ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman speaks with AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang during the 4th public hearing on the Mamasapano incident. Beside Catapang is Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Monday expressed support behind the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Gazmin and Catapang arrived at the hearing of the ad hoc committee on the BBL around 10:30 a.m., an hour after the hearing began. The two were earlier present during the opening ceremonies of this year’s Balikatan exercises with the US military at Camp Aguinaldo.
In his opening remarks, Gazmin emphasized the need for unity for peace to be attained in Mindanao. He said all Filipinos – including policemen and soldiers – are supportive of the effort to bring peace in Mindanao.
“The armed conflict that has existed in our country over the last four decades have affected the security and stability of our regions, as well as the lives of our citizens. The entire Filipino nation is aspiring for peace, including our soldiers and policemen,” he said.
Catapang, meanwhile, reiterated the AFP’s full support for the BBL’s passage. “We’re one with the Philippine government and people in their strong commitment to bring peace and development to Mindanao,” he said.
Except for Gazmin and Catapang, the other top government officials invited to the hearing – Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Board of Inquiry (BOI) chair PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Benjamin Magalong and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles – failed to show up at the House ad hoc committee on the BBL’s deliberations. (MNS)