Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (M) and representatives of MILF hold the draft “Basic Bangsamoro Law” at an event in Manila (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine PresidenꦓtRodrigo Duterte on July 17 vowed to push a law establishing an autonomousregion on the southern island of Mindanao.
The announcement was made after the draft“Basic Bangsamoro Law” was submitted to the government by government officialsand the MoroIslamic Liberation Front (MILF). According to thedraft, the Muslim majority region on Mindanao will become a self-ruled area namedBangsomoro. PresidentDuterte affirmed that it is a turning point to end a decades-long insurgencythat has claimed more than 100,000 lives on Mindanao. He also hopedthe creation of the autonomous region will help eliminate the IslamicState-linked Maute militant group which controls some areas in Marawi city onMindanao island. The chiefgovernment peace negotiator, Irene Santiago, said Manila expected the bill'spassage within a year, scheduled for the first quarter of 2018. After that, areferendum will have to be held in the provinces included in the autonomousarea, she said.-VNA
People who ran away from their houses due to fights between military and Islamic gunmen in Marawi on Mindanao island in the south of the Philippines have become vulnerable to epidemics and mental shocks.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time to consider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
The Philippine Supreme Court on July 4 upheld the martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern region, while the country has been fighting against militants.
Philippine security forces have recently arrested three militants, including a alleged main financier and logistic supporter of the pro-Islamic State (IS) group that is currently withholding Marawi city in southern Philippines, the army said on July 5.
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (M) and representatives of MILF hold the draft “Basic Bangsamoro Law” at an event in Manila (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
