The Philippines has seen two milestones happening of late – the historic ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the appointment of the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-Led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Now that things are being put in place, the European Union is extending its support to effect a smooth and stable transition to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Starting this summer, 41 middle executives from the MILF will be trained on public policy, governance, and management, by the Centre for Peace and Conflict studies, and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute.
Out of the 41, six members are coming from the MILF central committee.
It is expected that the middle managers will be the gatekeepers for the BTA members and therefore will play a crucial role in providing technical support to the BTA members.
Part of the technical support is a seven-day study tour to a country or countries where peace processes allowed for revolutionary organisation’s transition to political organisation.
A consultation is set between the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute, and the MILF Peace Implementing Panel to align the design, content and timeline of the activities including the training programme. The two organisations will jointly implement this initiative in close coordination with MILF Peace Implementing Panel.
The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies is a Cambodian NGO working in the field of peace building and conflict transformation in Asia while the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute is a product of the Mindanao Peace negotiations and is run by MILF and offers training to its military and political cadres to adjust to the challenges of transitioning from an armed revolutionary movement to the formal political arena. The MILF Peace Implementing Panel is chaired by Mr Mohagher Igbal and is mandated to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of CAB and other agreements signed by the parties.
EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said that the upcoming transition is definitely critical but that this transition presents an opportunity for all actors to work in a harmonious spirit to lay down a solid foundation for political, economic and social stability in Mindanao.
“The EU remains committed to support the need for a better future for Bangsamoro and its people- the aspirations and visions for the future of every well-meaning citizen, not only of Bangsamoro but outside of Bangsamoro”.
“While there will be challenges along the way, there is so much hope and dynamism in the Bangsamoro region. This is extremely important because any peace process cannot be successful, if not supported by economic success, growing prosperity and inclusive growth”, Ambassador Jessen said.
MILF Chairperson Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim who is also now the Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao expressed the importance of unity and peace during a working lunch hosted by the EU Delegation to the Philippines for Mr Murad.
“Together we can make peace. Together nothing is impossible when there is peace”, he said.
Mr Murad also thanked the EU for its continuing support to the peace process and to its cooperation programmes in Mindanao. Meanwhile, Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez of OPAPP also encouraged European business people to continue to invest in Mindanao.