MANILA – The Bangsamoro people were urged to join a plebiscite that will determine the provinces, cities and towns to be included in the new Bangsamoro region.
In a ceremony in Malacañang President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Monday Republic Act 11054, or the “Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”
The law replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the new Bangsamoro territory.
Stakeholders should campaign for the law in their own communities, the President said.
“I ask my Moro brothers and sisters as well as the indigenous communities and settlers living within the Bangsamoro area to actively participate constructively about the law in your homes, in your villages, and communities,” he said.
“But, more important, I encourage you to take part in the upcoming plebiscite so that you may express your sovereign will through the ballot,”
The plebiscite will be held in November this year.
Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, or BOL, the vote shall cover the provinces included under the ARMM, six towns in Lanao del Norte province, 39 barangays in North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Isabela City in Basilan province, and those qualified for inclusion by way of petition or resolution.
Duterte thanked those who contributed to the successful passage of the BOL.
“Let me also express my gratitude to the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front for their unwavering commitment, determination and perseverance in pursuing the passage of the BOL,” he said.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza recognized the collective efforts of all stakeholders for the passage of the BOL.
“We got the support of almost all sectors, especially support coming from the President, kaya I always say that we have reached a milestone,” Dureza said.
At the same time he acknowledged that there is still more work to be done to achieve peace in the region.
“Remember we still have a lot of challenges to work on. The job will not be easy but if everybody will stay the course then maybe we can reach our ultimate dream – sustainable peace,” Dureza said./PN
