By Maricel Cruz, Macon Ramos, Manila Standard Today

 

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the ‘determined efforts’ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to bridge the gap between the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

“We are elated that you will have the chance to talk to the MNLF and the MILF.  It is the only way we have to include all major parties and sectors in Mindanao to make the peace process all-inclusive,” Belmonte said in a statement.

 

Belmonte assured the OIC delegation led by Secretary-General Iyad Ameen Madani that “We will now proceed with and give due importance to the consideration of the Bangsamoro Basic Law come resumption of sessions in May.”

 

At the upper chamber, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said  the Senate would asked the MNLF to join the deliberation on the draft law.

 

Marcos said  detained MNLF chairman Nur Misuari will be invited although he remained at large after the siege of Zamboanga City.

 

The lawmaker said  he (Misuari) can send his representatives to take part in the public hearings.

 

For his part,  Madani expressed the full and continuing support of the OIC for the peace process and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

 

“The OIC is very much close to the peace process.  We are here to show support to the peace process,” Madani told Speaker Belmonte who was accompanied by members of the House of Representatives from Mindanao.

 

The OIC leader expressed concern that if the BBL is “diluted beyond recognition,” the resulting frustrations and disappointments could breed more violence and radicalization in the affected areas.

 

“The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the best alternative,” Madani said, adding, however, that the OIC respects the vital role of the Philippine congress relative to the consideration of the proposed BBL.

 

Another important issue came from the OIC leader himself who noted that some quarters suspect that the BBL could ultimately lead to secession of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

 

The OIC delegation also held consultations in Davao City in its efforts to close the gap between the MNLF and the MILF and possibly meet with other stakeholders in the peace process.