Photo courtesy of Yusoph Lumambas, UNYPAD

EU urged to continue intervention in Mindanao whether peace process will succeed or fail

• Feb 9, 2018
• Gandhi Kinjiyo, Luwaran
• HITS: 1076

Moro youth leaders called on the European Union (EU) to continue its interventions in Mindanao whether the peace process will succeed or fail.

In a meeting with a 7-man EU delegation held at United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) on January 31, 2018, selected Moro youth leaders pitched the call for EU’s continuous support to the Bangsamoro to usher peace and development in Southern Philippines.

The young Moro leaders also expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of Bangsamoro problem will be reached. 

The meeting, organized by UNYPAD, was part of the scoping mission of EU to draw information on the progress of the peace process and learn the issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people including radicalism.

UNYPAD President Dr. Rahib Kudto shared the current peace and development programs in the community and the socio-economic and political context in Mindanao.

He also shared UNYPAD’s programs to help address the rising violent extremism and promotion of Bangsamoro peace process to gain public support.

Young Advocates for Peace and Development Network (YAPDN) President, Morsidin Husain, noted the decisive leadership of President Duterte and hoped that the current administration will be able to deliver the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is the commitment of the government in the signed peace agreement with the MILF.

The enhanced BBL was drafted by the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which includes representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front, Indigenous People and Christian Settlers.

The draft law was already submitted to the Office of the President and the Philippine Congress. At present, the House of Representatives and Senate are conducting public consultations to hear public opinion on the BBL.

If approved, BBL will lay down the foundations for the establishment of new autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more fiscal and political powers. It will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The European visitors acknowledged the important role of the Moro youth in peace and development of the Bangsamoro homeland. They expressed gratitude to UNYPAD for facilitating the meeting. 

EU is among the members of international communities that has been supportive to the peace process and has been providing development assistance to Mindanao. (Source: UNYPAD)

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