The concern of the Bangsamoro leaders on the Anti-Terrorism Bill has reached the Palace.

We consider the concern that the bill would lead to abuse, especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters, unfounded. They may have prejudged the proposed law.

Passing a class legislation against the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I would like to stress, would not even cross the minds of the proponents of the said bill. This piece of legislation is against terrorists and terrorism and not against a particular regional/ethnic group.

The President understands this better as he is from Mindanao. Having said this, he will take into account the appeal of the Bangsamoro leaders when the proposed bill reaches his desk.