DAVAO CITY — Representatives of the various normalization bodies under the Government of the Philippines–Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Peace Panel gathered here early this week to discuss ways to strengthen existing peace mechanisms and reaffirm their commitment to the peace process.

In a two-day workshop spearheaded by the World Bank and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the normalization bodies recommended key activities they can jointly carry out, particularly in preparation for the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The normalization bodies have been instrumental in sustaining the gains of peace in Mindanao, particularly after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the GPH and MILF in 2014.

In his remarks during the event, Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Nabil Tan said there is “a very good chance” the BBL will be passed.

Undersecretary Tan, who also chairs the GPH Peace Implementing Panel, called on the various normalization bodies to focus on strengthening security and confidence-building measures.

As a resource person during the Senate and Congressional public consultations on the BBL held in selected areas in Mindanao, Tan witnessed the outpouring of public support for the proposed law, which seeks to establish an autonomous Bangsamoro government and territory.

Undersecretary Tan emphasized the need for the normalization bodies to establish time frames for the implementation of joint activities, saying the GPH-MILF peace process is now in the “intensified phase of the implementing stage.”

“Let us persevere. Let us not give up. Let us continue to advocate that the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed,” he said.

For his part, MILF Panel Implementing Chair Mohagher Iqbal, who was himself a resource person during the Senate and Congressional public consultations, said he remains optimistic the proposed law will be approved by Congress.

“All directions point to the positive outcome of the BBL,” he said.

Iqbal said this is the reason the conduct of the workshop was timely as it will help concretize what to expect when Congress passes the BBL.

Iqbal also said the MILF can be a more reliable partner “when everything is settled” through the passage of the BBL.

“We are in partnership mode,” the MILF leader said. ###