COTABATO CITY—Another historic event was recorded and witnessed today, Sept. 15, when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. graced the inaugural session of the reconstituted Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) at the Bangsamoro Government’s regional seat here.
What made the first session of the BTA even more remarkable was the presence of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) key figures—BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Nur Misuari, and Datu Muslimin Sema.
Recently, Ebrahim and Misuari initially met after “46 years of separation”; and today, we have seen them, together with Pres. Marcos Jr., in one frame. This would signify that for the sake of lasting peace and development in the region, all differences are being set aside, and that peace and unity prevail.
It is also timely that this momentous event was carried out during the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month, which has this year’s theme: “Pagkakaisa at Paghilom: Isang Bansa para sa Kapayapaan” — a call for all Filipinos to ”unite and work together in order to heal the wounds of the past, look back at collective experiences, and use the lessons of the past as an inspiration to build a future that is free from racism, violence, and prejudice.”
Pres. Marcos Jr., who champions the spirit of unity and reconciliation, emphasized during his first visit in the BARMM as the head of state that his administration is committed in supporting the Bangsamoro Government and will fulfill the peace accords.
“The path to lasting peace is always under construction. But we walk this path together. We walk it not because it is an easy one; we walk this path together because even if it is difficult, we know that at the end of the journey is historical justice, progress, peace, stability, and the unity that our peoples and the nation that have long aspired for and so rightly deserve,” Pres. Marcos Jr. said.
Chief Minister Ebrahim presented the significant milestones of BARMM Government for the last three years, which have been instrumental in pursuing lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.
“Mr. President, as I have said during our conversation at the oath-taking in Malacanang, the peace process started during your father’s time and it would be a fitting end to this long journey if we could complete the process during your administration,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said.
“Mr. President you have our full support and together, we will make the successful implementation of the Bangsamoro Peace Process as one of your greatest legacies, In Shaa Allah,” he added.
The enhanced Bangsamoro Parliament is comprised of MILF and MNLF affiliates, peace advocates, lawyers, lawyer-certified public accountants, engineers, architects, medical doctor, media practitioners, and former and current government high-level officials.
The appointed members also took their Oath of Moral Governance today. Each of these parliamentarians, who represent different sectors, shall advance not only peace and order, but more importantly, legislations that will benefit the Bangsamoro people and the entire region. (Aisah Abas/Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
