Bangsamoro Transition Commission hopeful on normalization annex

From ABS-CBN (Jan 22): Bangsamoro Transition Commission hopeful on normalization annex

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is hopeful that the annex on normalization will be signed this week during the 43rd round of peace talks between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Peace talks between the two sides resumed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

"Hopefully, kasi konti na lang yung natitirang issue sa normalization annex, kabilang dito yung decommissioning ng mga armas ng BIAF-MILF," Commissioner Atty. Raissa Jajurie said.

Among the issues to be tackled during this round of talks is the Bangsamoro waters, which is also part of the power-sharing portion.

The BTC's primary role is the drafting of the Bangsamoro basic law.

"Sana mapirmahan na ito, kasi hindi magiging kumpleto yung basehan ng pagda-draft namin ng Bangsamoro basic law pag wala ito," Jajurie said.

Meanwhile, Secretary Teresita "Ging" Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) reacted to the Moro National Liberation Front's (MNLF) rejection of calls to unite with the MILF in crafting the Bangsamoro basic law.

She clarified that the proposal is for the MNLF to participate in the crafting of the envisioned Bangsamoro basic law (BBL), and not to unite in "crafting a peace deal" with the government.

"The fact is peace negotiations between GPH and MILF are coming to a close, with the projected outcome being the enactment of a new law that will put in place the Bangsamoro government with all its improved provisions for achieving a strengthened autonomy in the region," Deles said.

She reiterated that the Bangsamoro basic law is not just for the MILF but for the entire Bangsamoro people.

"We continue to hope that the various MNLF leadership blocs will come around to seeing the value of engaging themselves, together with other Bangsamoro stakeholders, in crafting the best possible law for the Bangsamoro," she said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/22/14/bangsamoro-transition-commission-hopeful-normalization-annex