MILF 'not giving up on BBL' despite calls to disengage

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is not giving up on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) despite criticisms and the decision of lawmakers to amend its original proposal.

The MILF revealed that some groups are asking its members to disengage from the BBL, believing it is already a “lost cause.”

“To them, it's (BBL) chance to pass Congress is not only slim but dims everyday as the month of August is ending and September comes in so fast. In fact, one group including some legal minds (have) already urged the MILF to give up on pushing for the proposed law,” an editorial posted on the MILF website luwaran.com read.

“It is a lost case, they argued, and therefore the MILF should disengage. They cited the two substitute bills in the House and the Senate which are (a) far cry from the original BBL,” it added.

MILF said it was also criticized by a “prominent media practitioner” for “trusting the government too much.”

“Similarly, one leader of the other Moro liberation organization had told the MILF that the BBL is a hopeless case to pursue, citing their bad experience with the government. ‘What they did to us, they will do it to you,’ he warned,” MILF said, apparently referring to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Founded by Nur Misuari, the MNLF aimed to create an independent Islamic state in the south. The group inked the Tripoli deal with the government in 1976, which led to the formation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1996.

An MNLF faction led by Misuari, however, returned to armed struggle because it opposes the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF last year.

The peace deal between the government and MILF serves as the basis of BBL, which will form a new Bangsamoro entity with greater economic and political powers.

The measure, however, is being opposed by critics who are worried about the extent of the powers of the proposed Bangsamoro government. Opponents of the measure have also vowed to question BBL’s legality before the court once it is signed into law.

MILF remains optimistic that the BBL will be enacted under President Aquino’s term.

“But the necessary question is. If the MILF is to disengage right now, what are the implications and alternatives? Who will be on the bad side of history? Truth is that many a person criticizes an idea or decision, but he or she has nothing to offer. Often their decision is caused by emotions and not a well-thought-out idea,” the group said.

“The BBL is not yet dead on track. There is still chance for it to pass Congress. President Benigno Aquino III will deliver; we still believe in this. We also trust the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the proposed law, a good BBL,” it added. 

MILF previously said that the BBL would not likely to be enacted if Congress does not approve it by October.