BARMM satisfied with PBBM's handling of Mindanao peace process

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2023): BARMM satisfied with PBBM's handling of Mindanao peace process (By Edwin Fernandez)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao administration building in Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY – The leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has expressed satisfaction with the way President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is handling the Mindanao peace process.

Andrew Alonto, director of the BARMM Bureau of Public Information, recalled that one of Marcos earliest actions in the region was the appointment of the new set of Members of Parliament.

Alonto was referring to the President’s adherence to the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“A clear indication the President is faithful to what is stated in the CAB and BOL – that the transition period shall be MILF led,” Alonto said in an interview Monday. “No doubt the BARMM leadership is satisfied with the current administration of President Marcos.”

Alonto added that they see the continuous progress in the implementation of the provisions of the agreement, like the Intergovernmental Relations Body.

He also noted that Marcos supports the immediate return of a Department of Foreign Affairs office in Cotabato City and the establishment of the Professional Regulatory Commission in the region.

“Just recently, we also witnessed how President Marcos supports the signing of a circular on Intergovernmental Energy Board, allowing us to jointly award Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in BARMM,” Alonto said.

In the political landscape, the official said Marcos "also excellently and competently" managed the situation in the division of Maguindanao province.

“It was very problematic at first but through the supportive intervention of the President, issues were ironed out peacefully,” he said.

It's also noteworthy to remember that the President personally visited BARMM in November days after Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, which damaged many communities in BARMM.

Alonto also noted that it was unprecedented that the President has repeatedly invited BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim in Malacañang to grace important events.

Touching the hearts of the Bangsamoro

Bai Maleiha Candao, a parliamentarian at the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), echoed Alonto’s statement, saying Marcos has truly touched the hearts of the people for continuing the cause of peace in the region.

“I was amazed by the way he stood up for the Bangsamoro Muslims when he welcomed with sincerity the leaders of the BARMM headed by Chief Minister Ebrahim in Manila recently,” she said.

She said the President showed he is a true leader who looks beyond history and continued the task left by former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Alhamdullilah (Praise be to the God). I can feel the sincerity of President Marcos and I want to thank him from my heart for his support to our leaders of the BARMM and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Candao said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205754