‘Failure to pass BBL may lead to resurgence of extremism’

MANILA, Philippines - Failure to enact the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could lead to a resurgence of extremism, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) warned yesterday.

“The passage of the BBL has positive national security implications as this could settle one of the more serious armed conflicts and will free up and shift resources to focus on external concerns, principally the protection of our territorial integrity and maritime domain, which is now being threatened,” Undersecretary Zenaida Brosas told the House ad hoc committee chaired by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, which is deliberating on the draft BBL.

“The BBL gives us a better chance at political and economic reforms in Mindanao,” she added.

She said the passage of the draft law could also prevent the entry of Islamic State militants in the country.

Brosas said failure to enact the BBL could force the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to take up arms again and fight for secession with greater motivation.

On the other hand, she said the Moro National Liberation Front, which felt sidelined by the peace agreement between the government and the MILF, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, would feel “vindicated” if the draft law is not passed into law.

She said the three armed groups “could feel cheated,” band together and wage a secessionist rebellion if the government fails to pass the BBL, she said.

Substitute bill

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the House committee on national security, said he would push for amendments or file a substitute bill to the BBL.

He said some provisions in the BBL could limit the powers of the national government to address certain security threats.

He cited a provision that limits the power of the national government with regard to defense and external security.

“The universal definition of national security tells us that the scope is wide. What about insurrection? Rebellion, disaster and terrorism?” Biazon asked.

He said the proposed Bangsamoro police might not also be able to act on threats from armed groups.