Decommissioning of MILF will boost passage of BBL-Deles

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said she is confident that the initial decommissioning of arms and forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday will boost the process for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

 

Deles said the ceremonial turnover "would have a positive effect" on the BBL, which is pending in Congress.

 

The ceremony on Tuesday will be for the decommissioning of 75 crew-served and high-powered weapons and 145 MILF combatants, most of whom were veterans of the all-out war ordered by President Joseph Estrada in 2000.

 

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 30 percent of MILF combatants and weapons will be decommissioned upon the passage of the BBL. The process will have three more phases, following milestones in the agreement.

 

"Hinihintay na lang po natin ang tuluyang pagpapasa ng BBL, ang pagtatayo ng Bangsamoro, at ang pagkakaroon nito ng mga sariling halal na lider upang makita natin ang tuluyang pagbababa ng armas ng MILF," Deles said.

 

She added that they are happy "the MILF continues to be a partner of the government in its objective to bring peace in Maguindanao."

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday said the decommissioning is "a very important confidence-building step" and can possibly help in the passage of the BBL. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KG, GMA News