Zambo reps to oppose inclusion in Bangsamoro

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines   - The lawmakers representing the city on Wednesday vowed that they would defend  every inch of the city’s territory so as to be excluded from the proposed Bangsamoro political entity as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)  are making their final push to conclude the peace deal.

The GPH and the MILF are looking to signing the last and remaining normalization annex before forging the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA).

The two congressmen of this city made their statement during the local and annual state of the city report (SOCR) Wednesday in support of the stand of Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for the exclusion of this city in all proposed Bangsamoro entity.

The staunch opposition of the city leaders came even after the bloody Sept. 9 siege staged by the Nur Misuari faction of the  Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The city is now  embarking on  a rehabilitation phase under the  “build back better " program  after President Benigno Aquino III approved a P3.5-billion rehabilitation package.

Rep. Celso Lobregat of the 1st district of this city assured residents they will be in the forefront to express the sentiments and protecting the interest of the people and the city of Zamboanga when the Basic Law of the Bangsamoro is filed in Congress.

Lobregat, vice chair of the House Committee of Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, expressed that the sole desire of the city is to have an honorable, just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

“Zamboanga City has consistently opted to be out from any form of autonomy,” Lobregat said.

Under the territorial annex that will cover the new Bangsamoro entity, some areas of the city that was initially included have been stricken out but it will just take 10 percent votes of residents of a certain village who will opt to join by way of a referendum.

Second district Rep. Lilia Nuño said the recent siege has strengthened the city's desire to opt out of autonomy.

“We will continue to push and defend to ensure that Zamboanga will stay out from being included in the autonomy,” Nuño said.

Nuño believed that there is no amount of agreement if there is no interfaith among the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao. - Roel Pareño