Twice within a little over a week, President Rodrigo
Duterte met ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and discussed pressing issues -- conflict,
poverty and drugs -- which are among the issues that the regional government
has been addressing as it pushes for development, security, and peace in the
ARMM.
On July 21, Duterte visited Basilan, where he was
welcomed by Hataman. A few days later, August 1, Hataman then went to
Malacanang, a move seen by many as the regional governor's show of commitment
to the peace and development agenda of the President. Here, President Duterte
gave Hataman a book on crime wars wracking Central and South America and the
Caribbean, in hopes of underscoring his commitment to end the drug problem that
now plagues not only the region but also the whole country.
Always, peace has been central in these discussions, with
an emphasis on correcting the historical injustices committed against the
Bangsamoro, the same historical injustices that need to be acknowledged and
addressed.
Federalism was also discussed, but not without discussing
the prospects of passing a constitutionally-sound Bangsamoro law that echoes
the aspiration of our people.
The needs and concerns of the provinces across ARMM were
also discussed with the President vowing to prioritize ARMM and Mindanao in
general.
One of the most heartwarming moments during this meeting
was when President Duterte said he is looking forward to a Philippines with
Moro leaders at the forefront -- a sign that the injustices of the past have
already been corrected and that peace has finally been achieved.
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