(Statement) On the Bangsamoro Right to Self-Determination and the Ratification of the Organic Law

January 3, 2019
Search, Preach and Reach Peace!

We, as an interfaith movement of peace sowers, builders, organizers and nurturers belonging to Interfaith Movement for Peace – Mindanao (I MOVE PEACE) stand in solidarity with our Bangsamoro and Non-Moro Bangsamoro peoples in this another historic moment in the struggle for the Right to Self-Determination of the Bangsamoro.

As a new organization, we are still in our process of understanding the dynamics and relationships of the efforts for reforms, human rights, collective and individual rights, justice and equality at the various levels.

Peace as a broad and abstract condition, we believe that it is the fulfilment of the entitlements as creations of God. Peace for us is the relatedness of the harmony of self, neighbours and fellow creations, nature and God. Let us not forget that we are tasked and obliged to care for each other and all creations as good stewards of the Earth - We are part of the whole us.

With this framework, we respect the Right of every nation and people to Self-Determination. And in our context in Mindanao it is the Right to Self-Determinatuon of the Bangsamoro and the Indigenous People.

We support the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law as seen by the Moro people themselves as an improved expression of their Right to Self-Determination today. We pray for a peaceful, democratic, free from fear and violence plebiscites come this 21st of January for the Bangsamoro core area including the cities of Cotabato and Isabela in Basilan and 6th of February for the expansion territories (the whole of Lanao del Norte to decide for the inclusion or not of the 6 municipalities to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and some Municipalities of North Cotabato for the 67 barangays to be included or not in the new political entity. In addition, results and outcome should be respected by all stakeholders.

On the same note, we hope that differences in faiths and religions should not divide us all or be not become reasons to marginalize and discriminate the others.

Let us all shape the peace and development that is not divisive and destructive but instead will empower our peoples and communities and unify us all.

Let us strengthen our unity!

Rev. Msgr. Ariston Sasutana
Chairperson
Interfaith Movement for Peace - Mindanao