Deles enlists mayors’ help in bringing peace to Mindanao

PAMPANGA -Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles urged mayors from Mindanao to help the government in explaining the salient points of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to their constituents towards achieving enduring peace in the region during the Mindanao Island Conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines held in Clark, Pampanga. Speaking in front of around 400 mayors, the peace adviser shared that our collective dream is to wake up to a new Mindanao enjoying an enduring peace, where people are free to travel to every nook and corner, where children can be assured of the chance to grow up and grow old, and lead creative and productive lives.” I urge you, as mayors of your municipalities, to hold public forums to help the public get a better understanding of the proposed BBL, and get the public involved in understanding its salient points,” Deles said. The President cannot do this alone—he needs your help. We need your help. Help us explain the BBL to your constituents, and light the torch of peace in your localities.” Deles made this call in light public hearings and consultations being conducted by both houses of Congress in key areas in the southern Philippines to achieve a fair, transparent, and sober discussion” on the proposed law anchored on the Constitution, and guided solely by national interest and our people’s aspiration for genuine peace and progress.” Failure not an option The peace adviser also recognized the collective efforts from different sectors in making sure peace prospers in Mindanao. Our peace journey has reached this far because so many people cared enough for it to prosper and, because given the enormous costs that war has brought to bear upon the people of Mindanao, we all know that failure is never an option.” This is why it is important for our local leaders to be involved in public hearings and dialogues about the Bangsamoro. We want a law that would stand the test of time, and would bring our brothers and sisters closer together,” Deles added. Deles noted that delivering the promises of peace goes beyond the signing of the final peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the passage of the law, and the plebiscite. Habang sumusulong tayo sa daan ng pagtatatag ng Bangsamoro, lalong dadami, at magiging mas mahirap ang ating kakaharapin.” While Congress is deliberating and conducting due diligence on the proposed BBL, Deles notes that the normalization process is also underway.” Normalization aims to return conflict-affected communities in Mindanao to a peaceful life, wherein people could pursue sustainable livelihoods.” It has three main components—security, socioeconomic development, and transitional justice and reconciliation—and banks on the collective efforts of different local and international partners and stakeholders. Optimistic, the peace adviser underscored that where conflict once reigned, peace and progress will soon flourish.” Muslims, Christians, and indigenous peoples from all corners of the south will have jobs to apply for, schools to study in, and opportunities to plant and raise food for the rest of the country. This can only be possible when we stand strong and united on the side of genuine peace. We have to stay the course.”