More work ahead, MILF tells Bangsamoro transition body

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has lauded the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) for completing the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law but reminded them that their task is not yet completed.

In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, MILF noted that the BTC still has to work with the Office of the President and the legislature, which will deliberate on the draft law.

“Commissioners, the task of the BTC is not yet over. More and more tasks are in the offing,” the editorial read.

“There will be a constructive engagement with the Office of the President (OP) which will start immediately. Thereafter, the BTC will serve as the little partner of the OP in the forthcoming engagement with Congress.”

MILF said the engagement with the Office of the President must result in a full agreement so that their meetings with lawmakers would “anchor on solid ground and thrust.”

The group called on the BTC commissioners to “stay together and face the future with hope and determination.”

“Rest assured that as long as we stand for the collective interests of the Bangsamoro (without saying also of the other inhabitants therein), there is nothing to fear. The future belongs to the consistent, steadfast, and dedicated,” MILF said.       
Composed of members of various ethnic backgrounds, the BTC drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will pave way to the creation of a new Bangsamoro region.

The BTC was created through an executive order issued by President Aquino in 2012. The law will have to be approved by affected residents through a plebiscite before it can be enacted.

The draft of the law was completed and submitted to Malacañang early this month. The completion of the draft came days after the government and the MILF signed a final peace agreement last March 27.

MILF said only one commissioner - Johaira Wahab - did not sign the document.

“For those who signed the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) without qualifications, you have demonstrated your great faith in the purpose, content, and the process of the commission. For those, who signed with qualifications, the future will bare your real thought, which we believe is noble,” the group said.

“For the one who did not sign it, despite all efforts to let her sign, she has a lot of explanations to do. People will either appreciate her or curse her.” – Alexis Romero with R. Mendoza