The Bangsamoro political entity won't be limited to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
This was disclosed Wednesday by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita "Ging" Deles, who added that the Moro National Liberation Front has been participating in the crafting of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"We are talking to senior MNLF leaders to participate in the crafting of the BBL. That is why you will note that there are several MNLF leaders who come to the consultations and be part of the process," Deles said during a Senate budget.
"We are envisioning [that] when the Bangsamoro transition authority is set up, there would be MNLF authority there. Kasama sila," she added.
As for the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Freedom Fighters, government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the rebel group would only be allowed to join in the peace process if they lay down their arms.
"[The] BIFF agenda is [an] Islamic state, something we cannot possibly allow in our Constitution. And if they continue to use violence as they have been doing, attacking our military installations, then they are basically a law enforcement issue," Ferrer said.
"Matatandaan ninyo yung pakikipag-usap sa MILF ay naging productive dahil ang pinag-umpisahan natin diyan ay ceasefire, so merong pagkilala na tigil muna ang putukan. Hindi ganyan ang sitwasyon natin ngayon sa BFF. Patuloy ang kanilang pagsasagawa ng harassment," she later explained in a separate interview with reporters.
Still, Ferrer opened the doors of the peace process to the communities supporting BIFF members.
"Ngayon naman, sa mga ordinary members ng BIFF, sa mga communities, bukas ang ating panawagan na makilahok sila rito at itigil na itong paggamit ng karahasan," she said. "Walang hiwalay na negosasyon ang nakalinya para sa BIFF."
The new MNLF chairman, Datu HJ. Abdul Khayr Alonto, had earlier expressed his group's support to the new Bangsamoro entity.
“All elements in Mindanao right now are in solidarity for the success of this peace process. Kaya nga natanggal si Nur Misuari ay dahil hindi siya sang-ayon sa peace process na ito,” Alonto earlier said.
Last week, no less than President Benigno Aquino III transmitted the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives in Malacañang.
The Senate panel is set to have a briefing on the proposed measure next week.
The House ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law earlier said it was eyeing to suspend the warrant of arrest against BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato and MILF founding chairman Nur Misuari to enable them to participate in the congressional debate on the proposed measure.
But the government peace panel is lukewarm on the House panel's proposal.
"That is the prerogative of Congress to undertake so we'll take it from them. It is going to be their decision," Ferrer said.
"[The invitation] can also create or affect some of the sensibilities of people who were victimize of the siege last year. So, there will be a balancing act that should be done, some thinking might be needed, if this is the best way for everybody to be part of the process," she added.
The siege she was referring to was the Zamboanga siege last year that killed over 200 people as armed Misuari followers tried to took over the city.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.