MILF: Japan, MILF commitment remain despite non-passage of BBL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (May 2): Japan, MILF commitment remain despite non-passage of BBL



Despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Japan, thru the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) commitment to the peace process was once again witnessed with the turnover of 4 Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in the Lanao provinces last April 26-28, 2016.

Days after the historical signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014, then JICA President Akihiko Tanaka met with MILF Chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and both agreed that the gains of the peace process should be immediately felt at the levels of the communities. Out of this agreement and after a series of consultations with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Socio-Economic Office headed by Dir. Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, JICA’s proposal for the implementation of QIPs was approved with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) as one of the implementing agencies.

Out of the several municipalities identified though out Mindanao, 4 from the Lanao provinces were selected to be beneficiaries. These were Tangkal and Munai of Lanao del Norte and Buadipuso-Buntong and Masiu of Lanao del Sur. All municipalities were recipients of a newly built modern Multi-purpose Hall.

Ms. Mamiko Nakada

Mr. Naoyuki Ochiai

During the turnover ceremonies, JICA Cotabato Project Office (CPO) Chief Naoyuki Ochiai and Mamiko Nakada expressed their hopes that the Multi-purpose Halls would be used as a venue for community gatherings such as consultations especially now that the BBL did not pass congress. They further hoped that the buildings be a witness to the realization and establishment of the new Bangsamoro government.

As for the BTC, Engr. Ali highlighted how development important is in the peace process. He also asked the people in the communities to remain positive despite the setback in the process. He cited the failed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was struck down by the Supreme Court for being unconstitutional back in 2008, he said that something good came out of that unfortunate event and that is now the CAB which is substantially more than the MOA-AD.

For the BDA, Lanao Regional Manager Halil Amerol narrated how once those recipient municipalities were very much affected during the war-torn days of the armed struggle. That was the past, he said because the relationship now between the government and the MILF has shifted from adversarial to partnership. He also asked that the people take care of the new buildings as this would reflect the Bangsamoro’s capacity for sustainable governance.

The 4 turnover events were attended by representatives from the BTC including Commissioners Said Sheik and Talib Benito. Representatives from the LGUs also graced the events namely Tangkal Mayor Fatimah Tomawis and Buadipuso-Buntong Mayor Noron Dadayaan. The BBL was failed to pass this congress but the Bangsamoro people in general remain optimistic that it will pass with new administration.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/72-ranao-region/712-japan-milf-commitment-remain-despite-non-passage-of-bbl