President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to the Muslim people to help his administration achieve peace in Mindanao that in the end would bring economic prosperity in the region.
“I am pleading to my Moro brothers and sisters: Please help us,” the chief executive said on Wednesday, November 30, as he promised to restore barter trade, the historical livelihood in Mindanao.
“If you want I will restore the barter trade. I will open Zamboanga again. Walang problema iyan. Bubuksan ko iyan uli,” said Duterte in his remarks before troops of the Army 103rd Brigade in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
“I will open the barter trade there and whatever that could make our life more comfortable,” he added.
The chief executive vowed to introduce reforms in Mindanao once a peace deal is achieved to improve the living conditions of the people.
He also said he will prioritize the region in giving assistance once foreign development aid comes.
The president particularly pleaded to all the Moro political leaders, men of influence, and scholars to continue participating in the ongoing peace efforts to find solutions to the region’s problems.
“I plead to all of you, to all the Muslim Moro political leaders, men of influence, the scholars, we can continue talking… kung saan ninyo gusto and try to sort (things) out,” he said.
According to Duterte, he is open for the adoption of Sharia Law in some areas where it will be suitable as long as it is fair for both the Muslims and the Christians.
Reiterating his thrust to adopt a federal form of government, he said his government will begin the structure for federalism next year setting aside however provisions of the Constitutions that are not acceptable.
“We will begin the structure next year but we will set aside… tabi mo muna, tabi natin iyong mga Constitutional provisions na hindi talaga acceptable. Ilagay muna natin what is good and at the same time, matanggap muna for the moment,” said Duterte.
The post Duterte Seeks Mindanao Muslims’ Help for Peace and Prosperity appeared first on Manila Bulletin.
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