PNoy pushes for autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao

By Balitang America Staff, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Sept. 10, 2014

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – President Benigno Aquino III is urging lawmakers to enact a law that creates a Muslim autonomous area in the southern part of the Philippines.

It’s an effort to keep the peace in a region marred by 50 years of conflict.

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF signed a deal in March to end a rebellion that has led to the deaths of more than 120,000 people and the displacement of more than two million people.

President Aquino submitted to Congress the draft of the law creating the special autonomous Muslim region.

MILF leaders are expected to govern the new autonomous area during a short transition period until elections in May 2016.

Under the deal, the Bangsamoro government will have self-rule and powers to impose taxes and fees on permits and licenses.

The MILF will take part in the May 2016 elections, turning the guerilla group into a political party.

Ted Laguatan, legal counsel for US Pinoys for Good Governance, said that the idea behind Aquino’s move is to create lasting peace and economic progress in that region, while bringing into the fold with the rest of the country.

“These are non-performing assets. There have been problems with insurgencies, economic problems. These are the poorest provinces in the Philippines. So by giving this opportunity to the Muslims to govern themselves, the hope is that the problems there will be resolved,” Laguatan said.