MANILA — A Mindanao prelate on Friday said the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) by President Rodrigo Duterte is a welcome development to achieve peace in the region.
“It is a welcome development in our desire to have peace in Mindanao,” Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad said in an interview.
At the same time, the Catholic prelate is hoping that Muslims would be one in supporting the signing of the BOL.
“Hope our Muslim brothers and sisters are also united on this noble dream. I say this because another rebel group known as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) seems to be against it,” he said.
Jumoad said he hopes the implementation of the law would be inclusive and respect other religions.
“Also if ever it will be voted positively during the plebiscite, religious freedom will always be respected,” he said.
“Islamic culture must not be obliged to be followed by the Catholics. Respect of religious traditions must prevail. Peace and harmony will be enjoyed if this new Bangsamoro government is inclusive and does not discriminate others,” the Ozamiz archbishop added.
On Thursday, Malacañang announced the signing of the BOL which aims to form a new Bangsamoro political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
