MANILA – The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was celebrated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as a significant achievement reflecting the Bangsamoro people’s desire for self-determination and self-governance. This statement was made by OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. during the sixth anniversary of the BOL’s ratification.
Galvez highlighted that the ratification of the BOL six years ago marked a pivotal moment not just for the Bangsamoro but for the entire Philippines, symbolizing resilience, hope, and empowerment. He emphasized that the BOL is not merely a legal document but a crucial tool for implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a historic peace accord between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The BOL, which was ratified on January 21, 2019, facilitated the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its regional government. Galvez praised the Bangsamoro people for their ability to steer their region’s political and socioeconomic development, crediting the courage and determination of those who made this possible.
He urged Filipinos to consider the lessons of the past six years and to continue promoting good governance, inclusivity, and addressing the underlying issues of conflict and underdevelopment. Galvez commended the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and the entire BARMM team for reaching this significant milestone.
He assured that under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the national government would continue to support BARMM’s efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential and prove that peace brings prosperity. Galvez expressed hope that this year’s anniversary would reinforce the nation’s commitment to advancing and building upon the achievements of the Bangsamoro peace process.