After peace milestone, a long process of implementation

We sincerely hope the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) will move forward, and not stay on paper only. We also hope that the signatories, especially those representing the Bangsamoro, are sincere in their desire to make the CAB work, for it is a milestone for peace.

We cannot discount the possibility that new groups could surface and disrupt the transition phase provided for in the agreement. Before it can be fully implemented, the CAB will have to go through a long, long process; and Congress has to ratify it for final approval and implementation. Based on experience with previous agreements, there could be some hitches as the CAB goes through this process, and we certainly do not want that to happen. We know fully well that not only does the CAB serve the causes of peace and progress, it also promotes unity and harmony among all Filipinos and, to be sure, between Muslims and Christians.

We therefore thank both the peace negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for coming together to build a bridge of unity and understanding for all Filipinos. With the CAB in place, the best things are coming our way—for all of Mindanao island, for the Filipino nation, for the entire Philippines.

The CAB should be implemented as soon as possible.

—ULYSSES B. URBANO,

[email protected]