MILF: We Are for Peace in Lanao Norte

“Walang mataas at walang mababa, pantay-pantay tayong naghahangad ng kapayapaan (No one is atop or below in our quest for peace),” Kumander Ultimax of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) said in today’s (Feb. 6) voting on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Ismael Disumalong a.k.a. Kumander Ultimax of MILF’s 102nd Base Command North-Western Mindanao Front emphasized the call of the MILF for a peaceful and orderly Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite in the entire Lanao del Norte.

Kumander Ultimax said “the MILF wanted a peaceful BOL plebiscite and our presence in some polling precincts would cause no harm against anyone.”

“The MILF’s central committee has ordered us not to violate the peace and ceasefire agreement,” Disumalong added.

He further clarified that whatever would be the result of the plebiscite will be respected by the front.

When asked if “No” votes wins in Balo-i, he said: “There’s no problem about that and we understand the voters’ decision.”

He further explained that if the six municipalities in Lanao del Norte would be included in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), “rest assured the tri-people will be given equal access to all opportunities for the Bangsamoro.”

“Lumads, Christians, and Muslims will be protected by the Bangsamoro government,”  Dimasilong assured.

“This [BOL] is not only for the MILF, but this is also for everyone,” he pointed out.

The notion of placid plebiscite

Despite some untoward incidents happening in some other areas of Lanao del Norte a day before the plebiscite, conduct of plebiscite in Balo-i town was peaceful one.

Sonia Canoy, teacher and member of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), was optimisitc that the peaceful election would continue until the end of the canvassing period.

“So far, we are having a smooth and orderly balloting here in Balo-i,” Canoy said.

Canoy revealed that they are not worried about the presence of the MILF members in the polling precincts saying,” they are not doing anything against us, and we are confident that this plebiscite would end up peacefully.

Meanwhile, the security sector maintained that Balo-i town has been consistently peaceful and orderly during elections. (LJKabagani/PIA ICCC)