MILF chief's dream for 'Bangsamoro' economy

From Rappler (Oct 27): MILF chief's dream for 'Bangsamoro' economy

This is his dream economy for the Bangsamoro homeland. In a press conference at the main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday morning, October 25, MILF chair Murad Ebrahim said he wants it to run on industries that tap the area's natural riches. This is part of crafting the Bangsamoro region's integrated development plan, he said. “Personally what I see is... the potential of the Bangsamoro homeland is more in the development of the agro-aqua industry because we are very rich in that,” Murad said in his first media interview at Camp Darapanan after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “We also know that the Bangsamoro area is very rich in mineral resources,” he added. “So it is just a matter of exploiting these mineral resources for the benefit of the people in the area.” The MILF chief, however, said there are no “ambitious” economic projects in the pipeline for now. He said the more immediate objective is to focus on livelihood programs, basic necessities, health, and education. “Our main priority for the moment is that we must make sure that the people on the ground, including our fighters, will feel that after signing the agreement, there is something good happening on the ground,” Murad said....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/14947-milf-chief-s-dream-for-bangsamoro-economy