ARMM prepares security measures for Bangsamoro signing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - Preparation of security in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has been finalized to prevent any sabotage of the signing of the comprehensive agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, according to ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

“Ang iniiwasan lang naman natin dito ay 'yong mga spoilers,” Hataman said about the security preparation.

He said the security forces in the areas of the Muslim region are wary of a possible sabotage attempt and measures have been laid down to address any threat that would derail the signing of the pact on March 27 in Malacañang.

Hataman said they are not also undermining the Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which from the start has been opposing the GPH-MILF peace talks.

According Hataman, he  will be present in Manila during the signing of the agreement, which seeks to bring peace and economic development to what is now a reformed autonomous region.

“We will be there and we will have a peace march in Mendiola on the day of the signing,” Hataman said.

He said on the day of the signing there will  also be a  celebration inside the compound of the ARMM regional center in Cotabato.

“Let’s all celebrate the signing in the name of peace. It is a rare opportunity that we must not miss,” Hataman said.

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the government and the MILF peace panel have firmed up the preparations for the signing of the CAB.

She said that the CAB signing seals the partnership for peace and prosperity between the government and the MILF.

“This partnership is based on our shared aspiration to heal the wounds of conflict, enable meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro, and nurture peace and development in Muslim Mindanao," Ferrer said in a statement.

Ferrer said CAB serves as basis for the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) being done by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (btc) and the draft law will be subsequently submitted to Congress and certified by the President as urgent.

A plebiscite will then be held at the areas identified in the agreement after the law is passed, she added.

These areas are the current provinces and cities in the ARMM, the cities of Isabela and Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and 39 barangays in six municipalities of Cotabato province.

Based on the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB) other geographic areas that are contiguous to the enumerated places and that wish to join the plebiscite may do so through a resolution passed by the local government unit concerned or a petition of at least 10 percent of registered voters in the locality two months before the conduct of the plebiscite. The BBL will provide for the modalities that would allow them to join the plebiscite.