims versus Christians,” he said.

The priest suggested the implementation of a federal system of government as a “better” alternative to the BBL.

“It is still possible to postpone the approval (of the BBL) so that a better alternative can be found satisfactory to all with lesser risk of rebellion and a winning solution. Federalism can be the best alternative but it will involve constitutional change,” he said.

Villanueva also questioned the government of President Benigno Aquino III on how it will the address the ramifications of the enactment of the BBL.

“Once the BBL is approved, it will be considered as the victory of peace, the greatest legacy of President Aquino is achieved. He might even get the Nobel Peace Prize. What now? Will there be peace in the Sulu archipelago?” he said.

RELATED STORY

Sulu gov: Clearer explanation needed to dispel people’s fear of BBL