Senator lauds GRP-MILF framework agreement

Lakas-CMD President and Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. lauded Malacañang for its efforts to establish lasting peace in Mindanao. Expressing his optimism over the signing of the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leading to the establishment of the "Bangsamoro" Autonomous Region, Revilla asked everyone to support the initiative.

"Matagal na nating hinahanap ang permanenteng solusyon sa kaguluhan sa Mindanao. Ngayong nagkakaroon ng linaw sa pag-uusap pangkapayaapan, nakikita kong abot-tanaw na ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa Katimugan," he said.

The Senator pointed out that it is high time that the decades-long armed conflict between the government and our Muslim brothers come to an end, so that progress and development reach the countrysides in Mindanao. "I have always supported efforts towards lasting peace in Mindanao. Mukhang ito na ang susi na magdudulot ng kaunlaran sa parte ng bansang iyon, at malaki ang magiging pakinabang ng ating mga kababayaan roon, kapwa Muslim at Kristyano."

"If we are successful in this effort, we will see prosperity in the South. Investors and capital will flow-in, and our resources in that area can be properly, sustainably, and efficiently utilized," said Revilla.

The Senator also appealed to all stakeholders to participate in the transition program to ensure that all affected sectors are represented in its implementation. "Lahat ng apektado ay dapat marinig para maging katanggap-tanggap sa lahat ang magiging resulta. Sigurado naman ako na titiyakin ng Malakanyang na kasali ang lahat, hanggang umabot na ito sa plebesito," Revilla ended.

President Benigno Aquino III today (Monday, October 15), signed the framework agreement with the MILF, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. After the pact signing, President Aquino is expected to issue an Executive Order that will create a Transition Committee which will be responsible for the implementation of the concrete terms of the peace accord.