On Monday July 17th 2017, government and the largest Muslim rebel group submitted a new draft law to President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte. Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels backed new law which was more powerful for the autonomous region in Mindanao, Fillipino new agency reported.
According to some official sources, the aim of submitting it was to establish more powerful Muslim autonomous region in the country’s south under a 2014 peace deal.
During that presentation at Presidential palace in Manila Moro Islamic Liberation Front Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar proposed autonomy bill to Duterte.
He said, “This is the best antidote to the violent extremism that has wrought havoc.
“Bangsamoro will be the frontline keeping public order and safety, dispensing justice within the bounds of laws and addressing the basic requisites of a good life.”
While President Duterte passed the bill in Congress to promote the plight of minority Muslims. He addressed to the official rebels, “I am for this.
“Within the context of the business suits, Republic of Philippines there shall be a Bangsamoro country.”
Bangsamoro is once established autonomous government.
Rebel Leader Al Haj Murad Ibrahim said, “The chaos in the country is due to failing of the bill.”
He at the ceremony, which was attended by leaders of Senate and House of Representatives said, “These misguided people have filled the vacuum created by our failure to enact the basic law and fed into frustration of our people.
“Today, we watch with utter disgust at the destruction that violent extremism has inflicted in the city of Marawi.”
The peace pact would have been major legacy of Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III.
President announced that martial law would be extended for next 60 days to overcome the most serious security crisis.
Correspondent: Syeda Faiza Bukhari
