The Mindanao’s Sultanates held their 1st Grand Summit with the theme, “In Unity there is Strength, In Solidarity there is Peace” in Davao City on February 23rd, a MindaNews report said.
They declared support to the peace efforts and proposal for a shift to a federal form of government of the Duterte administration.
Rep. Suharto T. Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat said that the gathering is essential to the success of the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
While admitting that though the sultans no longer exercise political powers, as traditional leaders, they still command respect among the Moro people that dates back to the pre-colonial period.
He said that the traditional leaders have formed a confederation to strengthen the Moro people to ensure the success of the peace efforts with the MILF and the MNLF.
Datu Manaros Simbaan, of the Royal Sultanate of Masiu, said that the convergence is “a symbol of unity” among the traditional leaders who seek peace and development in Mindanao through the government’s peace efforts and push for a shift to federalism.
“All stakeholders of Mindanao must be represented in order to know the strategy to succeed in the peace process. The sultanates – they are the chieftains of their communities where they can express the real sentiment of their own people,” he said.
Datu Tungko Saikol admitted that although they have no power like a barangay captain, mayor, governors, but when it comes to our families, our clans, we have a say because they listen to us.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1092-confederation-of-royal-sultanates-in-mindanao-holds-1st-grand-summit
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