links: http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/567-milf-disappointed-dismayed-over-non-passage-of-bbl-chairman-al-haj-murad
In a statement issued by the MILF on February 8, 2016, Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said that, “The entire membership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), expressed deep disappointment and grave dismay over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Houses of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines”.He said that this sentiment is mirrored by the tangible frustration of the great majority of the Bangsamoro people, the peace loving populace not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country, and even those in other nations who have been closely following and keenly observing the unfolding of the more than seventeen (17) years of Peace Process between the Government of the Philippines [GPH) and the MILF.
“The BBL would have been the key mechanism in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by and between the GPH and MILF”, Chairman Murad said in the statement.
“As a gesture of good faith and sincerity, the MILF has done its part by faithfully complying with all its obligations and responsibilities under the signed agreements. It has entrusted the passage of the BBL to the GPH since the process was entirely internal to the latter, and all its concerned structures had the obligation to deliver the law that could have truly implemented the terms of the agreements in letter and spirit It was not an easy decision to make and required a great deal of patience, perseverance and steadfastness. It was also fraught with risks and vicissitudes of legislation. But the BBL was no longer in the hands of the MILF since the process and responsibility of delivering the legislative measure had already shifted to the Philippine Government after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission [BTC) submitted it to both Houses of Congress”, the MILF chair also said in the statement.
“Even then the MILF strongly pushed for the passage of the original BBL for the greatest interest of the Bangsamoro people; but it did not and do not claim to be the sole owner of the basic law. This is very clear in all the provisions of the agreements and the BBL. We reiterate our emphasis that the role of the MILF ends after the transition period. The gains of the peace process will not only benefit the MILF but the entire people in area and the country in general. It is at moments like these that we call upon all our Bangsamoro brethren and all peace loving people to join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence the passage of the BBL and the full implementation of the CAB, be it in the present government or the upcoming administration. In spite of the non-passage of the BBL, the MILF will continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved. Towards this end, MILF will endeavor to sustain the relevant infrastructure of the peace process and our military forces will, at all times, maintain its defensive posture. It will remain as a revolutionary organization until it officially joins the government in accordance with the agreed road map in the implementation process of the CAB”, Chairman Murad said.
The MILF chair expressed the Moro front’s profound gratitude and appealed to Malaysia, the facilitating country of the Peace Process, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the various countries that supported the process, United Nations agencies and international NGOs, be they part of the formal structures of the GPH-MILF peace process or not, as well as sympathizers to continue and intensify their efforts in supporting the advancement of the peace process and use their influence to ensure that the next Philippine government will uphold and faithfully implement the CAB in accordance with the agreed roadmap.
Chairman Murad enjoined all Officers, Commanders and Members of the MILF Political Wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) to strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF Central Committee, and to uphold the primary of the peace process while maintaining their vigilance and perseverance as they continue the consolidation and capability building programs of the organization.
Chairman Murad MILF called upon the Bangsamoro people and the other people in the area to remain patient. We urge you to become the beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice. This impasse should not lead anyone of us astray and be swayed by elements unreasonably instigating for radicalism. Let us always make reason and wisdom prevail over emotion.
BANGSAMORO FRAMEFORK
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS WEBSITES
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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