Peace Through Dialogue and the Bangsamoro Organic Law

(Manifesto of the Bishops-Ulama Conference)

We, the delegates of the Bishops-Ulama Conference 45th General Assembly, duly convened on 27th of November 2018 at Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, inspired by messages presented by our speakers, express our collective sentiments.

Whereas, recognizing that we all belong to one human family;

Whereas, believing that we are all gifted with a sense of spirituality;

Whereas, we all share responsibility for the common good;

Hereby manifest the following:

1. The BOL addresses the historical injustices as well as the aspirations of the Muslim communities for an autonomous region. It likewise affirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines as one country. The BOL is the result of an extended dialogue through earlier agreements and peace negotiations.
2. We acknowledge the fears and the insecurities expressed by minority communities on the ground about possible abuses arising from the BOL. These anxieties are however offset by the clear provisions in the BOL — e.g., guaranteeing the bill of rights for every resident, Moro or non-Moro, to property, and freedom of religion. For Indigenous People communities, the IPRA is explicitly safeguarded. The Sharia’h Law will also apply only to Muslims.
3. The continuing challenge for us as religious leaders and for our communities is the transformation of our own values to work for a just and sustainable peace in Mindanao. Ultimately, it will be the residents of the envisioned Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to answer the questions regarding the selection of their members in parliament and to assure that the general welfare prevails over individual interests.

The Transition Road Map of the BOL over the next three years should be characterized by the theme of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace: “Peace Through Dialogue: Our Destiny.”

As peace in our destiny, we pray that Muslims, Christians, and Lumad join hands, hearts, and souls for the success of the BOL as our hope for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

“Invite mankind, O Muhammad, to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.” (Surah 16, verse 125)

“In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 2:78-79)

SIGNED:

Abp. Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla,
Co-convenor

Judge Aboali Cali
Co-convenor

Bishop Emeritus Hilario M. Gomez, Jr.
Co-convenor