Bangsamoro people must unite – Paglat Vice- Mayor Kali

Kali emphasized the importance of unity among the Moro people to achieve a peaceful and prosperous community. 

The symposium was organized by the MILF Damakling Political Committee in partnership with the Municipality of Paglat. 

He said the Moro people want the government to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to end the armed conflict in Mindanao.

Professor Esmael A. Abdula, President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI) and Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) Training Officer said the Moro people must exert effort to support, and sustain the current peace process between the Philippine Government and the MILF. 

Abdula added the MILF and the Moro people want the BBL crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to be legislated first before federalism.

The BBL is explicitly expressed in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF on March 27, 2014 at the Malacañan Palace, Manila.

“Unity among Bangsamoro people regardless of affiliations and beliefs is the key to achieve the Bangsamoro right to self-determination”, Abdula underscored.

While the symposium was ongoing, a member of Paglat-based Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) approached this writer, and said, “We are counting on the wisdom, and sincerity of President Rodrigo Duterte to fast track the passage of BBL, otherwise there can be no peace in our communities”. 

“Hostilities will resume as many frustrated youths will result to a more drastic acts despite getting tired of war for so long”, he added.