BBL to stop extremism, say peace negotiators

PASSING the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would stop the “spread of extremism” in Muslim Mindanao, especially in light of the recent Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Paris, Beirut and Mali, according to proponents of the BBL.

Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), respectively, urged the legislators to “stop wasting time” and work on immediate passage of the BBL.

In a joint letter to Congress, the two quoted National Security Council head Cesar Garcia as saying: “Passing the BBL can help curb the spread of extremism. In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able to help moderate Islamic leaders counter the ideology of radicalism being promoted by IS and steer the Muslim community away from IS influence.”

According to Ferrer and Iqbal, the Bangsamoro peace process gained the support of the international community by “providing a model where the Islamic movement can find redress for its grievances through a civilized and democratic process, within the country’s territorial integrity and constitutional framework.”

“Time is short, but there is still time. We ask our legislators to work for the immediate passage of the draft law on the Bangsamoro. Time is of the essence and opportunity knocks only once,” the two said.

“We ask you, our legislators, to open your hearts and to give our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters this one good chance to enjoy their right to peace and partake of meaningful reforms and development,” they added.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles continued to push for the passage of the BBL despite persistent delays on its deliberations in the Congress.

“We are not giving up on the BBL. We are asking all the stakeholders to stand firm on the peace process,” she said.

Jasmine Nario-Galace, executive director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education, called on the members of Congress to attend plenary sessions and resume discussions on the BBL.

“This is a task that lawmakers should fulfill. The BBL is not a simple legislation but a compilation of the Bangsamoro dreams and aspirations for self-determination. Passing the law is a duty of Congress,” she said.

Nario-Galace also appealed to the citizenry to play their part in the peace process by “pushing their representatives to continue the plenary discussions on the BBL and put the Bangsamoro peace process on their agenda before their term ends.”