MILF panel chair Iqbal says task as TransCom chair a 'big challenge'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26): MILF panel chair Iqbal says task as TransCom chair a 'big challenge'

Mohaqher Iqbal, appointed chairperson of the Transition Commission (TransCom) on the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro, said the task given him is ‘a big challenge’ in ensuring peace would be achieved in Southern Philippines.

“It’s a challenge… a big task ahead of us. But both panels are bent on completing the process before March,” said Iqbal in an interview over Oblate-ran radio station in Cotabato City.

Iqbal, also chair of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said among the first tasks the TransCom has to complete are the laying down of the preliminaries, internal rules in particular, and the recruitment of some personnel who would work on it.

On Monday, President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed the 15 members of the TransCom with Iqbal as chair, seven of which were nominated by the Philippine government and eight recommended by the MILF. The appointees include Akmad Sakkam, Johaira Wahab, Talib Benito, Asani Tammang, Pedrito Eisma, Froilyn Mendoza and Fatmawati Salapuddin Robert Alonto, Abdulla Camlian, Ibrahim Ali, Raissa Jajurie, Melanio Ulama, Hussein Munoz and Said Shiek.

Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), lauded the balanced appointment of the TransCom members which, she said, reflects the President’s commitment to peace process.

The TransCom is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be certified urgent by the President and submitted to Congress for passage. It will undergo a plebiscite in the proposed Bangsamoro core territory. Once ratified, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is deemed abolished and the new Bangsamoro region will be formally established.

“The appointment of these individuals who represent vital Bangsamoro constituencies and have proven their commitment to pursuing amity and goodwill in Muslim Mindanao is a key step on the roadmap to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Political Entity,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

Deles said that with the appointment of TransCom members, the “mechanism to move forward on the roadmap set by the FAB is firmly in place.” “Many challenges and obstacles lie ahead as the 15-member Commission organizes itself and embarks on a collaborative endeavour to draw out stakeholders’ sentiments in shaping inclusive, participatory and empowering social and political institutions in the future Bangsamoro region,” she added.

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