Put BBL on top of agenda, group tells gov't

MANILA, Philippines - An international humanitarian group on Friday urged the government to put the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on top of its agenda, believing this would end bloodshed in Mindanao.

Oxfam said the government should seize the opportunity to inform, clarify and learn more about the peace agreement and the BBL, a measure that seeks to form a new Bangsamoro region with enhanced autonomy.

“The unnecessary loss of life in Mamasapano emphasized the need to move forward and get the peace process back into momentum," Oxfam director Justin Morgan said in a statement.

Oxfam, which works with Mindanao-based and national civil society groups, said the clashes have claimed the lives of more than 60 Filipinos and have displaced more than 82,000 others.

“The BBL passage resonates with the people of the Bangsamoro and provides hope for the people living in Mindanao to finally have a future that is free from bloodshed and poverty that is primarily driven by conflict and violence." Morgan said.

Oxfam, Muslim group Unyphil Women, and peace advocates have launched an “all-out peace campaign” amid the military’s ongoing offensives against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

"This woeful chain of events should compel every Filipino to stand for those affected by the conflict and call for an all-out peace,” Noraida Abo of Unyphil Women said.

"It was already proven that war is not the solution to the Mindanao problem," she added. - Keith Calayag