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Order to reorganize Bangsamoro Transition Commission to be released
President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign an executive order reorganizing the commission that will prepare a new draft of measure to be proposed to Congress that will boost the Bangsamoro peace process, an official said on Friday.
In a statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the president is expected to issue the order expanding the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from 15 to 21.
The announcement came a day after Nur Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) resurfaced and appeared in Malacanang to meet Duterte after a court suspended his arrest warrants on his petition and with support of the government.
A court charged Misuari and a number of his followers with rebellion and violation of the international humanitarian law due to the deadly attack in Zamboanga City where at least 200 died.
Misuari, who went into hiding for three years, vowed to support the peace process under the new administration of Duterte.
The Aquino administration formed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-led BTC, which prepared the draft BBL, which failed to pass the 16th Congress.
The BBL was supposed to be the organic law for the envisioned Bangsamoro government, in compliance with the peace deal forged between the previous government and the rebel MILF.
The initial BTC was composed of eight MILF members, while the remaining seven were appointed by the government. Under the new BTC, it is expected that other stakeholders in Mindanao , apart from the MILF, will be given seats.
While the MNLF, a former secessionist Muslim rebel group, forged a peace pact with the government in 1996, Misuari's faction attacked in September 2013 Zamboanga City as he resurrected his call for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao .
Dureza said Misuari's positive response on Duterte's invitation to participate in the Bangsamoro peace process and the signing of the EO on BTC "are significant steps closer to a comprehensive and inclusive resolution of the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao ."
Dureza justified the suspension of the proceedings and of warrants of arrest against Misuari amid the opposition of the local government of Zamboanga City .
He said the temporary release of Misuari is "in pursuit of a larger vision of peace."
"As justice is a key element of peace building, justice and healing will be an integral part of the peace process. The concern for justice related to the Zamboanga incidents in 2013 as well as other incidents identified by the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission will be dealt with in a comprehensive program," Dureza said.
As the major actors and stakeholders are now involved in pursuing peace in Mindanao , the opportunity is greater for dialogue and meaningful conversations that can lead to inclusive peace, he added. Celerina Monte/DMS
