CALL FOR UNITY. Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan speaks during AFP-MNLF-MILF dialogue for a peaceful plebiscite on BOL on January 21, 2019. (Photo from 6th ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — The military held a dialogue Saturday with various stakeholders in Maguindanao to ensure a peaceful and orderly Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite in the province.
The military-led "security meeting" was attended by area commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from various municipalities in the province, said Army Lt. Colonel Edgar Catu, commanding officer of the Army's 40th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Held at the 40IB's headquarters in Rajah Buayan town, Catu said the meeting was "part of my unit’s efforts in preparation for the successful conduct of upcoming plebiscite and to establish good rapport, and promote peace among the participants."
Brig. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, lauded the dialogue as it sought to "strengthen our good relationship and communication with other peace incline groups to pursue genuine reform and development in Central Mindanao."
The plebiscite scheduled on January 21 in Maguindanao will determine the composition of the new political entity to be called Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The creation of BARMM is a product of the government and MILF peace process in Mindanao after years of negotiation. (PNA)
