Duterte meets with MILF leaders on supposed opposition to BBL

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza INQUIRER file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte assured Moro leaders that the administration-backed version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was an inclusive one, following reports that some leaders in Mindanao were opposed to the measure, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza.

The President met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and other Moro leaders on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to seek the passage of the draft measure in Congress and lay down the government structure that would address the root cause of the Moro rebellion.

The meeting, requested by MILF leaders, followed the President’s expression of concern about whether the proposed BBL could unite the different ethnic groups in Mindanao.

Moros’ true sentiment

During a visit to Jolo, Sulu, on Monday, he said he was unaware of the true sentiment of the Moro people and worried if it would be good to herd various groups under one entity.

“I am worried. Would it do well to mix it all in one pot? Meaning to say, are you Joloano ready for a leader who is Maranao?” he said.

But Dureza said the meeting “dispelled negative speculations” following reports that leaders from Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi were opposed to the draft BBL crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

“[The President] stressed the ‘inclusive’ character of the new BBL where all tribes and sectors, including non-Muslims will benefit from the new BBL when it is finally entrenched,” he said in a text message.

BTC version backed

At the same time, Dureza said the President’s allies in Congress had vowed to take additional steps to support the BTC version of the BBL.

Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told Dureza and Murad that she would back the BTC draft of the BBL. The MILF earlier slammed Arroyo’s version of the Bangsamoro law and said it was “disgusting in all aspects” because it ran counter to its peace deal with the government.

Sen. Miguel Zubiri also said the Senate would act on the bill by May 15.

Dureza said the President told Murad, MILF chief peace negotiator Mohhagher Iqbal and BTC chair Ghadzali Jaafar that he wanted to put in place the government structure that could address the historical injustices to the Bangsamoro people.

The President said he would press his allies in Congress to support a BBL that is faithful to the peace deal between the MILF and the government. —With a report from Allan Nawal