The Editors

Sirs~

The segment, Sharing Power for Peace, contained an error. The Political Entity of Bangsamoro is not poised to replace Mindanao, but rather only the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. On July 27, 2013, Nur Misauri, the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front, officially proclaimed "The Federated States of the Bangsamoro Republik." This was to include the islands of Mindanao, Basilan, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, the Sulu Archipelago, and two provinces of Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak with the capital to be Davao, the largest city in Mindanao. This proclamation escalated into the Zamboanga Crisis where Misuari's MNLF forces laid seige to Zamboanga. The central Government of the Philippines achieved defeat of Misuari and his forces on September 28, 2013. The MNLF no longer controls any territory and it was this defeat which led to the signing of the accord first agreed to in a preliminary way in 2012. In this agreement, the jurisdiction of Shariah courts will be expanded, but only to those who self identify as Bangsamoro. The central government of the Philippines will retain the powers of defense, but also commerce, except for agreements already allowed, money and monetary policy, citizenship and naturalization and the post office. The area will be governed by a yet to be negotiated "Basic Law" which must be ratified by both sides. The freedoms and rights of other indigenous peoples shall be respected. It's very true that the progress remains fragile but hopefully these recent developments will be the foundation for a long lasting peace going forward.