Davao peace advocates hold solidarity event for BBL passage

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Davao peace advocates hold solidarity event for BBL passage

DAVAO CITY--Members of the All Out Peace Davao gathered at the Freedom Park here on Wednesday morning as they joined the call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is being tackled at the Bicameral Conference Committee.

Randy Ponteras, All Out Peace Davao spokesperson, told local reporters they are hoping the BBL would pass the bicameral conference.

“Dugay na natong gisalikway ang giyera. Ang mga sibilyan is longing for peace so if the solution for this is to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law they should pass it now (We have rejected war long time ago. The civilians are longing for peace and if the solution for this is to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law, they should pass it now),” Ponteras said.

“The BBL is our call for peace not only with the Moro but also with the Christians and Muslims,” he added.

Ponteras said the solidarity event is held simultaneously in four key cities (Iligan, Cagayan De Oro and Cotabato city) in Mindanao, dubbed as “Kongreso Katawhan (People’s Conference),” which mirrors the bicameral conference.

A press statement from the group on Tuesday said representatives from different communities and sectors advocating peace will pass their own version of a basic law, which hinges on the values of truth and justice.

The peace advocates said they look forward to a legislation that addresses social and historical injustices, asserts meaningful autonomy, and affirms the people’s right to self- determination.

They also called on the Bicam committee to help “heal the wounds of violent conflict and achieve a genuine peace.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1041173