(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for the revival of barter trade in Mindanao, saying this would not only help the economy but also magnify regional peace and security.
He made the remark while attending 40th birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao held at KCC Convention Center.
“I have ordered also the reopening of the barter trade for a start and maybe if we can agree, a similar setup. I don’t know what happened because it also includes itong BBL ang Basilan pati Jolo,” he noted.
In October this year, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 64, which revives the ancient commercial practice in the Southern Philippines.
The EO formalizes the barter trade in Mindanao, which constitutes a Mindanao Barter Council (MBC) and establishes “barter ports” in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.
The MBC is also encouraged to invite representatives from among the major Muslim ethnolinguistic groups such as (but not limited to) Tausug, Maguindanaoan, Maranaw, Yakan, and Sama to participate in the proceedings.
The President said that once implemented, the barter trade in Mindanao could still be improved, depending on what loopholes will be discovered.
“I really do not know how to navigate at this time pero makita ko ‘yan (but I will see that) once it is implemented and malaman ko kung ano ang kulang o anong idagdag (I will know what is lacking and what should be added).”
President Duterte also said that he is “in a hurry” in attaining peace in the region.
He said there would be “some movements” in Mindanao and that for negotiation to succeed, he needs to “go higher.”
If the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) would pass in the plebiscite, Duterte said he still needs time to talk to Moro National Liberation Front founding chair Nur Misuari.
“Nur Misuari is my friend. I am open to any other arrangement, but that would not intrude into the sovereignty… a disseverment of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
Before attending Senator Pacquiao’s birthday celebration, the President went to Jolo, Sulu and spearheaded the activation of the 11th Infantry (ALAKDAN) Division, where he decided to place 840 troops and air assets from the Philippine Air Force in the area.
(with a PND report)
