Gov’t. peace negotiator calls on PMA cadets to work for peace and development in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 10): Gov’t. peace negotiator calls on PMA cadets to  work for peace and development in Mindanao

A government peace negotiator called on the  Philippine Military Academy(PMA) cadets, as future front-liners in defending the  country from insurgency and external threats,  to  work for peace in Mindanao to propel socio – economic development in the region.

Professor Miriam Coronel – Ferrer made the call during the forum on the Bangsamoro peace process and Cordillera autonomy at PMA on March 9.

Ferrer  explained that  the non – passage of the Basic Bangsamoro Law(BBL) by the 16th Congress does not affect the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)  despite some reports of isolated encounters in Mindanao.

The Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement signed between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF on March 27, 2014 to end hostilities and promote peace and stability in the Bangsamoro area remains binding.

The CAB is the basis for the BBL, a proposed law which when approved will create a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and ‘provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance’.

On the importance of the continuing peace agreement with MILF, Ferrer stressed that aside from avoiding a bigger conflict, the Armed Forces of the Philippines can focus on addressing insurgency and on external defense especially with the maritime dispute on the West Philippine Sea.

Ferrier hopes that the next administration will continue to push for the passage of the BBL which can finally end the armed conflict in Mindanao that has caused loss of lives in the long struggle for social justice and autonomy.

The Philippine Constitution provides for the creation of  autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and  the Cordillera to hasten development and  ensure the rights and protection of people from being marginalized and against social and economic inequalities.

MILF  peace panel and Bangsamoro Transition Team chair Mohagher Iqbal   shared the  frustrations among the Bangsamoro people  on   the non-passage of the BBL  as they are committed to the peace agreement . The way forward is to wait for the pending bill to be re-filed or a new one to be filed in the next administration that will ensure that a genuine Basic Law will be enacted for the Bangsamoro region, he said.

The forum was initiated by MindaNews and the Philippine Information Agency Mindanao Cluster headed by PIA – Region XI Regional Director Efren Elbanbuena, in cooperation with PIA Cordillera Regional Office.

Elbanbuena, in a statement, disclosed that he came up with the idea of bringing the forum in Baguio to impart  knowledge on the BBL  and  what is going on in Mindanao and about the Muslims, and  to ease the tension  on  Mamasapano incident last year where  44  Special Action Force commandos were killed  including 14 Cordillerans.

This was the first time that both head of the peace panel – Ferrer for the Philippine Government and Igbal for the MILF  were in Baguio for an advocacy event. Elbanbuena added.

Also gracing the event was Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and PMA officials led by Superintendent MGen. Donato san Juan II.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/61457581348/gov-t-peace-negotiator-calls-on-pma-cadets-to-work-for-peace-and-development-in-mindanao