Remember, a couple of weeks ago I posted a column about the agreement between the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the Government of the Philippines (GRP) concerning Ancestral Domain? Well, a lot has happened since then. It all started last week when a “mini-war” broke out in North Cotabato. A group of MILF combatents took over certain Barangays in North Cotabato, took farmland from farmers, and generally caused trouble in the areas. They were ordered by the GRP to vacate the areas that they were holding, and move completely out of the area. Some of the rebels moved out peacefully. Others stayed and fought, or moved to other areas and fought.
Last week, when Feyma and I went to Digos, as I reported in my post about Pomelo, on our way home to Davao, we saw a LOT of Army vehicles, including armored vehicles moving toward North Cotabato. The skirmishes there were quite real, believe me. This past weekend there was more action. On Sunday, Iligan City experienced three bombings, one of which was in a hotel there. There were plenty of injuries there due to the bombings. A lot of people are speculating that MILF people perpetrated these bombings.
Yesterday (Monday) was a big day, though. Many attacks happened all around Lanao del Norte Province, including in Iligan City. Seven farmers were killed in cold blood by MILF, six other civilians, and seven Army personnel. President Arroyo addressed the Nation on TV at mid-day and said the the actions of the MILF were tantamount to a declaration of war in Mindanao. In addition, MILF rebels attacked Maasim town in Sarangani Province. I have been to each of these places that came under attack, and have visited each of the places multiple times, so I am quite familiar with not only Maasim, but the areas in Lanao del Norte that were attacked as well.
For their part, the MILF spokesman stated that the attacks were not “sanctioned” by the MILF. At the same time, though, the MILF leadership ordered their people to stop the attacks. By making this order, it would seem that the MILF is admitting that it is their people who are behind these horrid actions. This means that either the MILF sanctioned the attacks, or that they do not have control over their people. No matter which is the reason, should the GRP be negotiating with the MILF if they can’t even control their own people? Giving away part of Mindanao to these people? What is the MILF giving in return. Supposedly, the MILF is giving peace to the government, but what we are seeing right now is not peace, you can be certain of that.
I have a lot of very good friends in Iligan, and I wish them nothing but the best. I hope that they and their families remain safe, and that nobody is injured or killed.
So far, I consider Davao to be very safe. But, some of these things (particularly the problems in North Cotabato) are getting close to the City. I have a lot of confidence in Mayor Duterte, though, and if anybody can keep the city safe, Mayor Duterte is the one. Right now, I have no reason to think about leaving the area, and I doubt that it would come to that. But, things are getting somewhat worrisome for the area, and hopefully things can be calmed before things flare up any further.
About MindanaoBob
Hi Neal In RI – Right now, I don’t think that this has anything to do with Davao. The closest that any of this has come to Davao is more than 2 hours away, and the worst of the action is a full day’s drive from Davao. I hope that none of this will come near to Davao, and I am confident that it won’t. We’ll just have to stay tuned and see what happens, though.
I’m reading all of the comments from afar, and my personal empathy can only take me so far in feeling what most of those closer and more more familiar with Mindanao can be feeling. On the other hand, I’m not so unfamiliar with Muslim terrorism throughout many places in the world. In an ideal world, I would hope that the GRP would take harsh action and make every attempt to root out the individuals responsible for the cowardly acts they commit in the killing of innocents – people that simply want to live their lives in peace and harmony with all. However, we don’t live in an ideal world. The difficulty in rooting out the evil ones involved in the atrocities is the same difficulty throughout the rest of the world where Muslim terrorism takes place. One can never know for sure which Muslims are a part of the terror-mongerers, and which ones are peace-loving people that believe that killing is a mortal sin in most all religions. Therefore: the only realy solution is to make it very clear to the populace that if they allow terrorists to live among them, undetected – safe from the Rule of Law via their silence, then those people shall bear the responsibility and be also treated as terrorists.
The horror of it all is that this could lead to another Crusades – Christians against Muslims – simply because those Muslims that allow the terrorists to “melt into the crowd” to avoid prosecution, and won’t do anything to stop them, or identify them to those that would enforce the Rule of Law.
Muslim terrorism will not stop until that day comes – one in which all Law abiding citizens – whether Muslim or Christian come together and make it clear that violence will not be tolerated as the natural order of things. Complacency must be replaced with strong, uncomprimising action. I personally do not believe that surrendering lands – ancestral or otherwise – or any other conciliatory acts will work. I believe that the extremist Muslims will never stop wanting more of everything everywhere they live – and most especially at the expense of Christians, and not to be ignored, also at the expense of Muslims that would never act in terroristic ways.
Of course – this is all just my opinion – and I could be wrong.
a pinoy business pal of mine (he lives in Manila) discribed Philippine politics as such:
“Welcome to RP Government..where common sense has been banned and the monkeys have taken over”
Gloria really blew it this time !
Hi Spencer – It is popular these days to consider terrorism as a Muslim thing, but that can also be a dangerous way of thinking. It is not always true. Look at what happened in the 90′s in Kosovo. It was the Christians who were practicing ethnic cleansing against the Muslims, so we need to remember that terrorism happens in all religions. As a matter of fact, I would argue that it is not really an issue of religion at all.
I agree with you that the day that we all need to see happen is when all people renounce violence, regardless of religion.
Hi brian – OUCH! That friend of yours has a pretty negative view of Philippine politics. I can’t say that I totally disagree with him, but I’m holding out hope.
Bob,
Anyone planning on flying out of Manila to CdO or Ozamis would be well advised to check with the airlines before coming to Manila. My brother-in-law came back from Australia this past Saturday and tried to get a flight to Ozamis to be with his wife here in Pagadian City. He was refused a ticket and told that tourist were not being allowed to fly here, at this time.
At 4am this morning, the wife and I were sitting outside and along with the normal rooster crowing, we could here the sound of artillery fire south of us in the mountains. A priest was kidnapped in Dumalilnao and Pagadian City, a bus was ambushed and the passengers fired upon on their way from Ozamis to Pagadian city, several hostages were taken in a small town south of Dumalinao, some small children were murdered and chpped up and several of the other hostages were killed. Not all of what’s gooing on makes the news.
Davao City may be safe and, remain that way but, I can’t say the same for Pagadian City.
Frank in Pagadian
I do fear the horror of more Christian ethnic cleansing – and not just in the Philippines. The conclusion drawn by many Christians is unfortunately the same as many Muslims (and in the Middle East – a much larger percentage of Muslims) and that is “a dead Christian is a good Christian”, or alternatively, “a good Muslim is a dead Muslim”. Personally, I don’t believe we can learn to live with one another – my cynicism forbids that conclusion. Just as unfortunate, that kind of thinking makes me ashamed, for I would like to believe otherwise. Experience and observation throughout my lifetime has shown me that radical Islam will exist as long as good people stand by and do nothing (both Christian and Muslim. So – we leave to those that have the power to enforce the Law of the land – and most often those entities are as incompetent to do so and in a sense as helpless as the general population.
Does most of the population in Mindanao thing the GRP will take definitive, strong action in this matter? What is the feeling in Davao amongst the people? I’m trying to get a flavour for what those in the larger cities (CdO, Davao) are thinking about all of this. Input from all of you living there would be highly valued by myself, and others that are strongly contemplating making Mindanao our future home.
Hi Francisco San Giorgio – Wow… you are so right that not everything makes the news, because this is the first I have heard of such trouble in the Zamboanga Peninsula. I heard yesterday that Zamboanga City had basically been shut down as far as people coming into the City, in order to insulate it from the troubles in the Lanao region. But, the items that you mention in regards to killings and kidnappings in the area are news to me, and sad news for certain.
Thanks for sharing the news from the other side of the island. All the best to you and your wife, Frank. Stay safe.
Hi Spencer – Here in Davao, a few days back a lot more people were supportive of the MOA. Now, with the flash of violence, more people are fearful, and upset about it.
I fly out at 10am tomorrow (wednesday 20th) and will be in Manila on the 22nd. I will hopefully be there for a few days and then come to Davao…………needless to say this is troublesome to me though I have some fears of it all, I have little doubt it will pan to Davao as well. If all else fails I’ll email you for your address and bunker there……
Sad to say, but over the last 3 decades, i’ve gotten used to these escalations (either from the MNLF, MNLF or 80s NPA). I’m quite sure a lot of dabawenyos are too.
City checkpoints are set up but Davao never gets threatened. but you know this will reinforce the image “luzonians” have of Davao being an unsafe place. My family’s business is partially tourist/investor based, so when i hear things like these, i roll my eyes & say “here we go again”.
Think Lebanon last year (after years of improving their image), except that the crisis is actually far away from Davao. On tv, you’d think the fightiing is 20 minutes away.
by the way, I’ve been checking the MILF website just to read their official statements or how they view all this. lots of typical propaganda verbiage disguised as news reports. But it gives you an idea of their perspective. Interesting that the ILAGA group (an old christian rival from the 70′s/80s) was mentioned. very, very different from the national rags.
http://luwaran.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=842
I hate that nobody is taking responsibility for all this. Along with the rebels, I blame Esperon (awful GRP diplomat, why him?) & Arroyo (rush to finish MOA so that she could present it in her SONA). They have blood on their hands and don’t even admit it.
Macky and Bob
Having read the “news” link macky gave above # 61, i still can’t get to understand the stupidity of the timing of the recent escalation in violence…….. agreement reached…………some problems in ratification…………lets stir up some trouble
makes no sense at all……ahhhhhhh just got it…nonesense, sorry not trying to be obscure here but i just don’t get it
Hi Tim Walker – I really don’t expect troubles in Davao, Tim. I think that there is not much to worry about on that. If you like, send me a private e-mail through my contact form (link on the left sidebar, just under my photo), and I will e-mail you with my cell number so that you can call me for an update before flying down.
Hi macky – I have not looked at Luwaran for a few days, and I just went and read the article that you linked to. Frankly, I find that article scary, and very much so. The MILF has been denying responsibility for the attacks, yet in that article they practically are bragging about it, and using their military abilities as a threat. Not good.
Hi rick b – I totally agree, the whole thing makes no sense to me. After a lot of reflection, I found myself leaning toward acceptance of the MOA, and feeling like it would be good for Mindanao. Now, after what the MILF has shown, I feel it would be wrong to reward them. A lot of totally innocent lives were taken, after all.
Obviously, going into a long explanation as to my own thoughts on this situation in depth would not bring out the best comments so lets just say I am certainly not pleased with the situation
Being half way around the world from my friends in Iligan does not mean however I just have to watch what is going on through my internet screen.
Following the situation closely, when I read in the press that about 10,000 displaced victims sought refuge in Iligan city who got there by boat because rebel fources controlled the roads. Iligans Mayor declared the city in a state of calamity. The Emergency calamity fund had been released for use. 10,000 people with no food, water extra clothing etc now thats a lot of people. You can’t feed a crowd like that by calling Jollibee and having them deliver to the schools where the refugees are being housed for now.
I have sent a donation to the Iligan City Calamity fund. I did this last year when they had the calamity in Nov 2007 where flooding displaced a lot of people in Iligan. Not knowing exactly where to send a donation I made my best choice by sending it to the Mayors Office at City Hall. Several weeks later I recieved a letter of thanks from Mayor Cruz of Iligan City. I was also personally thanked by him when I visited Iligan City a few months later. I know my donation got to where it was intended to go.
Anyone, anywhere can do something like this so rather than just sit here and blogout my thoughts and dislike about what is going on in Mindanao right now, I thought I would tell you of a way I found I could offer at least a little help.
Hi Bob New York – Your love for Iligan runs deep. I am sure that a lot of people in Iligan are very proud of your efforts! Good luck to Iligan in these hard times!
Hi Bob – I too was bothered by the article. I know I have to recognize the bias considering the source, but you can tell that the attackers involved were being commended.
one point is that they are repeatedly called mudjahedin which means that they have not been ostracized.
i’m still hoping for someone to step up & say something commendable (which give me hope that a wise leader is among them), but have not yet seen it.
i too have my doubts on the MOA now. the main reason being, why make a deal that is actually not allowed in the current constitution? or on a proposed amendment that is presumed by them but by no means guaranteed. that’s just idiotic negotiating on such a volatile issue.
i have now shifted my sights on a few 2010 presidentiables. watching what they’re saying about this (phew, no actors!). i just don’t see anything positive coming out if this from the current administration. too much baggage & mistakes.
Hi macky – I can only agree with what you say. I think that for any Mindanaoans, this is a key issue for the next Presidential race. It’s a shame that Ramos can’t come back, because from what I’ve seen he is the only one who has been able to broker a lasting deal with the Moros.
Bob and Macky
I think that refering in the articles to the perpetrators as mujahadeen, goes further, it infers they are freedom fighters and taking place in the holy war, muslims against christians of course and on this front their actions are justified and necessarily sanctioned……this is how it read to me.
Like you Bob, the ratification of the MOA must be in jeapordy, there is a lot of hard work done to promote peace and then it is all thrown away in a series of incidents that can be totally justified by either side but the net effect is the chaotic situation that now exists
Hi rick b – It certainly is not a good situation now. When I read the article, and how the rebels were called mujahadeen, it seemed to me that they were kind of glorifying the guys… not a good situation, IMHO.
Hi rick b – i agree. that’s exactly how i read it too.
Hi, Mr. Bob and Peace be to everyone!
Personally, Mindanao will always be a special place for me, because it is my father’s land of origin (He hailed from Isulan, Sultan Kudarat). So I could say I’m a half-Mindanaoeno. But I have never been to my father’s province even though I have been to another country several times. I believe visiting Mindanao, my father’s homeland, will complete my identity as a Filipino. However, seeing parts of Mindanao ablaze, even from afar, pains me indeed, not just as a citizen of this country but also because I have relatives there including some of my aunts and uncles, who are my deceased father’s siblings.
About the MILF, what I have read about them is that they were actually a breakaway faction of MNLF as a result of some power mongering among their ranks. (The Republic was able to have had a formal peace pact with MNLF years ago). Even up to this day, certain commanders of MILF go with their own way even without the “consent” of their central command. That’s why we have these sudden violent attacks from them. Makes us wonder about the credibility of MILF as an integral entity that can proceed with formal negotiations with the Philippine government.
Anyway, I fervently hope this seemingly perpetual conflict would eventually subside at least within our generation, and hope it would not further metastasize into the peaceful and prosperous areas of Mindanao. In these turbulent times, I do hope everyone would continue to pray (and work) for peace whatever his/her religion maybe. God Bless!
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. – Like you, my love for Mindanao runs very deep. I, as you probably know, have been to Isulan myself, and it’s a beautiful place. You really should visit there sometime! If you come at a time when I am not too busy, I will even go there with you.
You are correct, the MILF is a breakaway from the MNLF, but that was decades ago, there is little affiliation now.
Hi Bob,
Just wanted to share Fidel V. Ramos’ (our ex-president) article below (2 parts). Hopefully, this will give your readers a better insight into the Mindanao conflict.
Stay safe always!
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=128789
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=128924
The world is getting more and more wicked. Fighting all over the world. In the KJV of the BIBLE Jesus says in Matthew 24:7, 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and peastilences and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. If you would go on to read the chapter of Matthew 24. BOB just to let you know we are praying for you and your family and for the Filipino people hoping they will find peace. I believe in freedom but unfortunately others do not. May GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS BROTHER!
ROBERT
Hi Tina – Thanks for sharing that! I glanced at it, and I will give it a complete reading later this morning. I do like FVR, and respect his opinion.
Hi ROBERT – Thanks for your comment.
Hi, Mr. Bob!
(Sorry for the delayed response though, been too pre-occupied lately.
)
Wow, I guess you have gone extensively around Mindanao and I think it’s great! Of course, I love to visit Mindanao to see my relatives and even make a stopover to Davao City. Hi..hi…My mom even told me before that my grandparents even had a small cotton farm there in Isulan. A lovely countryside scene I’d imagine.
But I’m afraid I will sooner be deployed, again, as a temporary expat to our head office in Japan (which, honestly I find it lonely or even frigid in there) and then stop over to some other Asian cities before I could arrive in Mindanao. But I’ll make sure I will visit it soon and perhaps invite some friends. Well, ‘till then!
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. – Congratulations on your pending trip to Japan! I hope that everything works out well for you.
Hi, Mr. Bob!
Thanks! And more power to you!