Mindanaoans gather to show support for BBL passage

SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO – Thousands of people on Monday gathered at the old provincial capitol here to show their support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The President is expected to arrive and speak here Monday afternoon.

Former Rep. Pangalian Balindong of Lanao del Sur said it was time for the passage of the BBL now that the country has Mindanaoans as President and Congressional leaders.

Cotabato Archbishop Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, who spoke before the crowd, said the inclusivity of BBL would end tribal biases and religious prejudices.

“Its passage would mean peace and co-existence in Mindanao,” the Catholic prelate said.

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said he attended the assembly “not as a mere supporter of BBL, but a believer of its embodiment, true and lasting peace.”

Muslimin Sema, former Cotabato City mayor and erstwhile chair of the Moro National Liberation Front said: “Our hope is in Allah as we look back in the long armed struggle for self-determination which dream and aspiration we find in BBL.”

“We thank President Duterte for his commitment to end the historical injustices against the Moro through the BBL’s passage in Congress,” Sema said.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace pact implementing panel chair, read manifestos and resolutions of support by various sectors, groups, associations mostly from Mindanao.

“We hope our lawmakers may give due consideration to these several endorsement toward BBL’s early passage,” Iqbal said.  /je