FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – In a bid to strengthen and capacitate its personnel regarding Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the Philippine Army hosted a one-day orientation held at the Ricarte Hall, PA Officers Clubhouse, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila here today, August 31, 2018.
Through the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, OG5 headed by Colonel Roberto S. Capulong, the Philippine Army initiated the conduct of information drive aimed at enhancing soldiers’ understanding of BOL and Army’s role after its passage, and providing a platform for in-depth discussion on the implementation of said law.
Senior leaders from the Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) across the country were present during the event. A livestreaming coverage is also provided for soldiers assigned in the PAMUs for them to watch-over the lecture and discussion.
The Subject-Matter- Expert (SME) is no less than Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, Commissioner, Bangsamoro Transition Commission. She presented the background of the BOL through telling the historical and contemporary environment of ARMM in the context of peace process, the salient features and its future implications, especially on the defense sector.
“I belong to a family of peace advocates, we are very optimistic that with our convergence, unity and collaborative effort on the new Bangsamoro Organic Law, peace in Bangsamoro region will be absolutely achieved,” said Atty. Dandamun.
The Republic Act Number 11054 or also known as the Act Providing for the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has recently passed in the Congress and signed by the President. The said law provides a basis for the establishment of a new Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The newly-established political entity under the BOL will be called as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which have more powers to enact its own laws, fiscal autonomy, and special fund for the rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas. The said law is said to be the culmination of a peace deal signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and past administrations.
“Amidst diversity, the Philippine Army support the national initiatives to sustain the peace endeavor for normalization in Bangsamoro, at all cost,” said Major General Danilo Chad D. Isleta, Chief of Staff, Philippine Army, in his closing remarks.#