EU welcomes autonomy law for Moro Muslims

By Serife Cetin

BRUSSELS (AA) – The EU said Friday the law on comprehensive autonomy of Moro Muslims will contribute to peace and stability of the country.

“The passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by the Congress of the Philippines and its subsequent signing by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte represents an opportunity for the Filipino people to embrace peace and stability after decades of strife,” the EU foreign affairs and security policy spokesperson said in a written statement.

Duterte on Thursday signed the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, fulfilling a promise he made during his third State of the Nation Address.

The statement said the move came after over two decades of negotiations between the two parties; the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“It comes after 21 years of formal talks after the first cease-fire agreement between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“It underlines both parties’ commitment to peace and their ability to tackle a variety of complex matters through a comprehensive and inclusive law,” it said.

It also praised those who were involved in the process from negotiations to adoption of the law, and said they undertook an important work.

Stating that the EU continues its support for Mindanao Peace Process, it said it was ready to support the implementation of the newly approved law in the future, “in view of long-lasting peace, development and prosperity in Mindanao and for the Filipino people”.

- Bangsamoro Organic Law

Muslim communities living on Mindanao, Palawan and Sulu Archipelagos and on other south islands are called the Moro.

The law provided for increasing the legal and economic earnings of the Muslims in the region, gives more comprehensive autonomy to those living on the islands around Mindanao, which has a large Muslim population.

With the new regulation, a Bangsamoro autonomous government will be established.

‍​The central administration will hand over administrative power in Mindanao to Bangsamoro government.