The government will launch a massive and intense information
and education campaign to convince more Filipinos, especially the high number
of the undecided, to understand and support the proposed Bangsamoro Basic
Law(BBL).
Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on
the Peace Process, said that while 44% of Filipinos said they disagreed with
the BBL, a high percentage--36%--also said they are undecided on their position
in the survey conducted by polling firm Pulse Asia from March 1-7 among 1,200
respondents nationwide.
"It means that many have not made up their minds and
would benefit from an intensified information, education, and communications
program (IEC) on the BBL," Deles explained.
She said an intense information blitz may also sway part of
the 44% to support the draft law.
Lack of support comes from lack of information
"I wonder how many of them have read the BBL,"
asked Deles when asked to comment on the survey result that 44% of Filipinos
disagree with the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL. "Knowing
that many of them most likely lack information or are misinformed, then we
still have a chance to significantly decrease that number with an IEC on
BBL."
"No doubt about it, the 44% also reflects the result of
the serious misinformation which has been spread regarding the BBL," she
added. "Maraming mga maling impormasyon ang kumalat, (Too much
misinformation was spread) -- wrong information on the peace process, the
negotiating panels, and of course on the BBL, so we already expected that there
will be a higher number on those who will disagree."
In the weeks following the tragic results of a law
enforcement operation by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force
(PNP-SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25, 2015, that left at least
67 dead, the peace process being pursued by the Aquino Administration with the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF came under heavy criticism.
Survey conducted after nation reeled from Mamasapano
The peace adviser said that the January 25 incident left the
nation reeling.
"It was a very difficult time for the country, with the
grief that we all felt over the deaths of so many in one incident. And it
provided the much-awaited opportunity for many to pursue their interests
against the BBL or the Aquino Administration, political or otherwise."
The peace adviser pointed out that although the difference
between those who agreed, 21%, and those who disagreed, 44%, to the passage of
BBL is significant, the numbers still offer hope for the peace process,
especially the 36% who remain undecided.
Deles said she believes many who disagreed with the BBL will
change their minds and support the Bangsamoro if they are to know and
understand the BBL and the good it will bring to fellow Filipinos and the
country.
"Tayong mga Pilipino kasi ay likas na mapagmalasakit at
matulungin sa kapwa. Basta alam nating tama, tutulong at tutulong tayo sa mga
naaapi at nangangailangan (Filipinos are naturally kind-hearted and like
helping other people. As long as we know it is right, we will help the
downtrodden and the needy)," she said.
"Making our people see the truth from the many lies
that have been told about the peace process is a challenge that we are
confident we will overcome. If we were able to successfully achieve a high 88%
awareness on the BBL before the Mamasapano incident happened, we will certainly
work hard to achieve as much, if not more, than that with a well-informed public
who support the BBL."
Deles said that this can also be true of the 62% from Mindanao who disagree with the passage of the BBL.
"I think that fear borne out of misinformation has
something to do with it. Even before the Mamasapano incident, there were already
rumors being spread around of prohibitions against certain practices of
Christians, etc., that will be imposed, or that the take-over by the MILF of
local government rule once the Bangsamoro is established. These are falsehoods
that our people are working hard to correct."
The peace adviser also said that the number does not reflect
the true sentiments of the Bangsamoro who comprise approximately 18% only of
the 17.8 million population of the whole Mindanao
region. "The voices of communities who are most affected by the ravages of
conflict remain strong in their call for peace.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=746351
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