The new entity is intended to supersede the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), described by President Benigno Aquino III as a "failed experiment".
(Updated 4:49 p.m.) The Philippine government and the country’s largest secessionist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, have agreed to create a new political entity called Bangsamoro to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas ukol sa balangkas ng kasunduan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Dalawang henerasyon na po ang lumilipas mula noong magsimula ang hidwaan sa Mindanao. Isang siklo ng karahasang umangkin sa buhay ng mahigit isandaang libong Pilipino—hindi lamang ng mga kawal at mandirigma, kundi pati mga inosenteng sibilyang dumanak ang dugo dahil sa alitang puwede namang naiwasan.
Read the full speech in English and Filipino.
President Benigno Aquino III made this announcement on Sunday afternoon after the latest round of talks between the two parties, which started on October 2, concluded on Saturday in Malaysia.
“The ARMM is a failed experiment. Many of the people continue to feel alienated by the system, and those who feel that there is no way out will continue to articulate their grievances through the barrel of a gun. We cannot change this without structural reform,” he said in a speech delivered in Malacañang.
The President said the ARMM, which was established 23 years ago, has failed to solve problems such as war, poverty, election fraud, political patronage and warlordism.
He said the creation of the new political entity will correct these problems while upholding the country’s sovereignty.
“This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao. It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state. This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning work stations, and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens,” the President said.
The agreement was reached after 32 rounds of talks between the Philippine government and the MILF spanning nine years.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277218/news/nation/govt-milf-agree-to-create-bangsamoro-to-replace-armm