Muslims in Philippines gain autonomy after 500 years

Baku. 7 February REPORT.AZ/ “Muslim-Moro People in the Philippines gained freedom as a result of the 500-year struggle”, Turkish representative of Moro Peace Monitoring Mission, Huseyn Oruç said.

Report informs that he spoke to Anadolu Agency.

It was stressed that official Manila also recognized the results of a referendum on expanding the autonomy to the Muslim-Moro people in the south of the Philippines, "Moro Islamic Liberation undertook not to attack the Philippine militaries and police."

Notably, two-stage vote was held from January 21 till February 6 to give expanded autonomy for Moro people. It was stated that 3 million people have the right to vote on the island of Mindanao, where Moro people live.

The negotiations on the bill “To give autonomy to Banqsamoro (Moro People) District” have continued since 1997. Negotiations have been intensified in this direction when Rodrigo Dutte was elected the President of the Philippines.