STATEMENT FROM THE MORO WOMEN DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL CENTER (MWDECC) SUPPORTING THE CALL OF MINDANAO CSOs FOR ANOTHER EXTENSION OF THE BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY (BTA)

In the pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro region, the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MWDECC) stands as one of the vanguards of women’s rights, empowering and strengthening women, and fostering resilience and equality. Our commitment to help push for the fulfillment of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) remains unwavering.

It is with a sense of urgency and determination to call upon both President of the Philippines Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos, Jr. and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority for another three years. This extension is not merely a request for more time, but a vital necessity for the completion of the CAB’s implementation especially its normalization component considering that the first three-year extension unfortunately fell short of achieving it.

While we acknowledge the complexities and challenges inherent in such an undertaking, we cannot afford to overlook the critical importance of fulfilling both parties’ commitments made to our people.

MWDEC strongly believes that completing the CAB’s implementation stands as the linchpin for lasting and genuine peace in the region. The failure to fulfill this obligation not only undermines trust but also jeopardizes the hard-won gains of the Peace Process. We refuse to allow the armed conflict, which only brings agony to the helpless children, elderlies and women to cast its shadow upon our communities once more.

Postponing elections and entrusting BARMM once again to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for another 3-year interim period is not merely a matter of choice but it is a strategic imperative as it ensures the full implementation of the normalization component of the agreement, a pivotal step towards signing the exit agreement—an essential milestone on the path to sustainable peace.

Finally, we urge the national government and the BARMM to heed our call for extension with sincerity and resolve. Let us seize this opportunity to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and progress in the Bangsamoro region. Together, let us forge a future where the echoes of conflict are replaced by the harmonious rhythm of coexistence and prosperity.

For any further inquiries regarding this statement, please reach out to Jehan A. Usop at mobile no. 0917-826-5256.