MILF to push for ‘original’ BBL under Duterte gov’t

MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar: RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY – While it agrees with the proposed convergence of the peace agreements of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the MILF has vowed to keep on pushing for the original version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), whom the MILF splintered from, through a chairperson of one of its factions, Abul Khayr Alonto, on Sunday told reporters that both fronts would soon meet in a Moro Convention to craft a “new version” of the BBL.

“We have not talked about it among the leaders of both fronts. It’s probably just his proposal,” MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday.

According to Jaafar, the MILF is sincere in making amends with the MNLF under the spirit of unity of the Bangsamoro people.

He said the MILF knew that reconciliation between fronts would be important in the pursuit of genuine and lasting peace.

“On our part, we will work for unity and the convergence of the Bangsamoro people and the peace agreements,” Jaafar said.

Jaafar, however, maintained that they would assert for the legislation of the original version of the BBL in the Moro Convention and in the new administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“That is what we want. But we are open for the convergence of the peace agreements,” Jaafar said.

The original version of the BBL is anchored on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and is expected to establish a new Bangsamoro government with more political, economic and social powers for the Moro people.

Jaafar earlier said that the immediate legislation of the BBL would help in the Duterte’s campaign for federalism as the incoming president could use it as his Exhibit A.

“We are not opposing it but we believe that we can help more significantly if the BBL will be passed ahead of the change to a federal system,” Jaafar said.

Both Moro fronts and the incoming administration are optimistic that continued engagement to address the roots of the conflict would finally end decades of violence in the region.  SFM/rga