EDITORIAL - Momentum for peace

Following its enactment, the Bangsamoro Organic Law has overcome its first major hurdle: the plebiscite. The second phase of the vote on Feb. 6 will determine which areas want to be included in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which will replace the ARMM.

The Jan. 21 plebiscite gave an indication of which areas might opt out. Basilan’s capital Isabela City, which is not part of the ARMM, rejected the BOL. So did Sulu, which is part of the ARMM, but which is a stronghold of a key opponent of the creation of the BARMM, the Moro National Liberation Front faction led by Nur Misuari.

Zamboanga City has consistently refused to be part of the ARMM and is not expected to have a change of heart over the BARMM. Cotabato City, seat of the ARMM even if it is not part of the autonomous region, ratified the BOL in a vote that the mayor and her supporters are contesting.

Even if several additional barangays vote for inclusion in the BARMM on Feb. 6, another hurdle for the BOL is the pending constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is expected to attain political power under the BARMM, must continue confidence-building measures to reassure the public about its sincerity in opting for peace. As adverse public reaction indicated, posting armed MILF men near polling centers is not a good idea.

Regardless of the judicial outcome, the ratification of the BOL is a significant step in trying to resolve a long-running conflict through peaceful means. With the continuing efforts of all stakeholders, this momentum for peace can be sustained.