MILF Peace Implementing Panel conducts Advocacy, Dialogue in Tawi Tawi

Chairman Mohagher Iqbal of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel gave updates on the GPH-MILF Peace Process and elucidated some provisions of the BBL, so that  common understanding of the law will be achieved. 

He also mentioned chronologically the events of the Bangsamoro struggle, vis-a-viz from the time of the formation of the MNLF, New MNLF, then MILF to the start of negotiation which was then in domestic form. 

Later, the peace process elevated thru the observance and monitoring by international community with the creation of a peace process mechanism, the International Contact Group and Malaysian government serving as facilitator. The later part of the peace process brought the stages of signing documents and agreements that leads to the crafting of BBL and its submission to congress.

Representative Sahali told the crowd that few days from now, she and other Mindanaoan lawmakers are going to sponsor the bill in Congress. She proclaimed that she supports the enactment of the BBL because she believes that it is the immediate answer to the clamor of the entire Bangsamoro people. She also added, “We should put political interest at the back”.

One of the issues taken up was about extremism.  Sheikh Abdulhadie  Gumander said with reference to the Sunnah, there is no such thing as “Extremism”. Even in the early days, of Da’wah (Islamic Call) by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the days of the Sahabah (The prophets Companions) and up to the present days of Islamic scholars, it is always moderation in every aspect of life that is being inculcated with the believers. Any movement or practices devoid of the teachings from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah is considered not Islamic. Islam means peace, and we should not introduce innovations, neither encourage violence.

On the problem on disunity, a move is necessary to strengthen Da’wah programs, and similar dialogues be held.  These are perceived steps to counter radicalization.

The discussions/dialogue came up with a view that, to be united as one Bangsamoro in the pursuit for dignified and just peace is one of the ways forward to the realization of right to self-determination. 

The program was in cooperation with Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) MILF Peace Implementing Panel members present who answered some questions of the participants were Former Commissioner Abdula Camlian, Marjanie S. Mimbantas and Commissioner Ibrahim Ali. The Secretariat was headed by Engr, Mohajirin Ali, Professor Eddie Alih and Atty Lanang Ali, Jr.