Aquino laid the foundation for Bangsamoro self-rule —BTA

For the Bangsamoro people, the late former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will always be remembered as the leader who tirelessly pursued peace in the region.

In expression of their "profound sympathy and sincere condolences" on his passing on June 24, the Bangsamoro Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution sponsored by the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The BTA is the interim government of the Bangsamoro region.

According to the resolution, Aquino's commitment to finding a solution to the Mindanao conflict "led to a significant breakthrough in the Bangsamoro peace process. "

"Former President Aquino will be remembered as Chief Executive who laid the foundations of the current Bangsamoro government and initiated the many reforms in the entire Muslim Mindanao region," it said.

The parliament said Aquino "consistently elevated the Bangsamoro peace and development agenda as part of the national consciousness and discourse and has positioned it as the centerpiece of his administration's priorities."

It was during his administration when "breakthroughs" happened in negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The agreement incorporated all accords between the government and the MILF, including the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its four annexes, which brings the 17-year-long negotiations between the two parties to a close.

It was also during Aquino's tenure when the Bangsamoro Basic Law was submitted to Congress.

To honor him, the Philippine and Bangsamoro flags will be flown at half-mast in the region for five days.—LDF, GMA News