"The sincerity of his administration was highlighted when we personally met in Narita, Japan on Aug. 4, 2011," said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.
"Because of the confidence by both parties in the peace process during his term, we saw the eventual signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro – documents that would pave the way to the foundations of the (BARMM)," the former chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) added.
The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the MILF in Malacañang on Oct. 15, 2012. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Aquino and then Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, along with other dignitaries.
Under the agreement, the parties agreed to establish Bangsamoro as the new autonomous political entity (NPE) to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
On March 27, 2014, the final peace deal between the GPH and the MILF – the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) – was signed. The CAB was the basis of the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
"We are forever grateful for his administration's efforts in revitalizing the peace talks and their help in laying the groundwork for lasting peace in Mindanao. President Aquino will always be remembered for his commitment to fight corruption and just like his parents, his unwavering commitment to democracy," Ebrahim said.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) parliament adopted three resolutions Thursday night to express their deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the former President.
One of the resolutions read: "The Bangsamoro peace process had its major breakthrough because of his commitment to find a solution to the war in Mindanao." "The peace agreement with the MILF was signed while he was the President, and all the gains following it was because of his hard work to make it happen," it added.