BARMM chief Murad remembers FVR's role in peace-building

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) joined the nation in grieving the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos.

BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim on Monday extended condolences to the bereaved family of the former President as he recalled Ramos’ role in the peace process in the Bangsamoro region.

Ebrahim said it was under the late President’s administration that the Moro National Liberation Front ended its rebellion against the Philippine government through the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

“It was also under his administration that exploratory and preparatory talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front started along with the signing of the Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities in 1997,” Ebrahim said in a statement. “He will forever be remembered for serving our country with love and optimism.”

“The Bangsamoro Government extends its condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. We pray they find comfort in remembering his memories and his legacy as a patriot,” he added.

Ramos passed away on Sunday, July 31. He was 94.

The 12th President of the Philippines, he served the country from 1992 to 1998 after succeeding President Corazon Aquino, for whom he served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and then-Defense Secretary.

Six years earlier, on February 22, 1986, Ramos—then Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff to President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—joined Aquino and hundreds of thousands of protesters gathering on EDSA against the Marcos regime, along with then-Defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile.

Their decision to join the People Power Revolution, as the movement came to be known, was pivotal in the eventual ouster of the Marcoses from Malacañang three days later.

FVR, as he was also known, was inaugurated President on June 30, 1992, the first chief executive to be inaugurated on that date as provided for under the 1987 Constitution. — DVM, GMA News