By
Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO
CITY, July 8 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he is ready to
concede to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) if a Federal government is not
possible during his term.
But
the President assured the Moro people that his administration is working on a
framework acceptable to both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Speaking
to more than 500 Moro people from different regions in Mindanao, including MILF
vice chair for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar and MNLF Chair Bong Parcasio
during the First Mindanao Hariraya Eid'l Fit'r at SMX Convention Center on
Friday evening, Mr. Duterte revealed that part of the plan is a reconfiguration
of a territory for Nur Misuari-led MNLF.
The
President, however, said the reconfiguration is not intended to separate or
delineate territories. "It should not keep us apart being
Mindanaoans," he stressed.
But
he noted that most Christians are supporting Federalism and BBL.
"Let
us build a nation that is founded on peace," he emphasized.
Duterte,
however, reminded everybody that the task is not easy but assured he would be
able to do it under his administration.
"It
will not come overnight...not next year. It will be something in two to three
years. I assure something will change before the end of my term," he said.
He
said he is set to travel to Jolo to meet with Misuari and probably ask the
military to allow the MNLF leader to move around Mindanao for simultaneous
talks with the Moro people.
Mr.
Duterte revealed that his team is working overtime on plans for the MILF and
MNLF.
For
the MILF, the President said he values word of honor. "A promise is a
promise," he said. He, however, did not elaborate what he had promised to
the MILF.
"What
you give to MILF you give to MNLF. I hope there will be peace in our
land," he said.
He
also asked all groups including the communist movement to refrain from
activities that will derail peace plans. He cited the MILF for not taking moves
despite the failed BBL while Misuari is in a stand-down position.
"Give
me a chance to perfect (everything)," said Duterte, urging everybody to
respect each other and to talk before doing anything that will spin trouble in
Mindanao. (PNA)
LAP/LCM/LDP/RSM
