President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he plans to sign an agreement to promote the interests of the Moro National Liberation Front, calling on MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari for a possible resumption of peace talks with the government.
In his speech during the peace assembly for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Duterte said Misuari has contributed to the government’s efforts to create a lasting peace not only in Mindanao but in the entire country.
“Though he’s not here, but he is a critical factor in the overall process. And I refer to my good friend whom I respect very much also, Nur Misuari,” Duterte said in Cotabato City.
“I hope to talk to him in the coming days as we agreed. I told him, let us finish this [BOL] first. We should pause our matters for a while, then again we can resume after the Bangsamoro,” he said.
According to the President, the BOL must be ratified first before the talks with the MNLF resume.
“I would call out to him, extend my hand and friendship and peace and I hope that we can sign an agreement that will also promote the interest of the MNLF and the rest of the Moro of Mindanao,” the President said.
As he attended an assembly to support the ratification of BOL, Duterte emphasized that the people’s approval of the law will serve not only as an expression of the people’s desire to end more than half a century of armed struggle in the region but also serve a testament to genuine and lasting peace.
“It will also serve as a testament of your [Misuari’s] determination to bring genuine peace and development in Muslim Mindanao to an autonomous government that truly represents and understands the needs of the people,” he said.
The President also stressed that a man, whatever his religion may be, “is entitled to his place under the sun,” hoping the BOL would focus on that.
“I guarantee you there will be least disturbance or interference if there is a workable governance,” the President added, assuring that lands will be distributed justly and resources will be divided by the Moro who are in possession of the land.
“This landmark law was not built entirely from scratch. It echoes the aspirations and principles embodied in the past peace agreements embodied in the different Moro fronts,” said the President, stressing that a law is a product of blood, sweat, and tears “of many great men who dreamt of it.”
“I am proud to say the BOL has undergone comprehensive analysis and thorough review to ensure that once implemented, it will lead to better governance, inclusive political empowerment, and enhanced systems of transparency and accountability,” he said.
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“The power to chart the course of your future is now solely in your hands. Exercise this right with utmost care, because the future of succeeding generations depends on it,” he continued.
“My beloved Moro brothers and sisters, vote yes for the ratification of the BOL. Or I will not come here again,” the President quipped.
Since last July, Duterte has been pushing the public to participate in the plebiscite and approve the landmark law as the country proceeds with the reconciliation process.
The Palace said Republic Act No. 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, aims to solve the age-old Muslim rebellion.
READ: BOL plebiscite set, voting ‘fluid’
The President also expressed gratitude to Misuari, saying he would possibly give a separate autonomous region for the MNLF if the latter wants it.
Last December, Duterte also said he is of a mind to meet Misuari in the negotiating table, adding that government is willing to compromise or even reach an agreement that could give the MNLF chair dignity and the integrity.
While the President expressed his desire to talk with MNLF and the communist rebels, he, however, cleared that he will never talk to terrorists like the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The BOL plebiscite is set to take place on Jan. 21 for voters within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the cities of Isabela and Cotabato.
The Palace had already issued an order declaring a special non-working day in the mentioned cities in order to allow people the chance to actively exercise their right to suffrage in the upcoming Bangsamoro plebiscite.
