Mindanao says 'yes' to autonomous Muslim Bangsamoro
More than two million voters cast their ballot in favour of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will also include Cotabato City. In Isabela City, residents opposed inclusion. Muslims were divided over the vote. Catholic leaders support the autonomy project.
The law has generated discontent among other Islamic ethnic groups, like the Tausūg, who prefer federalism, and the Maranao.
Fears, especially in matters of religious freedom, have fuelled the initial distrust of Christians towards the law. Many of them came to the island from the north of the country, taking possession of land that is now the subject of disputes with Muslims.
Four days after the vote, the Catholic leaders of Mindanao, however, expressed support for the autonomy project, describing it as "the last concrete chance for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao”.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Mindanao-says-%27yes%27-to-autonomous-Muslim-Bangsamoro-46076.html