Federalism is key, Duterte tells MILF

CAMP DARAPANAN, Sultan Kudarat—Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte pledged to revive the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) under a federal setup should he win the presidency in May.

During his almost one-hour meeting with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) here, Duterte said he would also help convince members of Congress to pass BBL, if it took time to shift to federal form of government.

The Davao City mayor, the first presidential candidate to hold a meeting with MILF leaders, clarified he did not come to campaign or get endorsements for his presidential bid, because he respected the MILF’s independence.

“I’m here to state my position that if I win, this is my proposal. I’m afraid because of the failure of the government to pass the BBL,” Duterte told MILF leaders.

“I know that you are very, very, very disappointed. They would just dribble that like a basketball,” he said.

MILF vice chair Ghazali Jaafar told Duterte a Bangsamoro government would be “democratic, not an Islamic government.”

“It would be run under the Republic of the Philippines,” said Jaafar.

Jaafar also said the MILF welcomed Duterte’s tough stance on dangerous drugs, because drugs are “haram (forbidden)” in Islam.

Explaining why he is “too angry” at drugs, Duterte said drugs are destroying the future of the Filipino youth.

Jaafar also admitted he personally admired Duterte’s brand of leadership, describing the mayor as brave.

During a break in the meeting with Duterte, Jaafar said the central committee of MILF would not endorse any candidate.

“Members of the MILF, their families and the members of the communities will be given their independence to choose whoever they want to choose,” said Jaafar.

“I have been proposing federalism. But your territory will not be touched. It will be our collective position,” Duterte said.

The mayor said his administration will also create territories for the Tausugs, the Sama, Iranons, the Maranaos, and even the indigenous peoples.

“Other groups, the other tribes who are hungry for better life will be given their share and their chance,” Duterte said. “Through federalism, we will correct the injustice committed against the Moro people, against Mindanao,” he said.

After his meeting with MILF, Duterte proceeded to Cotabato City, where he spoke before hundreds of supporters gathered at the city plaza. Nash Maulana and Charlie Senase, Inquirer Mindanao