MNLF invited, over 1,000 expected to attend Bangsamoro signing

MANILA, Philippines - The details of the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro are now being finalized, Malacañang said Friday.

"We are expecting more than a thousand guests to witness the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro. The venue is—will be in the Malacañang," Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said at a televised press briefing.

Lacierda said among those expected to attend the event on March 27 in Malacañang are members of the diplomatic corps, members of the International Contact Group, the International Monitoring Team and individuals who helped in the peace process over the years.

He added that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and congressional leaders are also invited to witness the historic signing of the agreement that is expected to pave way for long-lasting peace in Mindanao.

"There has been an invitation extended to the MNLF," Lacierda said of the group, which has been vocal against the Bangsamoro peace agreement.

Regarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Lacierda said it is still with the Transition Commission, which will forward it to the office of President Aquino for review.

"We are hoping that they would be able to finalize everything by March or by April but, we need the draft to be submitted to us early," the Palace official said.

The proposed law will then be submitted to Congress and the President will certify it as urgent.

Lacierda hoped that lawmakers treat the measure with urgency and realize the importance of the peace agreement for the people of Mindanao.

"This is a very important bill, it’s not only historic but, it’s also very, very vital to the development in Mindanao," he said.