APRIL 21, 2015

NR # 3808C

Belmonte holds talks with OIC leaders,

vows to give due importance to BBL passage
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. expressed elation over the determined efforts of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to bridge the gap between the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
We are elated that you will have the chance to talk to the MNLF and the MILF. It
is the only way we have to include all major parties and sectors in Mindanao to make
the peace process all-inclusive, Belmonte stressed.
The House Speaker made this statement during a significant consultative meeting
Friday with the visiting OIC delegation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. They were led by
Secretary-General, His Excellency Iyad Ameen Madani.
At the same time, Belmonte assured the OIC delegation that We will now proceed
with and give due importance to the consideration of the Bangsamoro Basic Law come
resumption of sessions in May.
In a clear voice, OIC Sec. Gen. Madani expressed the full and continuing support of
the OIC for the peace process and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The OIC is very much close to the peace process. We are here to show support to
the peace process, Madani told Speaker Belmonte who was accompanied by members of
the House of Representatives from Mindanao.
Present during the dialogue were Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez,
chairman of the Ad Hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Rep. Bai Sandra A.
Sema, Vice Chairperson, Committee on Muslim Affairs and the Ad Hoc Committee on
BBL, and Rep. Sitti Djalia A. Turrabin-Hataman, vice Chairperson, Committee on Muslim
Affairs and member for the Majority, Ad Hoc on the BBL.
H.E. Madanis delegation included, among others: Ambassador Sayed Kassim
ElMasry, OIC Special Envoy for Peace in the Southern Philippines; Ms. Maha Mostafa
Akeel, Director of the Department of Information at the OIC General Secretariat; Dr.
Hassan Ahmad Abdein, Head of the Department of Muslim Communities and Minorities
which is responsible for following the situation of Muslims living in non-OIC Member
countries; and Mr. Saidu Dodo, Professional Officer in the Department of Political Affairs
in the OIC General Secretariat.

In candid terms, the OIC leader expressed concern that if the BBL is diluted
beyond recognition, the resulting frustrations and disappointments could breed more
violence and radicalization in the affected areas.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the best alternative, Madani said, adding, however,
that the OIC respects the vital role of the Philippine congress relative to the consideration
of the proposed BBL.
Another important issue came from the OIC leader himself who noted that some
quarters suspect that the BBL could ultimately lead to secession of the Bangsamoro
autonomous region.
Some people suspect that the BBL is just the beginning of secession. Geopolitics
would not allow it and the OIC will object to it, Madani categorically declared.
The OIC delegation also held consultations in Davao City in its efforts to close the
gap between the MNLF and the MILF and possibly meet with other stakeholders in the
peace process. (30) dpt