Marawi priest positive about a peaceful BOL plebiscite

Rev. Father Teresito “Chito” Suganob, the priest who was taken hostage by Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists during the 2017 Marawi siege, expressed his optimism that the incoming plebiscite of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be peaceful.

Suganob emphasized the importance of voter education. He said this will strengthen and protect the result of the plebiscite from groups that do not want peace in Mindanao.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) set the plebiscite for the provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on January 21. Non-ARMM areas will have their plebiscite on February 6.

The importance of voter education

Suganob stressed that voters should be properly informed on what it means to be voting for “Yes” or “No” during the plebiscite, which will determine the composition of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“I am praying for the success of the Bangsamoro Organic Law because everybody is affected whatever the outcome. If this turns out successful, this could mean an end to armed conflict in Mindanao,” said Suganob.

The priest is also the chairman of Pakidaglit, Inc., a civil society organization in Lanao del Norte that helps educate voters on the BOL provisions.