Long and tedious process

HIGH HOPES FOR A BANGSAMORO ENTITY – There is a need to inform thoroughly the people in affected areas concerning the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement entered into between the government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the implications of any final decision on the matter. The Framework Agreement has been the subject of much discussion and debates the past weeks. It has been said that it would take more than just an acceptable deal to reach the main objective of the new Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Principal crafters of the Framework Agreement said the proposed new Bangsamoro autonomous region is long overdue therefore imperative and urgent. And because of the deferment, the aspirations for peace and unity continue to elude the people of Muslim Mindanao. Much has been said that the creation of an expanded autonomous territory will enable its constituencies to improve governance, people empowerment and hasten development of the Bangsamoro homeland.
The GRP-MILF peace panels agreed on many aspects during a series of meetings and a signing of preliminary peace accord between the two parties will take place on October 15. Representatives from different groups that helped on the peace process were invited to witness the signing of the so-called ‘momentous event’ that opened opportunities in the creation of the Bangsamoro entity by 2016. A panel of Malaysian observers who acted as facilitators during the peace talks was also invited to witness the significant occasion. The government thanks the Malaysians for its crucial role that resulted to successful talks despite ‘considerable political and personal risk.’
Other guest who have in one way or another contributed to the successful condition of the Framework Agreement are expected to grace the event among them MILF chair Al Haj Murad, chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and a MILF contingent.  The Framework Agreement is the foundation that would give Christians, Muslims and Lumads the opportunity to dwell in harmony, peace and unity. Experts on Mindanao affairs say that unless the GRP-MILF negotiating panels undertake steps to formulate a practical deal along with a social, political and electoral system, they will not be able to solve the basic problems and achieve the goals and aspirations of the autonomous region.
However, the Framework Agreement had been given negative interpretations what with one of the main characters of the Organic Act and first regional governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Nur Misuari obviously is out of the picture. But government was quick enough to cushion a negative impact stating that the MNLF actually has forged a ‘solidarity agreement’ with the MILF. Moreover, the MNLF have also representation in the proposed Transition Commission and in the development of the Basic Law in the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Government likewise assured that the MNLF is not going to be marginalized because it is still considered a major stakeholder for peace and unity in Mindanao. It appears, though, that Misuari has started hurling invectives and bitter side comments on nationwide TV and deplored the acts of the GRP-MILF peace panels. Amid his plans to protest the peace pact before the International Courts, government insisted the Framework Agreement was completed in accordance with constitutional processes.
At this stage, certain issues are still subject to discussions and intelligent debates and even lawmakers and constitutional experts foresee that it is going to be a long and tedious process. Quietly but clearly, constituents in the autonomous region are consequently becoming disenchanted with their present system of government. How much more with expanded territorial limits? Still and all, there must be success in the forthcoming referendum before the GRP-MILF negotiating panels can be confident that the Bangsamoro task will be triumphant.