A group of Bangsamoro experts who are currently based in Malaysia recently visited the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for information sharing and updates on Bangsamoro issues on February 16, 2015 at the new BDA function hall in Talainged Village, Datu Balabaran, Cotabato City.

Dr. Samsudin Taya, a lecturer of political science in University of Malaysia Keda State, shared radical perspective on the current issue affecting the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) specifically the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The incident served as an eye-opener and encouragement for the Philippine Government and the MILF to strive more in strengthening the pursuance of Bangsamoro Basic Law”, Dr. Taya said.

Dr. Zam Radzak, a lecturer of public administration at University Sains Malaysia said “the Mamasapano incident is just a part of the episode of the finishing line”.

“The Mamasapano case is just one of the obstacles that the Bangsamoro people must have to hurdle in order to achieve more progressive lives through Bangsamoro Basic Law. The BBL will give us an entity and institution that would develop the lives of Bangsamoro people”, according to Dr. Radzak.

Mamasapano clash happened on January 25, Sunday , where 44 members of Philippine National Police- Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), 18 members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 4 civilians were reported died when said troops including some forces of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) had an encounter at Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Such meeting is relevant for BDA to get insights from experts which are material for institutional analysis for the agency to align operation with the current scenario”, Engr. Windel Diangcalan said.

In the meeting were staff of BDA both from Central Management Office (CMO) and the seven (7) Regional Management Offices (RMOs).