Mindanao IP leaders to hold discussion as Congress tackles BBL

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IP) leaders from Maguindanao province will lead a “conversation” on July 9 set at the capital as the Congress bicameral committee conference tackles the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) this week. The umbrella group Loyukan, in a statement, said the dialogue, to be held at the MA+D Cafe in Quezon City, will tackle “the implications of a passage into law of a BBL that is acceptable to all, to the lives of Indigenous Peoples; and what’s happening on the ground now that all of these hi-level discussions and debates are happening.” In Davao City, Secretary Datu HJ. Abul Khayr D. Alonto, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair, said draft state constitutions will be discussed and submitted in the coming months for the proposed shift to a federal system of government. Mr. Alonto said these activities will include the participation of IPs to ensure that their concerns are included in the drafts. — with a report from Maya M. Padillo