Deles urges to Congress to fight threat of extremism with BBL

MALAYBALAY City–Presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Quintos Deles has called on Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, saying the measure is needed to counter the growing threat of religious extremism.

“[T]he success of the Bangsamoro peace process can help us arrest the spread of extremism around the globe by showing clearly that an Islamic movement can address its grievances and pursue its interests through a legitimate mode of democratic political engagement while still remaining within the country’s territorial integrity and constitutional framework, and without losing their culture and identity,” Deles said in a message on Wednesday during the Regional Consultative Meeting for Heads of Posts in Europe delivered by Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo.

The event was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Deles said passing the BBL would show to the world that the Philippines recognizes and respects Islam.

“[The completion of the peace negotiations] can show the global ummah that even Muslim minorities can thrive and contribute to development through the mutually beneficial interaction of distinct cultures,” she stressed.

The Opapp head cited the support of the international community to the peace process, especially the passage of the BBL, as a solution to the decades-old Bangsamoro armed struggle in Mindanao.

“[J]ust in October of last year, top diplomats representing at least 24 countries led by ambassadors from the European Union, United Kingdom, and the United States released a strong statement of support for the peace process,” she noted.

She added that late last year, the EU pledged 275 billion pesos “to allow for a smooth transition and to create conditions for the establishment of the autonomous region of the Bangsamoro, through the BBL.”

Deles said she remained optimistic the BBL would be passed under the Aquino administration despite delays.

“Delays are, understandably, of great concern for communities on the ground. With every passing day of delay, they grow more anxious. With each new unmet deadline, they ask–will this mean a return to war? With firm hope and unwavering courage, we say: no, not under our watch,” she said.