President Rodrigo Duterte has promised to establish a “Bangsamoro country” in a bid to bring peace to Mindanao, where government troops are battling the Islamic State-linked Maute group. In his speech, the President said the Moro people will have a Bangsamoro country of their own in Mindanao during his term. “I am for this — within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country,” the President said. We will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao [and]the entire country,” the President added. “We are very pleased indeed to sign this joint communication plan,” Santiago said.

Source: Manila Times July 17, 2017 16:52 UTC