SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 3, 2012) – Sulu province is hosting the first-ever Mindanao Leaders’ Summit and will tackle the Mindanao peace process and the Framework Agreement signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Thousands of Muslims are expected to attend the summit which would be held today in Patikul town. The Framework Agreement, which was signed in October, would pave the way for the creation of Bangsamoro region.
The new political entity would replace the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao which comprises the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
A referendum would also be held in other provinces where there are large Muslim communities to ask if residents wanted to be part of the Bangsamoro region.
“Sinusuportahan natin ang peace process ng ating Pangulo kaya nga may summit tayo dito sa Sulu upang ipaalam sa publiko ang kahalagahan nitong peace talks at ng Framework Agreement. Sinusuportahan namin mga governors sa ARMM ang kapayapaan,” (We are supporting the peace process and that’s why we are holding this summit so our people will know more about the government peace talks with the MILF and the importance of the Framework Agreement.),” Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.
The ARMM governors and top government officials, including members of the civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations and peace advocates are expected to attend the summit, according to Dr Amildasa Annil, of the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance.
“This summit is important to all of us and we want the people to understand the peace process and the Framework Agreement, and other issues pertaining to peace, our future and Mindanao in whole,” he said in a separate interview.
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