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.
To all – I just want to say that I clicked the wrong button and accidentally deleted a comment from Neil. Sorry… it was totally a mistake!
Hi Bob – The current episode of "renegade" combatants and the ongoing government negotiations remind me of the fable of the frozen snake (paraphrased):
A woman, upon seeing a snake frozen stiff in the cold of winter, felt compassion and took the snake to her warm home. She nursed the snake, spending most of her time and money to insure that it thawed and returned to normal life. When the snake was revitalized, it bit the woman. The woman asked the snake why he'd do such a thing after all she had done for him. His reply: "You knew I was a snake when you took me in!"
🙄
Hi Bob, I don't know what to say about this situation. My feelings are those of disappointment. I can say that I do not feel confident that the MILF will only be satisfied until they control all of Mindanao-after that chose any other island and they will start there until they have it also. I just wonder as I am sure many of us do, why people have to do this to each other. I am sure you have a contingency in place if Davao falls victim to these dangers-be careful and I guess just do what you do. Ron
Hi Paul – I've never heard that story before, but it is spot on!
Hi Ron LaFleur – I really don't think that this will reach Davao, but if it does, we'll have to keep a close eye and make any warranted actions.
kamusta bob
i have been following the same story with the MLF and to be truethful im getting nervous with my son and fiancee in davao del norte.this is a real threat to everybodys saftey no matter where in mindanao.i hope this all ends soon.why cant everybody get along.PEACE NOT WAR.
salamat bob
Hi Ron W – For now, I think that Davao del Norte is safe. Hopefully things will calm down before moving that far north.
Kamusta Bob,
As far as the political and religious reasons these MILF groups are fighting for, and the history of this conflict, I don't know much about at all. But I guess it goes back to the old American way of thinking. That it is not a good policy to barter or deal with terrorists in any way. Now they are back to killing innocent people there in Mindanao and especially in Iligan City area, forcing there will upon others in terrible, murderous ways. I really can't compare this to anything else…because I have never been there to see what the people in the area want for themselves. It seems to me that the general population were content and living peaceful lives there, and doing the best they can do to survive. It seems to me that this is almost like a "communist faction", forcing there will upon others.
But I hope for the best there in Mindanao, my friend Quennie lives in Iligan City, at least she does for now. The last email I received from her was on the day of the bombings, telling me they were evacuating from Iligan City. She had just found a new job there, after months of searching, and now has to leave the area because of this mess, and she has two beautiful twin baby boys she takes care of by herself….so more innocent people affected by this.
I could go on and on about this, because it upsets me very much, but I won't do that right now, because I don't know all the facts. But the fact that these people are committing murder on innocent people there, just tells me one thing, and that is not to deal with them, and hunt them down.
I aslo know that is easier said, than done. But I know that means bringing in a much larger military presence to the area, and a more dangerous situation for all concerned there.
I hope for the best for everyone concerned in the area, and when I do move to Southern Leyte area, I do look forward to visiting Mindanao…terrorist or no terrorist. For those of you in Mindanao, please be safe, my best wishes and prayers go out to all of you there.
Your friend,
Danny
bob , how about digos city, is that close to the action? that is the mainstay of my family.
Hi Danny – Thanks for your words of concern. I also pray for the safety of your friend, Quennie. I hope that she, and her kids remain safe.
Hi jerry smith – Digos is quite close to North Cotabato, where the action was last week. For now, things seem to have calmed down in that area, so hopefully Digos will not experience any problems. It should be remembered that Digos is part of the Davao Region, and although Mayor Duterte controls only Davao City, his influence is felt throughout the region. I don't think that the MILF will venture into Duterte territory. Actually, thinking about it, Digos is square in the middle of Maasim and North Cotabato, two regions that have come under attack. I think Digos will fare OK, though.
thanks bob i will let my wife know.
Hi jerry smith – No problem, happy to assist. If there are any major developments, I will post an expat view of it here….
I suppose I will get blasted for saying this but… Ever notice how the problems of the world today are all coming from the Muslims? Sorry but I hav no love of Muslims who use their religion to legitimize murder and extortion. I really don't care what datu granted you those lands and when it happened, it's the modern world now and it's time to live in it. My personal solution is to wipe the troublemakers from the face of the Earth. Violence is really the only thing they understand and the sooner they realize that WE WILL NOT CAVE IN OR APPEASE THEM FURTHER, the sooner they will be willing to talk. The Moros were a problem during the Philippine Uprising, 1900-1903. General Pershing took care of the problem quite nicely by spreading the rumour that our bullets were greased with lard.
Hi BrSpiritus – I won't blast you for sharing your view. We all are entitled to our opinions. Your opinion is different from mine, but hey, variety is the spice of life. Personally, I think that you oversimplify the whole thing. I don't view it as a religious action, but rather a domain issue. If lands were granted to people, and it was taken away by the Philippine government, then even generations later, I think that the people have a reason to be upset. The sad thing for me, though, is that an agreement on the issue is at hand, and now the fighting breaks out. That part makes no sense to me, to be honest.
Whatever happens, I hope that it is all worked out, and both sides of the coin can live in peace and harmony. I hope that statement doesn't sound to "Rodney King-ish". 😆
Hi Bob,Unbelievable,a couple of weeks ago the MILF were talking about lasting peace in Mindanao,and now! Latest read,President Arroyo orders military to crush MILF members responsible for recent attacks.Could this be a prelude to Martial Law! regards Chas.
Hi chas – I personally don't think that this is a path toward martial law or anything of the nature. I find it funny, though, that on one hand President Arroyo is negotiating with these people, offering them an Ancestral Homeland, and on the other hand ordering that they be crushed. Of course, some will argue that these are not the same folks, these are a break away faction and such… but in my book they are all MILF. Do the MILF leaders have controls of their people or not? If they don't have control over this, they have no business even being part of the negotiations!
the more things change the more they stay the same. Snake story a great metaphore for the current state.
Hi brian – Haha… yep, the age old story is true this time….
Hi Bob,
Your "peace and harmony" outlook suits me just fine. I would love land/religious desputes to be settled by the leaders having a vigorous game of tic tac toe, and all the money spent on wars spent on food and medical treatment instead….. The really sad thing is that it is all the innocents that suffer. Most of the time they dont even understand what is happening. Was watching a news broadcast, and those "statistics" that are fleeing their homes are mothers, fathers and children.
Do the MILF leaders have control? Doubtful. This is no different than other guerrilla wars where some are more committed to the "cause" than others.
And I agree with you, Bob. This is not a particularly religious war. Also, given how involved other religions have been in wars, invasions, and occupations, I'm not sure we want to go there. 😯
Hi Bob – I've been following the whole situation with dismay. There doesn't seem to be a good way out of this. At this point it doesn't appear the MOA is going to satisfy anyone, if it even goes through.
What do you think will happen if the attacks or bombings start happening around Davao? Would/could that lead a full war against the MILF?
I have to agree with Ron LaFleur they will not stop until they are either wiped out or they have control over everything. This thing with the MILF has been going on a long time so why should the solution only take a signature on a peace of paper. It's kind of like me and trying to lose weight. I spent 40 years getting up around 200 and then expect to get to 170 in a few weeks.
Bob,
As far as I am concerned, Arroyo has blood on her hands. She created this mess with her secret MOA and now it has turned bloody. I want to see how she plans to clean this up! This has just angered me so much, I better stop here.
Take care!
Hi Neil#22,I cannot see how murdering innocent people in cold blood is the right way to put pressure on the Govt.What sympathy i use to have with their cause has now gone completely out of the window.Recent news: Lanao Del Norte,MILF kill 16 people and take 150 people hostage to use as human shields against Govt troops.I think that says it all,regards Chas.
Hi Chas
I never said murdering innocent people was right. Im saying that I think that is how some of the MILF see's it. I think they are murderers and that the government and the military needs to do a much better job in protecting its citizens (really Christians). The people killed has gone up to 41. Its sad the the AFP has more then 100,000 soldiers and they seem to be at times unable to handle the MILF.
Hi Bob,
I don't mean to impose my beliefs on anyone but I'd like to share what I posted on my site for "August Star Watch"
…for the meantime, Mars and Uranus, both planets untamed and prone to violence, will be in opposition from Aug 1 –11, signaling a tendency for quick judgment and harsh actions. Let’s be cautious on any risky notions; watch your temper and feelings of frustration right around this time. Fires and explosions, droughts and demands for food and water (oil?) supply may be one of the causes.
Mars and Pluto square (Aug 12- 21) brings a pre-planned provocation to the now intense situation related to the global power structures. It’s not time to take this lightly – NOT a bluff! Be mindful of our thoughts and actions, it can easily backfire on us.
the saying goes… " As Above so Below"
Stay safe everyone!
Hi Carolynn – Ha ha… that would indeed be a high stakes tic-tac-toe game!
While we are all speculating about what is going to happen; One thing that has already happened is really worrying. The use of landmines. This is a particular concern, in years to come, long after wars are over, these still cause injury and death. I have read reports that these are being cleared and can only trust that they are all found.
Hi Tom N – I'm like you, I doubt that the MILF leaders have much control over the people they supposedly represent.
Hi Randy C – Although I don't think that the MILF will attack Davao, if that were to happen, it probably would lead to an all out war. I think if that happened it would be the third "all out war" since I've lived here. Not too effective. 😆
The same would probably happen in the event of an attack on CdO.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – I have to disagree on this. I am more optimistic than that. If you look at the situation when the MNLF and the GRP reached a peace agreement in 1996, that basically put war to a rest between the groups. I think it can happen with the MILF too. The only downside is that there will likely be break away groups that will want to be addressed individually.
Hi Tina – Indeed, this is troublesome. It makes me sad too, because I have visited most of the places that are experiencing the trouble now, and they don't deserve this. I think I better withhold comment on GMA.
Hi chas – Killing of innocents is never the answer, is it?
Hi Neil – Unfortunately, if you look at the fight against the MILF, NPA, Abu Sayyaf and other groups, it seems that they are never eliminated. Makes you wonder why.
Hi MarcelinaWW – Thanks for sharing your words.
Hi carolynn – I also heard that landmines have been used, particularly in North Cotabato. I don't know if this has been confirmed yet, but if it is so, this is a terrible escalation. As you said, it is something that will keep killing for years to come.
I hate landmines, insidious little devices that they are and the last ones are never found until some child stumbles upon it. In my opinion both sides have blood on their hands in this conflict. All other comments are withheld, I don't want to start a religious/political war on the blog.
Hi BrSpiritus – Indeed, landmines are insidious.
Bob: I tend to lump this conflict in with the other "lost causes" that get people killed senselessly: Palestine, American Indians, Kashmir. They are all economically motivated, and unfortunately, the poorest of the poor are the ones who always suffer in the end. I say this is a lost cause because I really can't see the RP government giving up sovereignty without ironclad guarantees of peace. As long as bombings, kidnappings, and violence continue, autonomy will never result. The MILF leaders know that, and by making promises to the ignorant and hopeless, they gain power. Additionally, any agreements will only impact MILF… Abu Sayaaf is still running around and it is in that group's best interest to keep things unstable and the RP military chasing around the MILF. THEY will never let peace happen because it is not in their interest to do so. It is in my opinion, and opinion only, that the only way to resolve things is for the government to reach out to the poor and disaffected, improve their education and economic circumstances, and the MILF will cease refilling or increasing its ranks. Simplistic and far easier said than done, but, in my mind, that is the only way. Ancestral domain is just an excuse… This conflict is happening because a group of people has been left with little hope of bettering their lot in life.
What is really a shame is that with the natural beauty and resources in Mindanao so abundant, that there are not industries galore and tourists running rampant.
Hi Bob, I have been following the news on BBC online, complete with maps. I was wondering how you were coping. My father had a saying – "Give them an inch and they'll take a yard!" I think it applies in this case.
Hi John Miele – The GRP did create the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in it's peace pact with the MNLF in 1996, so I think that expanding the region in the current negotiations can, and probably will happen, it all comes down to the timing.
As things currently stand, the Abu Sayyaf is such a small force that they simply don't have the might to wreak havoc across the Island. Who knows, though, if the deal is signed between GRP and MILF, people might defect to the Abu Sayyaf, which would not be a good thing.
Hi John in Austria – There are no problems in Davao. I expect, and hope that it will stay that way.
Hi Bob – all weapons of war are treacherous. They are meant to be. There are no gentlemen's rules in war, and there are no gray areas when it comes to prosecuting a war – it's just about the only human behavior that comes in black & white alone. 👿
The terribleness of war is why it is the "last resort," and why a true threat of immediate and impending war can make potential adversaries think better and/or serve to deter its breakout.
Potential hazards, damage or deaths from those weapons that occur in the post-war future are a large part of that terribleness, too. Most (not all) minefields are mapped by those creating them, but maps do have a habit of having errors or getting lost. Unexploded ordanance other than landmines cause much more post-war death/destruction to innocents (referred to as "collateral damage" in recent decades). WWII munitions are still killing over 60 years after those hostilities ceased. 🙁
Any negotiations are good, even faltering negotiations.
Did I mention that, in war, there are no "do-overs" or "time-outs"? 😉
Maayong adlaw Bob, The conflict in Mindanao will never be ceased (or at least minimize) if the Philippine government has no capability to figure out who is the brain of all these atrocities. Obviously, it is not the Muslim population all over the Philippines who put altogether their resources and built Arm Forces of their own such as the MILF. There must be outside sources that support and/or finance all these weaponries that they have. The only way to control this violence is to stop the logistics and financial support given to MILF from the outside sources. If the Philippine government could not figure out and control the ‘outside sources’, the hostility goes on and on until the primary objective to conquer is done, not only Mindanao but the whole Philippine archipelago. My fear is the target of these groups is the whole world!!!
Hi Bob – I'm traveling to the Philippines this weekend and am scheduled to fly to CdO on Monday afternoon. I've been there many times and have never felt unsafe, but I'm wondering what you think about traveling there right now with the current circumstances…do you think there's any reason for concern that the problems in Iligan and elsewhere could spread to CdO?
Hi Paul – Of course, all weapons are treacherous. Landmines, though, are the weapon that keeps on killing!
Hi Teng – Maayong adlaw pud, Teng. Kumusta? I don't think that the MILF wants to take the whole world, but sadly, some people of their ilk do, I think.
Hi wayne – At this time, I would not be worried about a trip to CdO. However, this situation is fluid right now, and you should check just before you go to see where the situation stands. Good luck!
Bob
This is not good news, if my wife gets wind of it she will freak and never want to visit Davao. You know how they can be!
Bad scenereo: Splinter groups do several small pinpoint bombings on Davao City businesses claiming to be MILF , MILF leaders says they are not being done by MILF. End result will be all out terror and chaos Martial Law etc in Davao City. Who will ever know if MILF ordered these small splinter attacks in the first place.
It could happen!
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…
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…
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID…
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!