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| Southeast Asia |
| Militant leaders invited to Bangsamoro hearings |
| 2014-12-26 |
| The special House committee in the Philippine legislature on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has invited leaders of rival armed groups in Mindanao to a hearing on the proposed legislation next month. The committee chairman extended invitations to Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Umbra Kato of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and representatives of the Islamic Command. Also invited were leaders of two rival MNLF factions – Abul Khayr Alonto and Muslimin Sema. Hearings have been set for Jan. 20, a day after the legislature resumes its session. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said, "We want to consult them, we want to hear the views of all stakeholders, including armed groups." He said if Misuari and Kato could not make it because of pending warrants for their arrest, they could send representatives or submit position papers. Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who chairs the House defense committee, lauded the Rodriguez panel for its efforts to reach out to all concerned Muslim groups and individuals. He said, "In my nine years as a senator and five years as a congressman, I have never seen public consultations as extensive and expansive as those the special committee has been conducting." |
| Posted by:ryuge |