Muslim group supports Bansangmoro Framework Agreement

MANILA, Philippines - The Imam Council of the Philippines on Monday said the Philippine government and the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should both observe transparency and accountability for the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement to work.

In an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas, ICP president Imam Ibrahim Moxir Alhaj said both parties must show such qualities especially the economic provisions in the peace accord.
 
"Panawagan ng pamahalaan sa Malaysia, pagpasok ng mga Muslim sa banking industry ay kailangan diyan transparency at accountability. Sang-ayon ako diyan, makakatulong yan sa kabuhayan at ekonomiya ng Bangsamoro Framework aAreement. Meron kaming sariling framework at polisiya pagdating sa pagnenegosyo at pag-iimpok sa bangko.

"Kung paiiralin ang Islamic way of life, mayroon tayong zero interest sa lending dapat yun ang ipatupad na makakatulong sa Moro people," Alhaj said.

The parties are now in the process of completing the signing of the annexes of the framework agreement to pave way for the passage of the Bangsamoro Law by Congress.

The Bangsamoro government will take over the territories covered by the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Among the annexes signed included power sharing, wealth sharing, transitional arrangements and normalization.

Meanwhile, a chairman of the government peace panel, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, admitted that opposition on the framework agreement is inevitable because of the differences in the interests being pushed by certain groups.

She, however, pointed out that such opposition and apprehension would eventually change as these groups would see the benefits of the agreement such as lasting peace in Mindanao.

"Ganyan po talaga alam naman natin na may iba't ibang interes at grupo sa lugar na yan, at inaasahan natin na habang sa pag unlad ng ating proseso. Makita ng mga tao ang kabutihan na maidudulot na ito sa pang araw araw na kabuhayan nila. Itong mga grupo na ito ay makikita rin nila na hindi sasang-ayon ang tao sa karahasan na ginagagamit. Sila ang makakakita rin na ang pangangailangan na magkaisa at itaguyod ang mapayapang paraan para sa pagbabago," she said.