I‘M A full-blooded Mindanaoan. I was born and grew up in Dipolog City. I studied college and started my broadcast-journalism career in Zamboanga City. My mother and most of my relatives are still there. That is why when I heard news about the deteriorating peace and order situation there, and the ongoing conflict between our government and groups of our Muslim brothers it pains me a lot. It reminds me of the song “Ang Bayan kong Sinilangan” by the famous folk group in the ‘70s Asin.
Although my hometown is far from the center of these troubles, but the fact that these are happening in the “land of promise” is downright sad.
President Arroyo ordered the military to halt its offensive against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels responsible for killing and mutilating 14 marines in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan a few weeks ago. The committee on cessation of hostilities of the peace-negotiating panel between the government and the MILF made the request after the army sent battle-tested forces to Basilan to pursue the rebels, who had also abducted Italian priest Giani Carlo Bossi.
While I believe military action is not the solution to the conflict in Mindanao, the government should teach these rebels a lesson. The government should show its might and power by pursuing those rebels. In the first place, if the MILF hierarchy is sincere about the ongoing peace negotiation, why should it not surrender its people, who kidnapped Bossi and killed those marines?
Instead of blaming the military for entering the group‘s territory-which they claimed triggered the attack—the MILF should turn over those responsible to the government so charges will be filed against them. Without the group‘s cooperation, the entire peace negotiation will be jeopardized. But what happened? The MILF continues to protect the suspects, and has warned of a full-scale war if the government insists in arresting those responsible.
The conflict in Mindanao is very complicated. It is not just a simple case of rebellion. It has something to do with religion and culture. In this case, the culture of violence. There are too many loose firearms in Mindanao. There is even this joke by our Muslim brothers that they would rather give up their wives than give up their firearms.
How many times have the government and various armed factions sat down on the negotiating table, and yet peace continues to elude the island.
The administrations of president Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos dealt with Nur Misuari‘s Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) and gave Misuari a chance to led the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Southern Philippines Development Authority.
But the MNLF chieftain failed to introduce reforms and implement developments in these areas. He also failed to raise the living conditions of our Muslim brothers. It was Misuari‘s mission and vision to uplift Mindanao. It was his battle cry when he rebelled against the government, claiming that the national leadership neglected the island.
But where is Misuari now? He languishes in jail, charged with rebellion after he led his men in the attack against a military detachment in Sulu. He missed his opportunity.
Left in the negotiation with the government was the MILF. Under its late chairman Hashim Salamat, the group showed its force to gain concessions with the government in the ‘90s. Misuari, a Tausug, together with Salamat, a Maguindanaoan, and Dimas Pundatu, founded the MNLF. But because of ideological differences, the group splintered.
Salamat organized the MILF, whose stronghold is in Central Mindanao. The group is now under the leadership of Aljah Murad.
The remnants of Misuari‘s MNLF are still there, and so is the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. With the existence of these armed Muslim groups, do you think we can achieve peace in that area? The gains of the peace negotiations with the MNLF were all in vain because of Misuari‘s insincerity in implementing reforms during his stint as ARMM governor. Billions of pesos intended for Mindanao development were absconded.
And even if the government and the MILF agree to some concessions during these ongoing peace talks, do you think other factions like the Abu Sayaff will also honor them? No. They will still sow terror in that area. Again, if the government will appease them and offer negotiation, I am sure another armed group will emerge.
Walay kahumanan nga negosasyon. Indeed, the desired peace in the “land of promise” is very elusive.
Source: www.sunstar.com (30 Juli 2007)
