A GATHERING to reaffirm the commitment to peace is set on Feb. 4 at the Kapatagan Municipal Gym in Lanao del Norte as six towns in the province are set to cast their votes on Wednesday as to whether or not to join the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), those that will be participating in the plebiscite are the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Panta, Tagoloan and Tangkal. Their inclusion in the BARMM, however, needs the consent of the entire province. Last Saturday, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. called on Lanao del Norte’s local leaders to protect the integrity of the plebiscite for the six towns. “Our commitment for a peaceful and orderly plebiscite demonstrates our pledge to uphold our democratic ideals, providing equal opportunities to freely cast our votes despite differences in opinion,” Mr. Galvez said at a BOL information forum in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte’s urban center. Mr. Galvez also clarified misinformation thrown against the BOL, saying the proposed inclusion of the six municipalities “does not divide the province but further widens and democratizes our opportunities for economic development and political empowerment.” He added, “The inclusion of the six municipalities is an opportunity for reform in governance.” A similar campaign was held the same day in Midsayap, Cotabato province, where 67 barangays and the towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, and Tulunan will also be participating in the BOL referendum.

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