Cardinal Quevedo calls Congress to continue BBL deliberations for ‘peace sake’

KIDAPAWAN CITY -Orlando Cardinal Quevedo of the Archdiocese of Cotabato has again called on legislators to continue their deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a proposal crafted from the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Quevedo, who led a peace forum on the BBL in Metro Manila on Monday, said that it’s vital that Senate and the Lower House see the merits of the BLL and should push for its improvements or refinements. But, he stressed, the deliberations should be done in an ‘atmosphere of rationality.’ There should be no more anger and resentments [on the part of our legislators].This is our long-term concern, that is to reduce peoples’ biases [against the Muslims] and to help create a culture of dialogue and peace in Mindanao,” said the Cardinal. Quevedo was main convener of the, Friends for Peace”,an independent group of peace workers from the ranks of civil society for the common purpose offostering harmony among tri-peoples of Mindanao, that is, the Muslims, lumads, Christians, and members of other religious traditions. Quevedo said the, Friends for Peace”, also engages with the primary politicalactors and key stakeholders to promote peace through dialogues and consultations in support of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the consolidation of peace in Bangsamoro and the wider Mindanao area. He said their vision goes beyond the implementation of the BBL and into the formation of a human ecology of harmony and peace among various ethnic groups and religious traditions. The group, the Cardinal stressed, has come together to reflect on events and offer insights to Filipino leaders, constituents and communities on the need to move forward, give meaning to the sacrifice of those who have fallen and find solutions to achieve durable peace. The many initiatives done in response to calls for truth and justice, for rebuilding of trust and confidence amongst our people, and many such peace activities are already contributions towards finding the road to peace once more,” he explained. For the Cardinal, the launching of the Friends for Peace on Monday is an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the continuing task of strengthening the peace fabric. I hope that our efforts will help build the legacy of sustained peace and development in our homeland,” he said.