Framework agreement with MILF protects indigenous people – Ferrer

MANILA, Philippines - The rights of indigenous people (IP) in Mindanao are protected in the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Oct. 15, government peace panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said yesterday.

“Customary laws and indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms shall be recognized in the administration of justice in the Bangsamoro,” Ferrer said during a briefing with the regional directors and other officials of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Davao City.

Ferrer said the framework agreement also ensures the IP’s right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in economic development.

She said IP rights in the constitution, Indigenous People’s Rights Act and even international laws and covenants were provided in the framework agreement.

Ferrer also assured indigenous groups that they would be represented in the Transition Commission (TransCom) tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Ferrer urged indigenous groups to propose development projects for their communities, adding that they should utilize the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as an arena to secure their rights and ancestral domain claims.

Meanwhile, Maguindanao mayors supported the recommendation of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu for Malacañang to enlist three ethnic Maguindanaons into the TransCom.

Mangudadatu had asked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to include Didagen Dilangalen, Suharto Ambolodto and outgoing Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong as among the TransCom commissioners.

Dilangalen was former congressional representative of the first district of Maguindanao while Ambolodto had extensive involvements in various human rights groups and non-government organizations supporting the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

Datumanong, as former government negotiator, helped craft  the 1976 Tripoli Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front. – With John Unson