ARMM exec backs creation of all-Moro convention

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 28): ARMM exec backs creation of all-Moro convention

A high-ranking official from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is backing the creation of an all-Moro convention as a way forward for the Bangsamoro people in the shift toward federalism.

Bureau of Investments-ARMM chairperson Ishak Mastura expressed support to the government’s all-Moro convention proposed by Mindanao Development Authority chair Abul Khayr Alonto during the hearing of the House committee on constitutional amendments on Wednesday.

"What we really need right now for the Moro people is consensus. This is the way forward for us to build a new Bangsamoro state or Moro region," Mastura said.

The all-Moro convention will serve as a platform where all concerns about the Bangsamoro peace process will be discussed and collectively addressed.

Mastura noted that the convention could also be a platform to include the Bangsamoro people into the discussion on federalism.

Earlier, Alonto cited the need to create an “All-Moro Convention” to tie the loose ends of the peace tracks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"We are more determined to operationalize the policy directive of President Duterte to push for the systemic shift to a federal form of government," Alonto said.

"As such, we will be providing a mechanism that will bring the Moros together to forge unity, ensure their participation in the national discourse on federalism; and isolate the extremist groups within our midst. For this purpose, we will be at the soonest, convening the All Moro Convention," he added.

The MinDa chief believes a federal system is the “ultimate solution” to curtail insurgency.

Under a federal form of government, each of the states will be empowered to provide opportunities for their own people instead of the opportunities being concentrated merely in Metro Manila under the present system.

Each state will retain most of their revenues, or between 75 to 80 percent, so they would also have the resources to improve their local economy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/997910