MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) challenged the Philippine government on Thursday, March 27, to reach out to critics of the historic deal that aims to end 4 decades of conflict in Mindanao.

The president of the CBCP, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, called on the Philippine government’s peace panel “to continue the process of widespread consultation and an honest, open, and trusting dialogue with other communities in Mindanao.”

Villegas said it is important to do this especially for “those who feel marginalized and ignored,” such as the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The MNLF is the rival of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which broke away from the MNLF in the 1970s. Vowing to pursue independence, the MNLF rejects the peace agreement. (READ: Misuari, myths and the MNLF)

The MILF signed this agreement with the Philippine government on Thursday, March 27. (READ: ‘This is the crowning glory of our struggle’)

Villegas said the strength of the agreement “lies in its willingness to reach out to everyone including those who are antagonistic to it.” “A continuing dialogue will strengthen our peace even more,” he added.

‘No development, no peace’

He also said the government should, as a priority, “enhance” economic activity in southern Philippines.

“There can be no peace without human development,” Villegas said. “Development and the promotion of human progress is another name for peace. The promotion of total human development is long delayed. It cannot wait further for the people of Mindanao who have been suffering for decades.”

He added: “May we all be ready to become channels of peace! Peacemakers are children of God.”

The Philippines’ first cardinal from Mindanao, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, hailed the new agreement.

He earlier told Rappler about one of his hopes: that “every section of the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” which will govern the proposed political entity, “would be presented to the public for scrutiny and for suggestions.”

He also prays radicals, either from the government or the MILF, “will not sabotage” the peace process.

‘No more war’

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, for his part, said the agreement “is the restoration of the identity, powers, and resources of the Bangsamoro.” 

Murad also gave assurances on Thursday that the peace agreement “is for the MNLF as well.”

Murad said at the opening of the signing ceremony in Malacañang on Thursday, “It will not be a government of the MILF, but a government of the Bangsamoro.” (Watch more in the video below)

“No more war. We are all tired of it,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said before the signing. (Watch more in the video below)

The Bangsamoro agreement gives rise to a new political entity replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It ends 17 years of intense negotiations under 4 Philippine presidents. (INFOGRAPHIC: The Bangsamoro peace deal at a glance) – Rappler.com