BANGSAMORO REJOICES HISTORIC SIGNING
MARAWI CITY, March 28 — The signing Thursday, March 27, of the Comprehensive Agreement in the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) came as an unprecedented event as thousands of supporters converged for a prayer rally at Plaza Cabili in Bangolo, this city, with laughter and tears of joy marking the historical signing event.
Observers estimated to about 5000 spectators coming mostly from MILF and its sympathizers in the two Lanao provinces joined the rally which started in the morning and lasted late in the afternoon.
At the Provincial New Capitol Complex here, the provincial government rejoiced with the rest through a Kalilang celebrations which culminated at three in the afternoon.
Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. enjoined provincial local government unit personnel to support the peace development.
On Wednesday, hundreds of MILF personnel who will witnesws the signing in Malcanang were bid by well-wisheers with kalilang as they commuted from their places to the airport.
Carrying colorful placards and streamers with phrases like Allah is Great!, Long live Bangsamoro!, and "We support the Peace Agreement," the Bangolo rallyists expressed their all-out support to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement in the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the MILF in a thanksgiving prayer rally.
Acmad Lao of the MILF Ranao Region Information Committee said they are thankful that the government and the MILF finally reached the signing of the CAB .
He also expressed optimism that peace and development will now take place in Mindanao with the signing of the peace agreement. Representatives from people's organizations; civil society organizations; media, youth and women sector, including religious leaders in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur were among those who participated in the rally.
Traditional leaders and members of the 28 Ranao Royal Sultanate Legislative Assembly were also present.
Sultan sa Marawi Abdul Hamidullah Atar said they are pleased and thankful of the outcomes of the peace negotiation through the signing of the CAB.
He also appealed to lawmakers to support the crafting of the basic law based on the signed peace agreement in the name of peace, justice and reconciliation.
Atar believes that genuine and lasting peace in the country will be achieved with the sincere support of all sectors of the society especially the Aquino administration.
Meanwhile, the Federation of the Lanao Royal Sultanates asked both the government and the MILF to intensify the information campaign of informing the public about the Bangsamoro and the new development.
Sultan Maclis Lucman of the Royal House of Bayang and official of the Royal Sultanate Federation told The New Ranao Star by phone that he saw the public as not well-informed on the Bangsamoro issue citing many queries from both Muslims and non-Muslims.
He also suggested that the government and the MILF should not overlook the royal traditional leaders and should involve them in drafting the basic law in order to achieve true last5ing peace and sustainable development.
(With reports from Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA)
THE RANAO STAR
