Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has assured the visiting delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that the House of Representatives would continue with and “give due importance to”  its deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) when the Congress resumes session on May 4, 2015.

The eight-man OIC delegation led by its Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, was in Manila two weeks ago to reaffirm the Organization’s support for the peace process in Mindanao.

During his meeting with Madani, Belmonte assured the OIC that the  "[House] will now proceed with and give due importance to the consideration of the Bangsamoro Basic Law come resumption of sessions in May."

Belmonte, who sits as honorary chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), also lauded the OIC’s “determined efforts”  to unify the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—two rival groups in Mindanao.

"We are elated that you will have the chance to talk to the MNLF and the MILF. It is the only way... we have to include all major parties and sectors in Mindanao to make the peace process all-inclusive," Belmonte said.

The OIC brokered the peace talks between the MNLF and the government that led to the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 final peace pact.

Madani, for his part,  expressed the full and continuing support of the OIC for the peace process and the proposed BBL, which is a crucial element of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

"The OIC is very much close to the peace process. We are here to show support to the peace process," Madani told Speaker Belmonte and  other congressmen representing Mindanao during their meeting.

The OIC leader expressed concern that if the BBL is "diluted beyond recognition," the resulting frustrations and disappointments could breed more violence and radicalization in the affected areas.

"The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the best alternative," Madani said, adding, however, that the OIC respects the vital role of the Philippine Congress in scrutinizing the proposed BBL.

Besides meeting with Belmonte, Madani’s delegation also met with President Benigno Aquino III, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine peace officials.