I was invited by the leaders of the Mindanao PeaceWeavers (MPW), to join them in presenting a statement of solidarity to both the GPH and MILF Peace Panels to accompany them in this peace process until we see a mutually agreed text of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, and eventually lead to genuine just-peace in Mindanao. 04 August 2014, 1300H-1400H, Davao City.
I heard both chairs of the GPH and MILF Peace Panels along with my colleagues who belong to various Mindanao peace advocacy organizations. I also heard, and learned from, my colleagues’ questions and comments. I’m still trying to discern the balance between transparency and confidentiality — which are both needed in the tail-end of a fragile peace process.
There are hard issues we’re still facing on how to operationalize the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (a politically negotiated agreement, general in scope) into the Bangsamoro Basic Law (a legislative document, specific and detailed in scope).
So, the two panels are working as partners for 10 days to deal with these issues.
Please pray for them as they journey from the general principles of agreement, to the specific operational details emanating from the same agreement.
May the God of Peace embrace us all!
