Archdiocese of Davao hosts Bangsamoro Basic Law Forum

To give the members of the Ecclesiastical subregion of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati (DADITAMA) a concrete idea about the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Archdiocese of Davao has hosted a forum at the University of Immaculate Conception Bajada Auditorium, November 27.

The forum has 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 1st District in Zamboanga City.

OPAPP Secretary 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 a territory.

“Bangsamoro is an identity, not a political identity,” she said, adding that BBL is about creating a new government in the Bangsamoro.
Congressman 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 to the existing laws and the Philippine Constitution.

“The existing national laws will be affected like the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) law,” he added.

Deles said MILF is scheduled to decommission their firearms on the first quarter of 2015 or on the second quarter.
Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles also said that the forum is the peoples’ participation in God’s desire for peace.

He added everyone have sentiments and dreams for peace for all, a long and lasting peace in Mindanao at that.
The forum is assisted by the Catholic Relief Services and UIC. (@johnfrancesf)