MAGPET, North Cotabato – The recently-passed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was designed to be inclusive and not exclusive to some sectors of Mindanao that desire for peace and development on the island.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza issued this statement in a speech during the 55th foundation anniversary of this town Monday.
“This (BOL) is not only for the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro people–but for all,” Dureza told hundreds of residents, including members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in North Cotabato.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed on July 27 the BOL, the enabling law for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signaling high hopes for all the people of Mindanao and not only the Moro people.
The government and MILF forged the CAB in 2014 in Malacañang. The BOL serves as the implementing rules and regulations of the CAB.
“There must be inclusivity, not exclusivity,” Dureza said. “The new law recognizes the diversity and ethnicity of the people of Mindanao, especially the indigenous peoples (IPs).”
Addressing the IPs in Magpet, Dureza stressed that the President is keen on giving attention to the “lumads” (homegrown tribes) of Mindanao.
“Each (tribal) group has its own perspective and concerns,” he said, noting that Magpet’s 29 barangays have “lumads” in their respective populations.
Dureza, a long-time peace advocate, said: “in our work for peace, we need to give importance to all stakeholders.”
Under the Duterte administration, Dureza said IP issues are not ignored but “being decisively addressed by government.” He said working for peace is not an easy task and entails dealing with rebel organizations that have varied and competing ideologies.
Recognizing this reality, Dureza said the current peace and security situation in Mindanao cannot be resolved mainly through military force. He noted that conflict-affected areas in Mindanao are less developed and poverty-stricken.
Under the Duterte administration’s peace and development roadmap, Dureza said it is crucial not only to sign peace agreements “but also to bring in development. Peace is needed to sustain development. They must come hand in hand.”
After his speaking engagement, Dureza met with the Magpet lumad community and assured them of the national government’s continued support. Dureza said this is the reason behind the establishment of the IP Peace Panelm which is headed by lawyer Reuben Lingating.
“You are among the most affected. We are not only here to listen but act on your concerns,” he said.
In the same meeting, Lingating noted that despite the existence of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) law signed 28 years ago, Mindanao’s IPs have yet to enjoy its benefits. He challenged the IPs to unite, plan, and work hard towards making their communities peaceful and progressive. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
