US ambassador lauds Bangsamoro Organic Law signing

MANILA, Philippines — The US government hailed yesterday the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) even as it continued to express support for the country’s peace building and economic development.

“Glad to see the Bangsamoro Organic Law signed by President Duterte. All of us at the US Embassy look forward to a continued partnership with the Philippine people on issues of peace and prosperity,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said in his Twitter account.

Duterte signed the BOL last week.

The law abolished the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which was established in 1989 through Republic Act 6734.

The ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The ARMM will be replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Last week, the European Union and the United Nations also lauded the Philippine government for the enactment of the BOL and vowed to support the implementation of the law.

According to the EU, the BOL represents an opportunity for the Filipino people to embrace peace and stability after decades of conflict.

The UN, for its part, called it a “landmark achievement on the road to lasting peace in southern Philippines.”

Other countries including Japan and New Zealand also hailed the approval of the BOL.