Christian Leaders-MILF: Dialogue on BOL

For me it was a significant and historic event. It took place in the Insular Hotel here in Davao City from 26-28 September 2018.

The Christian leaders were Catholic and Protestant bishops, priests and pastors residing in the so-called Bangsamoro territory as stated in the recently approved BOL or Bangsamoro Organic Law. Headed by Orlando Cardenal Quevedo and Bishop Edwin de la Peña, they call themselves Convergence of Christian Leaders (CCL).

The big component of MILF officials were headed by Al Hajj Murad Ibrahim and Mohagher Iqbal together with MNLF Muslimin Sema. The Government was represented by Atty. Wendel E. Avisado, Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns. I was invited as guest observer.

The smooth and free-wheeling dialogue was termed historic because this appeared to be the first time that the prominent Christian leaders from Cotabato and Lanao provinces, and the Cities of Marawi and Basilan, and the Central Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front were able to discuss and clarify the rights and privileges of Christians according to the BOL.

What was significant was the clear and friendly responses of the Muslim leaders later contained in Joint Manifesto entiled “Blessed are the peacemakers”.