Bangsamoro peace pact seen to attract investments

MANILA, Philippines - The signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and Muslim secessionist group  next week will dawn a new era for peace, unity and growth in Mindanao.

For almost four decades, Muslim-dominated region in Mindanao has been the battleground between government soldiers and  heavily-armed rebels in sporadic pocket-sized war resulting in the killing of an estimated 150,000 people.

Officials of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are confident that with the conclusion of the agreement, peace will finally be realized.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak will lead more than 1,000 diplomats, lawmakers and Muslim leaders who were invited to the signing ceremonies at Malacañang Palace on March 27. It was not immediately known, however,  if the Malaysian Premier can attend as he is preoccupied with  the search operation for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.     

“This is a historic moment in our country,” said Mohagher Iqbal. chairman of Bangsamoro Transition Commission  “It will truly start a new era for peace and development in our Mindanao,” he added.

“So many people suffered to such kind of iniquities that stalled economic progress and prosperity in Mindanao,” he said. “This is the time for the people of Mindanao – both Christian and Muslim – to come  and march together to prosperity, “ he added.

Ghazali Jaafar, first vice chairman of the MILF central committee, expressed confidence that the agreement will end the “unwanted war” in the region and instill unity, cooperation and brotherhood between Christian and Muslim in Mindanao.

Jaafar noted the enormous wealth in natural resources in Mindanao which can be explored by potential investors to contribute to the Philippine economy.

“We are inviting all Filipinos to join hands with the Bangsamoro people to come together in a new beginning to build the Southern Philippines,” Jaafar said.

The MILF official said there is a vast land for agriculture, rich marine resources and lush forest of tropical fruits that can be developed into dollar-generating business.

No less than Ambassador Jorge Domecq of Spain shared the view that peace in Mindanao will spark an economic boom in the region.

With the signing of a peace agreement, Ambassador Domecq said “a whole program of ecoomic reforms and public works will take place that may favour not only Spanish business but also Filipino businessmen and our Philippine foreign partners to help in that endeavour.”

Aside from Spain, it businessmen  from Malaysia, Australia, the Middle East and European countries are expected to pour millions of dollars to invest in various projects in Mindanao such as in infrastructure, agriculture and tourism.