MANILA, Philippines—Where before his predecessor has failed, President Aquino on Thursday presided over the signing of a historic peace agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels after 17 years of negotiations carving a new, autonomous Bangsamoro region in Mindanao...

 

“If we sustain the momentum for peace, by 2016, the MILF will have shed its identity as a military force, and transformed itself into a political entity, casting its stake in democracy by vying for seats in the Bangsamoro elections,” he said.

 

“The Bangsamoro shall form a perimeter of vigilance against the spread of extremism; it shall act as a bridge of moderation among the great faiths of the various constituencies in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). From this shared security, we shall enhance the era of prosperity that is dawning upon our region, and harness its energies towards creating a regime of opportunity and inclusivity where no one is left behind.

 

As the Bangsamoro matures, it shall serve as the gateway to trade, investment and cultural exchanges within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area and its environs—igniting a virtuous cycle of security, development and equitable progress for the peoples of the entire region,” the President said.

 

“Today, the Bangsamoro rises with Mindanao, the nation, the region and the world.” Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net