The religious sector in Davao City demonstrated its solidarity with the Muslim regions on the day of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite on Monday.
The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), along with the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council, the Al-Qalam Institute, Campus Ministry Office and Samahan Central Board, on Monday, initiated the Candle Lighting for Peace activity in support to the ongoing BOL plebiscite in some areas in Mindanao.
The ceremony was led by ADDU president Fr. Joel E. Tabora, who was very vocal on his support for the law, since it was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last July 2018.
Kristelle Rizardo, Al Qalam communications specialist, said that BOL is not only a concern for Muslims, but for every one residing in Mindanao.
“We organized this candle lighting event because we really see the need for long lasting peace in Mindanao,” Rizardo said.
“The push for a greater autonomy is not only for the Muslims in Mindanao, because it is a national issue. All the tax payers money in the whole country will be poured in these areas once the ratification will be approved,” she said.
Rizardo is optimistic that the BOL will get favorable votes, amidst the minor inconveniences and threats that some areas had encountered before and during the plebiscite.
Al Qalam, together with Salaam Movement (another ADDU Islamic organization), is active in boosting information educational campaign.
Bangsamoro Transition Committee (BTC) member and Al Qalam executive director Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan said in a phone interview that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), one of the proponents of the law, assured that “the BOL will benefit everyone”.
“The BOL is not for the MILF alone, although it might be led by them,” Lidasan said.
The BTC commissioner, who is in Cotabato City during the plebiscite, said that the plebiscite was “generally peaceful”, despite some delays and confusion.
