STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE BANGSAMORO AND COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE ACCOMPANYING THE PEACE PROCESS

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE BANGSAMORO

AND COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE ACCOMPANYING THE PEACE PROCESS

We come together in solidarity with the Bangsamoro people as they push forward with the quest for meaningful self-governance in areas in Mindanao and the archipelago that are part of their homeland in historical and contemporary times.

This quest has been kept alive through the decades by countless sacrifices, including lives. Today, there is a beacon of hope the Moro people’s aspiration can become a reality through peaceful means.

That hope lie in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that has taken government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) seventeen painstaking years to muster. This landmark peace pact is currently being translated into a law that would become charter of the Bangsamoro government. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) now pending in Congress seeks to embody the Moro people’s hopes and dreams to be captains of their own future.

During his recent visit to Bolivia, Pope Francis said: “The world peoples want to be artisan of their own destiny… They do not want forms of tutelage or interference by which those with greater power subordinate those with less. They want their culture, their language, their social processes and their religious traditions to be respected.”

As such, we hereby affirm that the recognition of their identity, respect for their right to self-determination as a people, and the need to address legitimate grievances and historical injustices must be the cornerstones in building a new and meaningful socio-political setup for the Bangsamoro.

It is in this spirit that we are closely following the process of enacting the BBL, starting with that in the House Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, and the public pronouncements of legislators regarding the measure.

We are saddened that prejudice, bias, and deep-bigotry appears to be the main driver of the debates on the BBL, whether inside and outside the halls of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is not the type of exercise needed to shape a new reality for a people and region long mired in conflict and underdevelopment. We therefore call on the members of Congress to rise above themselves in the interest of social justice.

We note here highly welcome enhancement to the BBL that were introduced especially those dealing on the empowerment of women, and providing a platform for the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the transition process, a gesture of expanding its political inclusiveness.

We acknowledge the importance of treating fully the rights of non-Moro indigenous peoples inside the Bangsamoro. While these are already enshrined in the proposed BBL, we recognize the need for continuing the dialogues between the indigenous peoples and the Moros in the spirit of kinship

The road to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao is still long, and probably winding, and thorny. Nevertheless, we commit to continue treading this road as long as it takes.

Mindanao is in the cusp of historic change. Today, we seized that moment. 

ArchBishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro City, Convenor, Tulay Kami, speaks before the participants. At left, Charlito "Kaloy" Manlupig, Chief Emeritus, Balay Mindanaw, Cagayan de Oro City 

Datu Kinoc pass away

Datu Kinoc pass away

By Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, MPC Executive Director

Davao City (May 5, 2015) - Bae Magda and I travelled early this morning to visit the wake of Datu Kinoc at Sitio Lumpang, Barangay Mangga, Matan-ao, Davao del Sur. Timuay Melanio Ulama with four (4) BTC staff waited for us at the crossing of Matan-ao highway so we could convoy together into the interior. As we were passing through the dirt road, Bae Magda declared that Datu Kinoc is truly an IP leader. Why? Because he lives in the mountains. We were the first ones who arrived there, his niece told us. Datu Tony died last Saturday, May 2 at around 11pm. He was 66 years old and was survived by three children, his eldest son, Jan and the lady twins named Queen and Princess.

Datu Antonio Kinoc (Photo courtesy by BTC)

While waiting for the children who were just arriving from Manila, his niece told us that Datu Tony did not inform his relatives about his true health condition. He did not want us to worry. He just kept saying he will be well, that there is no use for the doctors because they have no “findings” anyway. The relatives were shocked when they discovered from the personal effects of Datu Tony that he actually had cirrhosis in the liver. He hid it from us. He did not want us to worry for him. He insisted that he will only submit to the traditional medicines for his treatment.

In his last 10 days, Datu Tony stayed with his own Blaan community where a traditional healer took care of him. He was just drinking herbal medicines from leaves and barks of trees. His legs and feet were swollen and sweating all the time. We asked him if it was painful, and he said it was not.

A nephew described Datu Tony as someone who can easily relate with all types of people. Whether you are young or old, you can be his buddy. He does not discriminate people. “We did not only lose a leader, the Blaan tribe actually lost a big library.” Datu Tony is the walking library of our tribe. You can ask him anything from culture, vocabulary, customary laws, conflict settlement, history and current events. He even had a repository of jokes which he often texted to his friends. Now we do not know who can replace his role.

One of his nieces showed me an envelope that contains the personal effects that was turned over by the traditional healer to the family. We checked through it one by one and what we saw are copies of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the annexes on Normalization, the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, the extension of the International Monitoring Team and a copy of a land title consisting of four hectares. His niece said “he did not have much, these are his only treasures. He may not have checks, cash deposits, investments or funds to bequeath but what he held on to till the very end was the Bangsamoro Basic Law. And this is much more than any material wealth to leave behind. This is in fact, Datu Tony’s legacy for the tribe, the Bangsamoro people and the next generation.

One young lady approached me and asked, “how can we possibly link with those groups and offices that Datu worked with?” He has around 19 scholars. He recruited young IP students to avail of the Sajahatra scholarship program. Contrary to the expectation that the scholarship will provide full tuition and stipend for the students, it turned out that the said program could only provide P5,000 subsidy for the tuition of the scholars. And as the chieftain, the Datu ended up supporting these students. This is a very common cultural practice where the Datu will end up absorbing the problems of his own community. How can these young students possibly continue their studies this coming June, was the predicament of a Blaan mother there.

His only son Jan, expressed during the ecumenical prayer this morning that he is overwhelmed by the love and honor that all these people pay to his own father. “For us, he is simply our Dad. He did not pressure us to become what he is. He did not force us to also carry his advocacies. In the limited time that he can spend with us, he was simply a father to us.” One thing Jan could not forget about his father are the values of freedom, respect and humility that he instilled on his children. “My Dad will not spend the longest time in his life for a cause if he did not think it is worthy to strive for.”

Datu Tony’s children thanked all of us who came to visit and pay our last respects to their father. “Dad is not the typical father that you have. He is in fact an absentee most of the time. He is not the kind that will send and fetch you from school. But he has his own unique way of caring and loving us despite those limitations and demands of the struggle. We understand him because we know he has a much bigger community to serve. We appeal to you to continue the work of our father. That is the best thing that you can do for us. We are sad that he has not live to see the establishment of the Bangsamoro government and even the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

I often heard Datu Tony declaring that he is a full-bloodied Blaan, born a Blaan, lived a Blaan and will die a Blaan. That is exactly the message that Datu Tony shared to the world. While he may be with the MILF Peace Panel, he had always kept his own identity intact and had actively promoted and asserted the indigenous peoples rights and identity into the letters of the peace agreement and the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Up to his last days, he refused to submit to Western medicine. He returned to his roots and from there simply welcomed the call to return back to his creator. He did not even struggle to live longer. For Datu Tony, it is destiny. When it is our time, it is our time.

Even up to his death, Datu Tony seemed to have that power to embolden our hearts and tell us, “don’t waste your time with me, stop crying and go back to work”. Come to think about it, with Datu Tony, there are only good memories to share. We will all miss the jokes, the tap on the shoulder, the food, the pasalubong, the buzz sessions over coffee and the blow-by blow updating on the peace talks. And as his own children said, “please continue the work that my father left behind. That is the best way to honor his memory.”

LPP Recommendations on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)

November 28, 2014

Hon. Rufus Rodriguez

House Committee on Bangsamoro Basic Bill

House of Congress

Philippines

We, the Lanao Peace Partnership, composed of non-governmental organizations and government academic institution, have conducted series of grassroot-based consultations and CAB-BBL Education in the 22 towns of Lanao del Norte, in the cities of Iligan and Marawi and in some towns of Lanao del Sur since 2013 to 2014;

We have partnered with the GIZ-Civil Peace Service (GIZ-CPS), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Iligan and Lanao del Norte, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Iligan (NCIP), and with municipal and barangay officials in the conduct of these consultations and educative processes;

We aimed at contributing in furthering a transparent and democratized peace process by educating, consulting, and engaging stakeholders on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and other related updates of the peace process. 

The educative process targets to improve stakeholders’ knowledge, lessen unnecessary fears or anxiety, and make them more adaptive on some uncomfortable parts in the transitional phase. This is consistent to the principles of inclusivity and of peoples’ participation where knowledge is requisite to generate their support and ownership of the peace process, both in the local and national levels.

We have provided recommendations to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and have shared our observations too to the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT);

We have also responsibly conducted validation to determine whether or not the recommendations from consulted communities are integrated in the drafted BBL;

We are therefore humbly sharing to you our recommendations for inclusion in the Bangsamoro Basic Law and also our perspectives on some concerns generated from the communities;

1.      LPP recommends to the Congress the inclusion in the Bangsamoro Basic Law the full recognition of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as partner for peace and development agenda, particularly in the transition phase.

2.     LPP recommends inclusion of more seats in the parliament for Youth Representation under the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s sectoral representation and within the Bangsamoro structure. LPP further recommends the inclusion of youth agenda under the Bangsamoro Development Plan.

3.     LPP recommends that concerns for the orphans of former MNLF and MILF combatants, as victims of war, should be addressed in the Transitional Justice aspect of the Normalization process.  We also recommend that the Bangsamoro Police Force (yet to be organized) and the PNP will prioritize addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs and arms trading in the region and neighbouring areas as part of the internal security management.

4.     LPP recommends to GPH and MILF peace panels for the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) to have effective protocols in its monitoring activities at the grassroot level.

5.     There is no guarantee that political dynasty could be abolished under the drafted BBL and under the Bangsamoro government. There is a need to continue the campaign against political warlordism and dynasty and thus, LPP recommends to the Bangsamoro government to adopt the anti-dynasty bill and for the national Congress to effectively act on this too.

6.     As to the concerns on freedom of information, press freedom, and transparency through mass media, LPP supports the call of Bangsamoro journalists for the creation of Ministry of Public Information or Bangsamoro Information Agency.

7.      LPP recommends the extension of transition phase period to five years for effective, participatory, democratic and conflict-sensitive transition in the Bangsamoro areas.

8.     LPP likewise support the peace and development agenda of the indigenous peoples within the Bangsamoro and their just representation in the parliament by adding more seats in legislative body for traditional IP leaders.

9.     LPP recommends that under the Normalization Aspect, program for scholarship and livelihood assistance should be developed specific for former MILF combatants who have not availed the opportunity for education and will be disqualified to apply for a post in the Bangsamoro Police Force.

Further, we also share with you the following observations with full trust that the House of Congress could provide legislative measures for these concerns:

1.      Conflict affected areas in Lanao del Norte, which is not part of the Bangsamoro Core Territory, recommend that they should be included in the rehabilitation or reconstruction under the Normalization and Transitional Justice Aspects of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

2.     There is increase of knowledge about CAB and BBL among consulted communities (or among participants) but thereremain evident fears and worries because the BBL does not guarantee a future free from violence and social insecurity.

3.     LPP noted that while there is a democratic mechanism and option for communities who wanted to petition for inclusion in Bangsamoro territory however, there is no express mechanism for others who wanted to petition for exclusion.

4.     There is also clamor from conflict-affected communities that the normalization process and the transitional justice aspect should be clearly defined by implementing authorities with participation from the grassroot communities through democratic consultations and dialogues.

5.     While we recognize that the BBL provide democratic options for the Bangsamoro people outside the core territory, but we also share their sentiments that the marginalization of hinterland communities have encouraged or motivated them to consider the option to petition for inclusion with hope to experience positive community development and transformation.

6.     In the transition phase, communities raised concerns about job insecurity; on the taxation policy within Bangsamoro region; and on the internal revenue allotment of LGUs and barangays who are contemplating to petition for inclusion.

7.      There was also serious concern on when will the Comelec issue the directives and mechanism on the process of petitioning for inclusion.

We submit these recommendations and observations, along with an Annex that details the consolidated result of our consultations and dialogues, for your kind-heart consideration and action. 

Thank you very much for this space where our voices are heard.

Sincerely and for the people,

                                   

ROBERTO M. QUIJANO                          ENGR. MARIAM BARANDI
Acting Managing Director                            Executive Director

Pailig Development Foundation Inc.                  Kapamagogopa Inc.

Prof. JUVANNI A. CABALLERO                        REGINA SALVADOR-ANTEQUISAOfficer-in-Charge                                          Executive Director

MSU-IIT Institute for Peace and                 Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits Inc.

Development in Mindanao              

JUANITO C. ENRIQUEZ, JR.                          VIOLETA M. GLORIA

Managing Director                                                  Lanao Peace Partnership Coordinator

Civil Society Organization Forum                            GIZ-Civil Peace Service-LPP/EFK

for Peace Inc.

ANNEX 1. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM VARIED CONSULTATIONS DONE BY THE LANAO PEACE PARTNERSHIP FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2013,  IN FEBRUARY 2014, AND FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2014.

PART 1. CONSOLIDATED CONSULTATION RESULTS from CORE TERRITORY with VALIDATION TO DETERMINE IF THESE COMMUNITY-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION (BTC) ARE DULY INTEGRATED IN THE BANGSAMORO BASIC BILL.

The public consultations aimed to achieve the following:

1. Participants freely expressed, shared and contributed their hopes and dreams for a peaceful Bangsamoro which can be an essential parcel in the drafting of the BBL.

2. Participants get the feel of ownership and participation for the building of lasting peace in Mindanao specifically Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

3. Participants grasp the history of the Bangsamoro struggle and how it affected the contiguous regions and the entire nation.

4. Provide open spaces for communities to share their vision, sentiments, expectations, recommendations and plans for sustaining peace in their areas.

The consultation results can be classified into themes such as territory, government, education, security, natural resources, economy, justice system, election system, basic rights for women, youth, labor and indigenous peoples.

Below are the issues raised from participants coming from six towns or communities in Lanao del Norte deemed part of the core territory of the Bangsamoro.

ISSUES/ CONCERNS	RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS	SPECIFIC PROVISION/STATUTE IN THE BANGSAMORO BASIC BILL BASED ON VALIDATION
Breakdown of law and order/ persistence of impunity: ·         Widespread theft ·         Killings that has become more frequent ·         Unhindered trading of illicit drugs	Strengthen the institutional capacity of the future Bangsamoro police force	Section 1-18, Art XI. Public Order and Safety LPP recommends that the Bangsamoro Police Force and the PNP will prioritize curbing or preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs and arms trade in the region and neighbouring areas. In CAB, this can be addressed under Annex on Normalization, Part A.
Persistence of ‘RIDO’	*Rein in the MILF forces from participating in the ‘rido’ of relatives; *Expand the coverage of cases that shariah justice applies to; Institutionalizing appropriate justice mechanisms; Expand the coverage of shariah to include Bangsamoro people living outside the Bangsamoro territory *build the capacity for dialogue of relevant governance structures	Sec. 1- 28; Art X. Bangsamoro Justice System.  It encourages plural justice system where people could avail remedies from regular court, Shariah court, traditional and customary way of resolving dispute and alternative dispute resolution system. Section 1-18, Art XI. Public Order and Safety . Reining the MILF forces can be addressed through B1 & B3 under Normalization aspect of CAB. Art IX . Basic Right. Sec 4 & Sec. 8 Art VI. Intergovernmental Relations Sec. 6 A to H of Art VII. Bangsamoro Parliament (BBL) Sec. 21 Art VII Bangsamoro Parliament (BBL)
Poor environmental protection practices	*Strengthen environmental law enforcement in the Bangsamoro autonomous setup *Greater powers for Bangsamoro to implement localized actions against environmental law violators	Art V Sec 34. Powers of Government and Sec. 37. Art V Sec 2  (4) Art. V. Sec 3. (44, 53) Art. V. Sec  4 (b) Art XIII. Sec  2, 3, 4, 5 and Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 27. Art IX.  Section 5
Militarization of communities: ·         MILF ‘law enforcement’ operations ·         AFP troops getting interested in the outcomes of local conflicts	*MILF rein in its forces *Deal with command structures; make them accountable for action of units *MILF to disarm; former combatants given livelihood or Conditional Cash Transfer benefits	Normalization Annex of CAB.
Name of the autonomy area	Restore the name ARMM	The concept of Bangsamoro as an identity (Art 2) and as a name of political entity (Art 1).  Bangsamoro as a territory is discussed in Art. 3.
Assurance that any agreement between govt and the MILF should be implemented faithful to its letter and spirit	Involve the grassroots communities in monitoring the implementation of the agreement	FAB, CAB and BBL Sec 7 Art 4 discussed social justice; Sec 6 on promotion of right; and Sec 2 of Art guarantees a democratic political system. For monitoring, the CAB and BBL implementation will be monitored by the Third Party Monitoring Team consisting of 5 persons from international and national personalities. LPP recommends to GPH and MILF peace panels for the TPMT have effective protocols in its monitoring activities at the grassroot level.
Protection of minority rights	Ensure equality of rights of all Bangsamoro constituents regardless of religion, culture	Art IX Sections 1-21. Bangsamoro Basic Rights.

ISSUE/ CONCERN	RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS	SPECIFIC PROVISION/STATUTE IN THE BANGSAMORO BASIC BILL BASED ON VALIDATION
Transparency in every aspect of govt affairs	*Institutionalize citizen participation in various aspects of Bangsamoro governance *Policy recognition of role of CSOs in fostering inclusive Bangsamoro development	Art IX Sections 1-21. Bangsamoro Basic Rights. Art IV Sec 2. Democratic Political System Art IV Sec. 4 Civilian government Art. IV Sec 7 . Social Justice Art. V Sec 4 (n) – adopt measures and promote the rights of peoples’ organization and other collective organization. LPP recommends to the Bangsamoro government the full recognition of the civil society organization as partner for peace and development agenda within Bangsamoro region and its neighbouring areas.
Effective law enforcement and policing: -fairness of enforcing the law -avoid discrimination -easy solution of crimes	*Future Bangsamoro police undergo rigid training *Bangsamoro police outside of MILF influence and control *Govt must lead the Bangsamoro police force, setting qualifications who can be admitted into it.	Art XI. Section 1-18, Public Order and Safety. Details are also present under the Normalization aspect of the CAB.
Dominance by a few families over Moro politics and electoral outcomes	*Abolition of political dynasties in Bangsamoro	There is no guarantee that the proposed governmental structure in BBL under Bangsamoro government can abolish political dynasty. There is a need to continue the campaign against political warlordism and dynasty. LPP recommends to the Bangsamoro government and its parliament to adopt the anti-dynasty bill.
Improving the madrasah education system	*Grant competitive salaries for madrasah educators, similar to regular teachers *timely release of salaries of madrasah teachers *build more madrasah schools *sufficient honorarium and other benefits for imam/madaris teachers; *recognition of madrasah by LGU *building of madrasah buildings, esp. in the remote areas	Bangsamoro Basic Right. Art V Sec 4 (l and m) – Creation of a ministry of madaris and conduct of periodic competitive qualifying examinations of madaris teachers for permanent appointments to the Bangsamoro education system Art IX Sec 13– Rights to education
Poverty	*for Central govt and Bangsamoro govt to implement a comprehensive social and economic devt program aimed at lifting the Bangsamoro areas from impoverishment - road infra - support to agriculture - education (enshrined as right in Basic Law) - social services (enshrined as right in Basic Law) *ensure equal access by women to social and economic services	Bangsamoro Development Plan Art 5, sec. 2 (12) Art 5, sec 3 exclusive powers. Art IX Sec.13 & 17. Education as a basic right. Art XIII Economy and Patrimony; Sec 23 Art XIII – Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic resources Women – Seat in the BTA as a sectoral representative, GAD, gender equity, reserved seat in the parliament,
Poor observance of customary laws; there is ‘gradual phasing out’ of customs and traditions	Recognize customary laws as source of rights and duties in the respective localities; to be enshrined in Basic Law	Art X Sec 23. Bangsamoro Justice System. – Traditional and Tribal Justice System Preamble
Ensuring affirmative action for education of Bangsamoro youth	*enshrine right to education in Basic Law as fundamental right of youth within Bangsamoro territory *massive investment for school buildings in remote areas *free college education *free teacher training	Art IX Sec.13 & 17. Bangsamoro Basic Right Creation of Madaris.
Fostering Muslim-Christian cultural understanding and harmony	*Culture of Peace training mainstreamed in educational system;	Preamble. Basic Rights.

PART 2. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE NON-STATE ACTORS’ CONSULTATION (OR MEMBERS OF THE MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT): M’RANAO FORUM IN LANAO DEL NORTE DONE BY THE LANAO PEACE PARTNERSHIP on FEBRUARY 2014.

In keeping with its commitment to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to undertake public engagement activities in relation to the Bangsamoro transition, the Lanao Peace Partnership (LPP) cooperated with CSOs based in Lanao areas, in the conduct of these consultation with NSAs in Lanao del Norte. The consultations with non-state armed actors and their communities was a space to ventilate their concerns and to collate their recommendations to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission who were thentasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.  The participants of these consultations came from the towns of Poona Piagapo, Piagapo, Maigo, Kauswagan, Tagoloan, Iligan, Munai and Matungao.

TOPICS & DISCUSSION POINTS	RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS	SPECIFIC PROVISION/STATUTE IN THE BANGSAMORO BASIC BILL BASED ON VALIDATION
Topic A:  Institutionalization of Maranao Culture Ø  Maranao culture are slowly faded Ø  As a Maranao, we should sustain our culture because Maranao are very Hospitable Ø  If could only sustain the Maranao culture. disunity will not be arise Ø  Language and the way Maranao dress up nowadays were faded Ø  Main purpose of this topic is to be integrated in Department of Education is the establishment of Bangsamoro in the ratification of BBL. Ø  To strengthen the “Taritib Ago Igma” (Customary Law in Maranao) Ø  Government should recognize and support the Taritib Ago Igma	Before and after, either the negotiation will pursue or not the culture of Maranao must be Integrated in the DepEd ü  The Maranao Culture shall be integrated as one Curriculum in the Department of Education. Learn/Teach more about the ff: a)     Customs – create institution or school that focus on Maranao Custom, problem is that the one who handle or preserve for Maranao culture are other people e.g. the performers in MSU or the Sining Pananadum. They perform both local and International b)     Language – Maranao is proud of his self, because he can speak in various dialect but he already  forget/abandon his own Language c)      History – “Darangun” (History) of Maranao, before Agoncilio Maranao are very good. They call Mindanao as promise Island. But when Agoncilio came into scene He said, promise Island is made by Politician d)     Rights – It is more on Civil Rights e)     Special laws – Conacre Liability should be included f)       Enhancement of the P.D. 1083 known as Philippine Muslim Code/ genuine Shariah Law – there should have a revise in the P.D. 1083	Preamble of BBL recognizes peoples’ diversity and the significance of culture in their way of life. Art IX Sec 6, 19, 20, 21 Customary rights; tradition & Culture;  and Management of Bangsamoro Historical and Cultural Sites. Right to education and the right to enjoy the diversity of culture are considered as fundamental Bangsamoro Basic right. Art V Sec 4 (l and m) – Creation of a ministry of madaris and conduct of periodic competitive qualifying examinations of madaris teachers for permanent appointments to the Bangsamoro education system Sec 13 Art IX – Rights to education. The enhancement of Shariah law’s enforcement provides more opportunity for Bangsamoro peoples to enjoy their civil rights.
Topic B: Assertion of Equal Rights and Privileges of MNLF Mujahedeen in the Present Phase of the MILF-GPH Peace Agreement Causes: 1.       MILF’s Non recognition of brother MNLF Mujahedeen struggle for total liberation of the Bangsamoro homeland. 2.      OIC believes more in the scripted MILF-GPH peace agreement than the silent majority (MNLF based). 3.      As a result of the WAR of attrition employed by the GPH and other accomplice to the crime of soft genocide committed against the Bangsamoro people. 4.      The divide and rule tactic employed by the GPH on the Bangsamoro people. Effects: 1.       Bangsamoro people disunited. 2.      Poverty proliferated throughout the Bangsamoro homeland. 3.      We lost our dignity as a Bangsamoro nation.   Topic C: How was the Agreement between MNLF And GPH? It may be forgotten. Issues: 1.       What is now happening on the Agreement between MNLF and GPH on the year 1976 until now? ·         Did the GPH stop the negotiation with the MNLF? ·         The GPH did not conform on MNLF the TRIPOLI agreement that had been affirmed on the year 1976 Topic D: Decommissioning of Firearms Advantage: Ø  If both side (GPH-MILF) are sincere on the peace agreement on the Annex on Normalization then it’s possible that  we can achieved peace Ø  The only way for us to feel that were safe mostly to those who had a conflict or Rido, having weapon had a big role to protect us from danger Disadvantage: Ø  If the Mujahidin will not be knowledgeable concerning on the annex on Normalization, possible peace will no longer exist   Topic E: Character of Bangsamoro Ø  Majority affirm that in every trouble that happen, Moro’s are usually their blaming Ø  The agreement between the MNLF and the Government on Tripoli Agreement on 1976 during the time of Nur Misuari, is Nur Misuari still the Chairman on MNLF? Ø  Is government will not lie on the Agreement that was being processed? Ø  Government did not conform the agreement that was agreed on the both side MNLF & GPH	ü  Conduct of renewed peace dialogue. ü  This time including the MNLF participation in the peace panels. ü  The MNLF still wanted to continue their wants/demands concerning on the process of the TRIPOLI Agreement until now ü  The rights of the MNLF to be included on the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law ü  MNLF wants to have their own rights on the   land of the Bangsamoro ü  It will be hard for us to surrender our fire arms, especially those Maranao’s who had their Rido issues in order to protect our selves ü  Signing of the Agreement should be push through sincerely ü  What have agreed should be implemented to have true and lasting peace ü  We need to have a patience and unity for the peace to sustain ü  Inclusiveness and participatory of MNLF in the issues of peace process nowadays	This matter is addressed under the Normalization aspect of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro. The MNLF is also beneficiary of the PAMANA project of the GPH. There is a continuing dialogue between the MILF, MNLF, GPH and OIC. There is also a Bangsamoro Coordination Forum where issues can be ventilated and deliberated. Under the Normalization aspect of the Agreement, the GPH and the MILF identified Transitional Justice Mechanism to address historical injustices, legitimate grievances, human rights violation, and guarantees of the non-recurrence in the Bangsamoro regions regardless of their political affiliations. This matter is addressed under the Normalization aspect of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro. The MNLF is also beneficiary of the PAMANA project of the GPH. There is a continuing dialogue between the MILF, MNLF, GPH and OIC. There is also a Bangsamoro Coordination Forum where issues can be ventilated and deliberated. Under the Normalization aspect of the Agreement, the GPH and the MILF identified Transitional Justice Mechanism to address historical injustices, legitimate grievances, human rights violation, and guarantees of the non-recurrence in the Bangsamoro regions regardless of their political affiliations. The GPH and MILF guarantee inclusivity in the establishment of Bangsamoro government. The GPH and MILF guarantee inclusivity in the establishment of Bangsamoro government. The CAB further guarantees that the result and outcome of the establishment of the Bangsamoro government will not be less than what is agreed upon by the GPH and MNLF.
Topic F: What will happen when the dialogue between the MILF & GPH will not succeed/what will happen if the agreement will not be fully implemented? Ø  The people will be force to prepare for another battle Ø  The Moro fighters have already experienced it last 1996 when the government of the Philippines did not follow what has been agreed between the MILF and the GPH Ø  Citing a conversation of MNLF Commander Nur Minsuari with secretary Deles, Nur Minsuari asks what does  Sec. Deles talks about when she said that the second phase of 1996 agreement are already done when they have not given what the MILF is asks for Ø  The team agrees to the content of the Framework Agreement	ü  There should be other steps to address what has not been agreed. Example dialogue between MILF & MNLF ü  The Government should be sincere in the agreement to fulfill lasting peace in Mindanao recognition of the MNLF former and current combatant in the current MILF-GPH agreement	There is a continuing dialogue between the MILF, MNLF, GPH and OIC. There is also a Bangsamoro Coordination Forum where issues can be ventilated and deliberated.
Topic G: Concerns of the Youth They posed the following questions:  1.       What is the role of the youth in the Peace Process? 2.      What are the benefits that the youth can gain from the Bangsamoro? (Youth, students & orphans?) 3.      What moral values and lessons can we gain from the PP? I.                   Rights (Kabnar) II.                Benefits (Gona) III.             Connection IV.              To know the Do’s and Dont’s V.                 Moral	ü  Rights of the Youth, voices of the youth must be heard (Freedom of expression within Bangsamoro) ü  Education – we need to know and understand what is stated in the BBL/FAB concerning the youth what are our ancestors fighting for? ü  Establishment of Youth Organization within the Bangsamoro (like Sangguniang Kabataan-Separate) ü  Rules and regulations concerning the Youth, what are the restrictions? What can we do and cannot do? ü  Special programs for the youth? Programs that can convert the attention of the youth so that drug addiction bad activities like “Karera” will be lessen ü  Rights to Education of the Orphans- those youth who lost their parents during the war ü  Benefits for the descendents of Combatants -          Scholarships Trainings and Seminars	This is recognized under the Bangsamoro Basic Right. Art IX Sec.13 & 17 In Iligan, there are youth leaders educated on FAB, CAB and BBL. LPP recommends OPAPP to conduct more CAB-BBL Education for youths. LPP recognizes also the presence and participation of the youths in all community-based CAB-BBL education. LPP recommends inclusion of more seats in the parliament for youth representation under the Bangsamoro Basic Law and within the Bangsamoro structure. LPP further recommends the inclusion of youth agenda under the Bangsamoro Development Plan. LPP recommends that concerns for the orphans of former MNLF and MILF combatants, as victims of war, should be addressed in the Transitional Justice aspect of the Normalization process. Art IX Sec. 10 & 12 Rights of Children

PART 3. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE NON-STATE ACTORS’ CONSULTATION (OR MEMBERS OF THE MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT): M’RANAO FORUM IN LANAO DEL NORTE DONE BY THE LANAO PEACE PARTNERSHIP on FEBRUARY2014.

Topic	RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS	SPECIFIC PROVISION/STATUTE IN THE BANGSAMORO BASIC BILL BASED ON VALIDATION
A. Strengthening Shariah Law	-          Full implementation of Shariah Law -          Creation of Municipal Shariah Court in every municipality -          Creation of Provincial District Court in every province -          Creation of Shariah Supreme Court -          Organization of Shariah Affiliate Court -          Strengthening of qualification of Shariah Lawyer o  Must be a member of Integrated Shariah Bar o  Must be a graduate of Shariah -          Rights and privileges of Ulama to be given without the interference of the politicians	Sec. 1- 28; Art X. Bangsamoro Justice System includes the strengthening of Shariah Justice system.
B. Retaining “Muslim Mindanao” in the Bangsamoro Government	Suggestion and Recommendation -          Bangsamoro Parliamentary  Government in Muslim Mindanao -          Bangsamoro Political Entity in Muslim Mindanao -          Bangsamoro Government in Muslim Mindanao -          The word “Muslim” must be stated in the proposed Basic Law -          The word “Muslim Mindanao” is the legacy of late President Corazon Aquino to the Muslim when it is stated in the fundamental law, hence its retention.	The concept of Bangsamoro as an identity (Art 2) and as a name of political entity (Art 1).  Bangsamoro as a territory is discussed in Art. 3. Muslim refers to believer and practitioner of Islamic faith.
C. In the event CAB will be failed? What shall we do? What are our perspectives and actions?	Discussion Note -          All notable/doable perspectives and actions must be based on the mandate of the people, religion and country as a basic unit framework of discussion. Salient Features -          Strengthening; peace-education; peace-economy and strong faith Key Understanding -          Unity of efforts, perseverance, trust worthiness and genuine Jihad Fiy Sabiylillah Observations -          Muslim Leaders must have to be always with sincere support. Actions and Action Steps -          Sincere devotion and desirable commitment Activities -          Series of Peoples’ Consultations through forum and discussions to arrive at a remarkable point. Timeline and Milestones -          At utmost needs and upon comprehensive consensus of stakeholders Signs of CAB Failures -          Used of technicalities against the success of the CAB -          Lengthy of discussions and approval as delaying tactics -          Actual disapproval by concerned authorities -          On both parties GRP-MILF violates the CAB Our demands in case of CAB Failures: -          Joint supports and strong connections to the International Communities -          In case of failures of GRP-MILF Negotiations, still subject to international law, and not to local law -          Stop military (AFP) deployment to the Bangsamoro Areas and communities -          Accessibility of Mass Media Conclusion -          The Success of “Peace Agreement” serves as the tangible progress of peace living conditions of the Filipino People and the Bangsamoro.	Refer to general principles of the BBL and the basic rights. As to the concerns on accessibility to information and ensuring transparency through mass media, LPP supports the call of Bangsamoro journalists for the creation of Ministry of Public Information.
D. Traditional Leaders	Points of Discussion -          Manners of Selection -          Proportional Representation -          Manners of Succession -          Strengthening Sultanate Participation in the Bangsamoro Government	Article V. Sec 3 (27) Customary laws. Art. VI. Intergovernmental Relations. Art. VIII (Wali)--BBL recognizes the Wali, the traditional system of the indigenous peoples within Bangsamoro territory and the customary ways of the Bangsamoro culture. Art VII Sec 6
E. Lake Lanao and Its Environ	-          This topic was merged with another topic	-          Art V. Sec 3 (29, 34, 35, 36, 37)
F. Current ARMM Government vs Bangsamoro Entity	-          This topic was merged with another topic	-
G. If CAB will be successful	-          Pilgrimage to Makkah every year shall have direct destination to every strategic city/town of the area of the Bangsamoro; Malabang is one. -          Oil exploration within the region of the Bangsamoro; Bangsamoro citizen shall get priority for its employment -          Every Bangsamoro family shall get a honorarium per month of 10, 000.00 for the first five years. -          Every Arabic student starting from I’Dadi shall receive a monthly allowance of 5, 000.00, Sanawi – 10, 000.00, Koliyya – 15, 000.00 -          All infrastructural project shall be headed by Ulama Group -          All Arabic Teachers shall receive a minimum salary of 30, 000.00 -          Veterans either from any group shall receive a monthly salary of 50, 000.00	Art V Sec. 26 Hajj and Umrah Art XIII Sec 8, 9, 10, 11, 17 ? The Ministry of Education can develop scholarship for youths in coordination with the DEpEd and other related agency or departments. Salary standards/grade of employees in DepEd is subject to the policy under civil service.
H. Muslim Justice in Supreme Court	-          Appointment of Shariah Lawyer Justice to decide appealed Shariah cases -          Appointment of Shariah lawyers, real notarial commission, anywhere in the Philippines over Bangsamoro documents -          Shariah lawyer eligibility to lateral entry -          Basic Shariah law to be incorporated to educational curriculum within Bangsamoro Territory -          Creation of Shariah Court in Luzon and Visayas -          Councilor, Lawyer- in any of which is an appropriate addressed to Shariah lawyers	Art X Sec 25, 27 Art X Sec  1-22. We leave this to the wisdom and decision of Supreme Court.
I. Duration of Transition Government (MILF)	-          No Election on 2016;  Five years transition period -          All provinces, cities and municipalities under ARMM and other municipalities who have agreed to be of the Bangsamoro Government should automatically part of it and should not undergo plebiscite.	LPP recommends the extension of transition phase for five years for effective, participator, and conflict-sensitive transition.
K. Economic-Base Building for Bangsamoro: The Agri-Industry Venue	Areas of Consideration -          The areas of autonomy consist largely of agricultural lands that are under-utilized. -          Modern technology/technocrats are readily mobilize among Bangsamoro communities -          Capital Formation for agri-industry can come from both private and public sector -          Markets for agri-industry products are present and/or easily expandable -          Bangsamoro Development agency has high-agenda for economic-base building in the autonomy Recommendations-Action -          Creation of Regional Agri-Industry Research Center and Development Board of Council. -          Establishment of, in provinces, cities and municipalities, local center for agri-business research development and promotion; local budget for the financing of agri-business training and entrepreneurships support; agri-business models (farms, establishments, communities) -          Establishment of credit facilities and financing for initiatives that contribute the Eco-base building for Bangsamoro. -	Art. XIII of BBL Art. XIII Sec  5 Bangsamoro Development Plan

PART 4. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCERNS GENERATED FROM THE CAB-BBL COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATION IN THE HINTERLAND, COASTAL AREAS, AND URBAN CENTER OF ILIGAN CITY AND LANAO DEL NORTE (FROM SEPTEMBER 2014 TO DECEMBER 2014)

·        Conflict affected areas in Lanao del Norte, which is not part of the Bangsamoro Core Territory, recommends that they should be included in the rehabilitation or reconstruction under the Normalization and Transitional Justice Aspects of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

·        There is increase of knowledge about CAB and BBL among consulted communities (or among participants) but there remains evident fears and worries because the BBL does not guarantee a future free of violence and threat.

·        LPP noted that while there is a democratic mechanism and option for communities who wanted to petition for inclusion in Bangsamoro territory however, there is no express mechanism for others who wanted to petition for exclusion.

·        There is also clamor from conflict-affected communities that the normalization process and the transitional justice aspect should be clearly defined by implementing authorities with participation from the grassroot communities through consultations and dialogues.

·        While we recognize that the BBL provide democratic options for the Bangsamoro people outside the core territory, but we also share their sentiments that the marginalization of hinterland communities have encouraged or motivated them to consider the option to petition for inclusion with hope to experience positive community development and transformation.

·        In the transition phase, communities raised concerns about job insecurity; on the taxation policy within Bangsamoro region; and on the internal revenue allotment of LGUs and barangays who are contemplating to petition for inclusion.

·        There was also serious concern on when will the Comelec issue the directives and mechanism on the process of petitioning for inclusion.

Sincerely and for the people,

                                   

ROBERTO M. QUIJANO                                     ENGR. MARIAM BARANDIA

Acting Managing Director                                       Executive Director

Pailig Development Foundation Inc.                           Kapamagogopa Inc.

Prof. JUVANNI A. CABALLERO                      REGINA SALVADOR-ANTEQUISA

Officer-in-Charge                                                     Executive Director

MSU-IIT Institute for Peace and                           Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits Inc.

Development in Mindanao              

JUANITO C. ENRIQUEZ, JR.                         VIOLETA M. GLORIA

Managing Director                                                  Lanao Peace Partnership Coordinator

Civil Society Organization Forum                         GIZ-Civil Peace Service-LPP/EFK

for Peace Inc.