Kuala Lumpur (CNN Philippines) — From an original composition of 15, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) will now be increased to 21 with 11 coming from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while 10 will be from the Philippine government.
The increase in the number of its members was reached on Sunday, by both the GPH and MILF implementing panels who met in Kuala Lumpur since Saturday for the formal launching of the Implementing Phase of the Bangsamoro Peace Agreements.
In a joint statement signed by Irene Santiago (GPH peace implementing panel chair) and Mohagher Iqbal (MILF peace implementing panel chair), the parties agreed to the increase of the BTC members to ensure inclusivity in the implementation of the GPH-MILF Peace Agreement.
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Santiago said that with the expanded members, they were eyeing participation of indigenous peoples (IP) communities, local governments, sultanates, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and other groups in the talks.
“For this purpose, the Panels recommended the issuance of revised Executive Order on the Bangsamoro Transition Commission by the Philippine President,” the joint statement said.
Then President Benigno Aquino III issued an executive order creating the BTC with only 15 members — eight from the MILF and seven from the government. The BTC was responsible for the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
The BBL, however, failed to pass in the 16th Congress due to some questions on its constitutionality. With the 17th Congress and now under President Rodrigo Duterte, both panels have expressed that the passage of the BBL would already be possible.
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The presence of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in the Kuala Lumpur launching was also a big boost to the renewed peace talks. Also present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., Interior Secretary Mike Sueno, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said that they would continue their talks with the MILF anytime soon, once they have agreed on the date. He said it would be held in the Philippines.
