Mindanao leaders say Framework Agreement for Peace is not about faith but a vital political concern

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 14): Mindanao leaders say Framework Agreement for Peace is not about faith but a vital political concern

Acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman and House Deputy Minority Leader Simeon Datumanong said the struggle for self-determination in Muslim Mindanao should not be misconstrued as an issue of faith but as a vital political concern. A staunch supporter of the Aquino administration, Hataman said that political leaders in Muslim-dominated provinces in Mindanao have set aside political differences to support the implementation of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement for peace. "And when you actually dig deeper into it, an important component of this is the right of the people to be served," he said. House Deputy Minority Leader Simeon Datumanong confirmed Hataman’s claim, saying that key Mindanao leaders allied with opposing political groups are one in hoping that Congress will pass the legislative requirements for the proposed "Bangsamoro" entity. Hataman and Datumanong also called for a massive information dissemination campaign to give Filipinos a better understanding of the GPH-MILF pact. They stressed that the best way to realize a final resolution of the nearly half-a century conflict through the Framework Agreement is to get the support of the people. Hataman said a full understanding of the legal, cultural and social implications of the implementation of the agreement is vital if the backing of majority of Filipinos is to be guaranteed. "Our struggle for right to self-determination is a political issue, it has never been an issue of faith or religion," the ARMM leader said....

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