Framework Agreement forum in Sulu generates massive support

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 6): Framework Agreement forum in Sulu generates massive support

The continuous information and education campaign through symposia on the Framework Agreement in various areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for better understanding and appreciation of the provisions of the agreement is gaining ground. On Dec. 4, this year, an estimated 500 participants that included political leaders, civil society groups, religious community, local officials and other stakeholders from Maguindanao, Basilan, Davao, Zamboanga del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur converged at the Sulu provincial gym for the multi-sectoral Framework Agreement forum hosted by Gov. Sakur Tan. Also present during the event were MNLF founder Nur Misuari and Toks Ibrahim of the MILF. USEC. Nabil Tan of the Office of the Executive Secretary, Sulu 1st district Rep. Habib Tupay Loong and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos chair Atty Adilwasif Baddiri.

With the theme “Towards a Common Stand of Regional Leaders on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement,” organizers and participants agreed to conduct the forum in the local dialect with Atty. Jose Lorena of OPAPP as one of resource speakers. “This is the first time that discussion and dialogue is in the local dialect for well-informed constituents and generate wider participation since our objective is to elicit opinions, views, comments and reactions,” Tan said. Tan said he is elated with the success of the activity attributing unity, cooperation and solidarity among the leaders and participants in pushing for the Framework Agreement to ensure success of the peace initiatives in Mindanao. The signing by the five provincial governors of a covenant to work together in order to ensure massive support to the peace initiatives embodied in the Framework Agreement for the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity and the passage/adoption of several resolutions attest to the efforts to advance the peace process.

Several resolutions urged the GPH and MILF to consider the participation, representation and inclusion of the core LGUs, Ulamas and women sector as members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA); for the joint CCCH, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group(|ADHJAG), IMT(International Monitoring Team and the Joint Normalization Committee to define the scope of assistance of the MILF forces in the maintenance of peace and order; calling for the MNLF and MILF to unite and intensify their cooperation and coordination to address the problems of the Bangsamoro; calling on the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) to intensify its valuable role in working for the solidarity of the MNLF and MILF; calling on the GPH to work for the unification of the MNLF and MILF to achieve solidarity and teamwork for just and comprehensive peace of the Bangsamoro people; and resolution urging the GPH, MILF, traditional leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the proposed Bangsamoro entity to support through symposia on the Framework Agreement and its sensibilities.  The said forum highlighted the regional celebration of 2012 Mindanao Week of Peace that seeks to build a unified stand of stakeholders on the Framework Agreement.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1661354777016