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Addressing grievances in the Bangsamoro Region: Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito presides over the Committee on Local Government hearing to discuss two proposed measures: Senate Bill Nos. 2043 and 2392 or the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Act for Bangsamoro filed by Sens. Risa Hontiveros and Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino, respectively. During Wednesday’s hearing, February 28, 2024, Ejercito said the bills will help secure the peace by addressing numerous historic injustices in the Bangsamoro region. They will address long-standing grievances and begin the process of healing. “My dear colleagues, much has been done to bring peace to the Bangsamoro people. We have lived to see rifles pounded into plowshares. The hands which were once armed are now tilling the land and building the future,” Ejercito said. “We must now work to nurture this peace with justice. Today, we will ensure that justice rolls like the Mindanao river, and healing flows like its many streams,” he added. The bills both aim to create a transitional justice and reconciliation program to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro and Indigenous peoples. The program also aims to establish a National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission under the Office of the President. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)