Duterte courts MILF; vows to pass BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27): Duterte courts MILF; vows to pass BBL

CAMP DARAPANAN, Sultan Kudarat -- PDP-Laban presidential standard bearer Mayor Rodrigo Duterte courted the hierarchy of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to give Federalism a chance but vowed to work for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) if he becomes president.

This was Duterte's commitment during his visit here Saturday to meet with the MILF leadership to explain his take about the Mindanao problem, federalism and the BBL.

Duterte was given a warm welcome by MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar and the seven members of the MILF central committee.

The mayor, however, clarified his commitment to pass BBL does not mean to get votes from MILF knowing the Moro group as apolitical.

"I am here to state my position clearly," he said.

Duterte, who was asked by Jaafar how he would revive the BBL, said he would embark or create a commission with representations from different Muslim tribes, lumads and Christians to work on a consensus for BBL vis-a-vis a federal set up.

He said BBL would be incorporated in the federal republic of the Philippines as an organic structure, including all other settlement not only for the Bangsamoro but other Muslim tribes, the Cordillera and Bicolanos who have aspired for self-rule.

He said the BBL would become a model for autonomous government.

"Ibibigay ko yan sa inyo (I will give it to you)," he told Jaafar.

Duterte admitted it would be challenging to draw support for BBL especially the feudal.

"But trust me I will make sure it will have a legal basis...it will be one chapter (in the Constitution)," he added.

Duterte said a federal set up would take time.

The establishment of a Bangsamoro territory would have happened through the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Congress however adjourned without passing BBL.

Duterte has been offering federalism as an alternative to BBL. He said federalism will not only make the aspirations of the Moro possible, but also of the entire Mindanao, including the indigenous people.

He blamed the troubles of Mindanao to the current set up of the government where power is concentrated in Manila, at the disposal of those who are in power.

Duterte’s push for federalism would result to “power-sharing, resources-sharing, respect-for-all and development-for-all.”

“They dribbled BBL,” he told Jaafar.

"You just hang on. Let's talk. BBL - I am confident you can have it," he said

Like a volcano

He warned that the Mindanao conflict will continue if the government will not be able to “correct the historical wrong committed against the Moro people.”

“If this will explode we can only expect for the worst, he said.

He said he has been asking the Moro people to be patient.

“I have been asking our brothers and sisters to wait for a while, to wait for the right time. I promised them that we will come up with something that will solve their problems,” he said.

Duterte underscored the sensitivity of the BBL. "I am here to plead to postpone any action," he said.

Jaafar admitted they were disappointed at the way the government handled the negotiation. "It is a social volcano ready to explode...someday but I don't know when," Jaafar said.

Jaafar however assured the mayor nobody will shoot.

Warm reception

The MILF accorded Duterte a warm welcome. Jaafae even introduced him to the members of the Central Committee as the mext president.

According to Jaafar, he admired Duterte how he handled Davao city that it has progressed over the years.

Even if it means losing the election because of his pro-Muslim stance, Duterte said it is a matter of principle.

He said the MILF, the communist organization and the Moro National Liberation Front are part of nationbuilding hence must be treated equally and fairly unlike the criminals.

Last week, the MILF leadership issued a statement after the non-passage of the BBL that would have paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In a two-page, nine paragraph statement issued February 18 and signed by MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the MILF called on the Bangsamoro and other peace-loving people to uphold the peace process and “join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence” the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) “be it in the present government or the upcoming administration.”

It expressed its “deep disappointment and grave dismay” over the non-passage of the BBL” but said it will “continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved.”

Warm reception

The MILF accorded Duterte a warm welcome. Jaafar even introduced him to the members of the Central Committee as the mext president.

According to Jaafar, he admired Duterte how he handled Davao city that it has progressed over the years.

Jaafar hoped that if Duterte becomes president he can do the same to the entire nation.

Jaafar said they liked his agenda on crimes, drugs and corruption because these are forbidden to the Muslims.

It was Duterte's first time visit to the MILF camp.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=861405