USAPANG KAPAYAPAAN

IF the four congressional candidates who attended the “Usapang Kapayapaan”, a forum for congressional candidates held on April 26, are successful in their bid, they will reject the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and will support instead the establishment of a federalism type of government in the country.

This was the reaction of the four candidates during the discussion of the elements and prospects of the BBL led by Commissioner Abdullah Camlian and Sec. Senen Bacani, both members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and Peace Negotiating Panel.

Both Camlian and Bacani said the BBL cannot guarantee lasting peace in Mindanao but will hasten the disbandment of armed secessionist groups.

Mario Operaña, former soldier and now a candidate in the fourth district of the province strongly opposes BBL and instead suggested a change in the form of government to federalism.

Eric Acuña, re-electionist in the third district of the province said congress should undertake a more extensive study of BBL, insisting that a peace process must be inclusive. He also suggested federalism as an alternative to BBL.

Governor Amado Espino Jr., candidate in the fifth district said peace and order problems should be addressed by socio- economic programs by the government.

Camlian, also one of the founders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), one of the speakers during the forum, fielded questions and clarified issues concerning the BBL.

Camlian in his opening statement said the problem in the Bangsamoro region is not economic or poverty but political.

He said prior to the establishment of the republic, the Bangsamoro people already has an existing law under the Sultanate of Sulu and now they wanted to regain their autonomy.

He added the Bangsamoro people felt they are neglected, treated as second-class citizens thus the many rebellions.

“And if this aspiration for self governance is the root of all this evil or this conflict then why not resolve it”, said Camlian.

However, when asked whether the BBL assures lasting peace in Mindanao since there’s no stopping more armed groups like MILF to make more demands on the government, Camlian said it is not a guarantee.

“But we can guarantee to arrest rebels and conflict or trouble will be eradicated as well as disband all armed groups”, said Camlian.

Federalism is being touted by the presidential tandem of Rodrigo Duterte and Alan Cayetano as its priority platform. (Hilda Austria)

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