(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, June 6, vowed to preserve the “fragile peace” attained in Mindanao, a region long been beset by terrorism.
In a speech before Muslim Filipinos in Davao, Duterte said “any form of violence against the Muslim community or any other tribe especially those arising from religious extremism, hatred, discrimination and misguided beliefs will never be tolerated and will be dealt with by the full force of the law.”
He said the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao allows government to work more closely with the Bangsamoro community to foster “a more harmonious and meaningful relationship” among all ethnic groups.
The BARMM was created through the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which was passed in last year.
The region, which has fiscal autonomy, and an expanded jurisdiction, among others, replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“I hope that despite our differences, each of us will realize that we share the same desire to lead brighter and better lives filled with optimism and acceptance,” Duterte said.
Earlier, the Australian government warned its citizens against traveling to Central and Western Mindanao, including Zamboanga and Sulu, due to what it said was a “very high threat” of kidnapping, terrorist attacks and violent clashes.
The Australian government also asked its citizens to reconsider going to eastern Mindanao due to what it said was a “high level of risk” there.
