DAVAO CITY , Philippines — A national network of Muslim clerics in the country has called for unity to win both the hearts and minds of the electorate in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region leading towards the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines, in a statement released on Saturday, said the group must be prepared and united to face all the challenges ahead of the slated Bangsamoro plebiscite.
“As we welcome all these developments, we must be prepared and united to face the challenges in winning the hearts and minds of the electorate for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in a plebiscite on the 21st of January 2019 and take part in the capacity development towards building the foundation of the Bangsamoro governance,” the Ulama said.
The NUCP also lauded the Duterte administration and the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as both groups have pursued a “peace” that is based on justice to resolve the Mindanao issues.
The Ulama said the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was accepted and adopted by the Bangsamoro community through a consultation conducted by the MILF during the Bangsamoro General Assembly held last July 27, 2018 in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao province.
It viewed the passage of BOL as a “milestone towards the realization of self-determination for the Bangsamoro, as well as of peace and development for all peoples of Mindanao.”
The NUCP vowed to provide guidance and awareness of the ratification of the BOL.
“[We] therefore appeal and urge the electorate in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the name of peace, development and justice for all,” it said.
The Ulama added that through its members and affiliated Islamic organizations, they would participate in the information drive “for a better understanding of the BOL, and in campaigning for its eventual acceptance by our people.”(davaotoday.com)
