UN chief calls new Muslim region in Philippines ‘a landmark’

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 28 (APP):UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described as “landmark achievement” a new law in the Philippines creating a Muslim autonomous region, saying it would lead to lasting peace in the country’s restive south.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed legislation Thursday establishing the Bangsamoro region, culminating over two decades of negotiations under four presidents. The new region is aimed at settling nearly half a century of Muslim struggle in the south.
“The Secretary-General congratulates negotiators for the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Bicameral Conference Committee, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and civil society groups for their efforts,” the UN chief said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
According to news reports, the long-anticipated new autonomy came four years after the government signed a peace deal with the separatist group, which dropped its bid for full independence, seeking instead a new deal over self-rule.
The Front began its uprising in 1978, marking a period of violent confrontation which left around 120,000 dead. The new expanded autonomous region in the south, will be led initially by a transitional authority, before being run by a new parliamentary body, say reports.
The statement from the UN chief said that the UN “will continue to support the Philippines in the implementation of the law, and to help build the capacity of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as an effective conduit for peace, democratic governance, and human rights.”