Lanao del Norte leaders urged to protect BOL’s plebiscite
By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA
February 4, 2019
ILIGAN CITY: Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. urged local leaders of the province of Lanao del Norte to protect the integrity of the plebiscite scheduled on Wednesday for the inclusion of the province’ six towns in the future Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“I ask everyone to help ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of plebiscite on February 6, 2019,” he told mayors and barangay (village) chiefs during the information drive forum of the BOL here on Saturday.
He asked everyone to remain vigilant and observant in protecting the integrity of their votes, hoping that their votes will not be swayed by political patronage or intimidation but will truly reflect their sentiments for peace and development in the Bangsamoro.
“Our commitment for a peaceful and orderly plebiscite demonstrates our pledge to uphold our democratic ideals, providing equal opportunities to freely cast our votes despite differences in opinion,” Galvez added.
Galvez said the “BOL is a centerpiece legislation of the Duterte administration seen as a viable instrument to institute durable peace in the Bangsamoro which for years has been marred by political alienation and economic marginalization.”
The February 6 plebiscite is scheduled in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.
The six towns in Lanao del Norte identified for inclusion in the BARMM are Nunungan, Tangkal, Munai, Pantar, Balo-i, and Tagoloan which need however the consent of the entire province.
In 2001, these six municipalities voted for inclusion in the ARMM but did not make it as they were overwhelmed by the votes of the whole province of Lanao del Norte. The upcoming plebiscite will give these six municipalities a chance to join the BARMM.
Galvez also clarified misinformation thrown against the BOL. "The proposed inclusion of the six towns does not divide the province but further widens and democratizes our opportunities for economic development and political empowerment,” he said, adding that the inclusion of the six municipalities is instead an opportunity for reform in governance.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had earlier declared the BOL ratified after majority of the voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) including Cotabato City voted ‘Yes’ during the first round of the plebiscite on January 21.
The plebiscite on Wednesday aims to expand the areas of the future BARMM.
During the forum, Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub, one of the hostages held by the Maute group during the Marawi siege in 2017, asked the residents what alternative they have to pursue peace if not the BOL.
“Peace process means that the government and the rebel groups cannot use war as a medium of communication anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile, COMELEC Region X Director Renato Magbutay requested the people in Lanao del Norte to remind the voters in the province to answer all six questions in the ballots.
“There should be six votes in one ballot. Please remind your voters to answer all six questions, hindi lang po isa. We have to count all the votes, so hindi sayang ang boto,” he said.
The BOL is the legal foundation for the establishment of a new Bangsamoro autonomous region in Mindanao.
It is the product of the peace agreements forged between the government and the Moro fronts to address the centuries-old clamor of the Moro people for their right to self-determination. (MNY/RSP)
