Davao forum explains Bangsamoro law

DAVAO CITY — To give the members of the Ecclesiastical sub-region of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati (DADITAMA) a concrete idea about the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Archdiocese of Davao hosted a forum at the University of Immaculate Conception Bajada Auditorium on Nov. 27.The forum gathered representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary Teresita Deles Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Atty. Haron S. Meling of the Government of the Philippines Peace Panel and Congressman Celso Lobregat of the 1st District in Zamboanga City. Deles gave a backgrounder on the proposed BBL which is now pending in Congress.Deles said the Bangsamoro are still Filipinos though they will have greater self-governance in their territory. Bangsamoro is an identity, not a political identity,” she said, adding that BBL is about creating a new government in the Bangsamoro. Lobregat also noted his apprehensions about the proposed BBL, saying that MILF should have a definite time to lay down their firearms.He also told about the effects of BBL on existing laws and on the Philippine Constitution. The existing national laws will be affected like the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) law,” he added.Deles said the MILF is scheduled to decommission their firearms in the first quarter of 2015 or in the second quarter.Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles also said the forum is the peoples’ participation in God’s desire for peace.”He added everyone has sentiments and dreams for peace for all — long and lasting peace in Mindanao at that.The forum is assisted by the Catholic Relief Services and University of the Immaculate Conception.(John Frances C. Fuentes/CBCP News)