Bangsamoro cites late chief executive for MILF gains

Bangsamoro Parliament saddened by former President Aquino’s passing

MANILA – In Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Parliament passed a resolution expressing their “profound sympathy and sincere condolences” on the death of former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco “Noynoy” Aquino.

In a statement from the BARMM Media Office, it was learned the Plenary approved Parliament Resolutions Nos. 456, 458, and 459 which were con-sponsored by majority of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

President Aquino passed away this morning at age 61.

The resolutions cited Aquino’s contributions to peace and development in the Bangsamoro region saying “The BTA expresses its gratitude for selfless contributions on the pursuit of peace and development in the now defunct ARMM and the current BARMM.

Aquino supported the passage of Republic Act No. 10153, which synchronized ARMM polls with national elections, for reform measures to be prepared for the Bangsamoro transition.

He also initiated the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with its initial talks with MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim on August 4,2011, in Tokyo, Japan.

It was during his presidency that the GPH and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which became part of every GPH-MILF agreements including the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its four annexes. The agreement ended the 17 years of negotiations between the two parties.

During his presidency, the Bangsamoro Basic Law was submitted to Congress with him requesting lawmakers to hasten the passage of the bill.

It was also during his tenure, the Bangsamoro Basic Law was submitted to Congress, with him requesting the legislators to expedite the passage of the bill.

The resolution cited Aquino’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Mindanao war which led to the Bangsamoro peace process. While he was president, he signed a peace pact with the MILF.

The resolution cited President Aquino for laying the foundations of the current Bangsamoro government and initiated many reforms in the entire Muslim Mindanao region.

The Philippine and Bangsamoro flags will be at half-mast in the region for the next five days to honor the memory of the late chief executive. (Melo M. Acuña)

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)