A coalition
of development Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) called the Philippine
Congress to stay the course of peace, continue the deliberations on the
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and faithfully fulfill its duty of ensuring that an
effective and inclusive BBL is passed.
The Caucus
of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) said in a statement, “It has
been a year after the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was
signed. The BBL should remain true to the provisions of the CAB and the
aspirations of the people and communities who have steadfastly participated and
invested in the peace process and the different existing agreements between the
Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF).”
The group
also calls on those both in the Bangsamoro and non-Bangsamoro areas, “to
constructively participate in this process, and to keep ourselves properly
informed in this discourse, so we can all contribute to addressing the mutual
distrust and biases against the Moros; distrust and biases which are linked to
the still very limited knowledge and appreciation of the history of Mindanao
and the Bangsamoro.”
“We condemn
in the strongest possible way the efforts of some sectors to derail and stop
the passage of the BBL, by spreading confusion and misinformation, stoking
biases and prejudices, and harmful politicking, particularly after the
ill-fated police operations in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, 2015,”
it said.
The group
pointed out, “While we believe that it is important to have a complete and
balanced investigation of the Mamasapano incident that would lead to
accountability and justice, the process for exacting truth and accountability
related to that incident is independent of the process and the gains which have
been so far achieved in the Bangsamoro talks.”
The BBL,
the fruit of 17 years of peace negotiation between the government and the MILF,
is now in the hands of lawmakers for review and deliberation.
Peace
advocate groups drumbeat their call for the passage of the measure which they
believe could bring justice, peace and development of the Bangsamoro
people.
President
Aquino who wants the Bangsamoro autonomous government be established in his
term had already called on the lawmakers for BBL passage.
The MILF
which is entrusted by the Bangsamoro people to negotiate with the government
hopes the BBL will not be watered down.
“While
we believe that it is important to have a complete and balanced investigation
of the Mamasapano incident that would lead to accountability and justice, the
process for exacting truth and accountability related to that incident is
independent of the process and the gains which have been so far achieved in the
Bangsamoro talks,” CODE-NGO said.
The
coalition calls for an all-out-peace and denounces the prejudices against
Filipino Muslim sisters and brothers.
“We stand
on the silent work being done by many CSOs in communities throughout Mindanao , for sustainable development that can only be
achieved if rooted in peace and justice.”
“We stand
on the long history of learning with and from these communities, on the
complexity of the roots of conflict in Bangsamoro. We will continue to stand
with them, as we continue to work towards a peaceful, just and prosperous Philippines
CODE-NGO
envisages to be the largest coalition of competent, credible and committed
development CSOs in the Philippines
Its mission
is to be a trusted national voice of civil society and to advance the
capacities of CSOs to exercise transformative leadership.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/835-stay-the-course-of-peace-by-passing-the-bbl-csos-tell-congress
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