The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed their support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Bagong Pilipinas campaign for unity and transformation.
In a statement, Bangsamoro Government Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said he stands firmly on adhering to the faithful implementation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) towards the right to self-determination, with CAB recognizing the justness and legitimacy of the Bangsamoro cause and aspirations.
Although more has yet to be done, parties to the CAB have made great strides in the implementation of its components that are beneficial to the Bangsamoro people, he said noting they are grateful for the contributions of past and present presidents in arriving at the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro Question.
“We, therefore, urge everyone to help protect the gains of the peace process, let us continue to support the current administration and allow peace and civility to reign over the affairs of our land,” he said.
In a separate statement, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said that under Bagong Pilipinas campaign, peace and prosperity can be achieved through unity and stability.
According to Ambolodto, the Bangsamoro people have already endured impoverishment and terror brought about decades of armed secessionism, but under the Bagong Pilipinas the inclusive BTA has enacted not only the priority legislations, but has intensified the delivery of services for the welfare of the Bangsamoro.
Also under Bagong Pilipinas, most of the autonomous region is becoming more peaceful, with threat of violent extremism tremendously reduced.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not only intensified national government support the Bangsamoro peace and development, but has pushed for an inclusive and sustainable unification of the autonomous region,” said the BTA official.
“We cannot afford to squander that gains of the peace process. Former AFP chief of staff and current Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. (Ret.), has aptly stated that we cannot afford to go back to square one. We must always choose peace and remain united, as it is the only way to move forward, as one people and one nation.”
In a call for unity, Galvez said the Philippines could achieve peace, development and prosperity if Filipinos band together for a national cause.
“Let us therefore turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation, especially to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country,” he said.
The call for separation is anathema to the letter and spirit of the Constitution and goes against the principles of a country which is already benefiting from the dividends of the comprehensive peace process that has put an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.
“As Filipinos, let us therefore continue supporting the Marcos administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity agenda. The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone,” he added. (PND)
