Mall blast destroys ‘free’ discussion on inclusion of Cotabato in BOL

MANILA, Philippines — The Institute for Autonomy and Governance on Wednesday condemned the powerful explosion in a mall in Cotabato City.

In a statement, the IAG said it is saddened that the improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Cotabato City affected the discussion on the inclusion or exclusion of Cobato City in the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The IED blast that ripped through the exterior of a shopping mall on New Year’s Eve left two people dead and injured at least 30 others.

READ: 2 dead in Cotabato mall blast

“This dastardly act kills innocent bystanders and destroys the trust and spirit of free and democratic discussion on the inclusion or exclusion of Cotabato City in the scheduled Plebiscite on the RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao come January 21, 2019,” IAG said in a statement.

“IAG is saddened by the deterioration of the free discussion on the subject with people finger pointing on who are responsible for the bombing with NO concrete evidences,” it added.

Despite this, the IAG said they are positive of the results of the upcoming plebiscite.

“IAG believes that, in the end, the good and the true shall prevail, perhaps not in the immediate but in the fullness of time. It is for this reason that IAG is full of optimism for the RA 11054 whatever the results of the Plebiscites on January 21 and February 6, 2019,” the institute said.

“In conclusion, whether we are for or against inclusion, we do NOT forget that we are all united and stakeholders to peace and development of Mindanao, in particular, and the Philippines, as a whole,” it added.

The institute also made the following calls in view of the deadly explosion and the plebiscite:

• A call for sobriety and calmness in the city and avoid, at all times, finger-pointing on persons/groups with NO evidences;

• A call for the Security Forces to conduct a thorough investigation on the bombing and not simply resort to blaming the usual bogey people – the “terrorists”; and

• A call for all Cotabatenos not to allow few evil men, by words and deeds, destroy the trust and friendship built through the years.

It also urged citizens “to face the challenges of the forthcoming Plebiscite with complete confidence in our belief and full respect for the differences in positions vis-à-vis BOL and the inclusion or exclusion of the city.”

The BOL shall pave the way for ARMM’s replacement with an MILF-led Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. — Rosette Adel

RELATED: Bangsamoro Transition Commission staff among fatalities in IED blast