It’s Monday morning here in the Philippines. In another 36 hours or so, will I still be living in the Philippines?
Well, I’m not planning to move, but there is a legitimate question as to whether or not I’ll still be in a part of the Philippines. How can that be? Well, the Government of the Philippines has been in negotiations for years with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), and tomorrow a partial Peace Agreement will be signed between the two parties. This is not the full deal, but a step down the road to peace. The agreement that is scheduled for signing is the Ancestral Domain issue that is the most contentious of all issues being negotiated.
But, how does this tie in with not being in the Philippines any longer? Well, according to rumors (the agreement is not being made public), a number of areas of Mindanao will be given Autonomy and will be governed by the MILF under this agreement. The good news on that (for me) is that according to rumors about the agreement, Davao is not included in the MILF Automomous Area that has been negotiated.
Over the past weeks, Vice Governor (former Governor) of North Cotabato, Manny Piñol has been quite vocal on this issue, because it is rumored that parts of his Province are to be included in the MILF area. He wants to ensure that the people of the Province have the opportunity determine their own destiny. Do they want to be part of the new region, under MILF control, or do they wish to remain as part of the Province of North Cotabato, Philippines? Well, it would seem that the vast majority of peopel there wish to remain part of the current Province.
In addition to the outcries from North Cotabato, demonstrations are slated to take place later today in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and also in Zamboanga City. Government officials in each of these Cities fear that they will also be included in the Ancestral Domain to be given to the MILF.
What would change once this agreement takes effect? Well, the area would be governed by the MILF. It would operate under Shariah Law with it’s own Police Force. It seems like the area would come as close as it possibly could to being a totally different country, without actually being so. According to reports, the entity could send it’s own representatives to the United Nations – now that, to me, is already a new country!
All reports so far are that the new area would comprise only a portion of Mindanao, maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the island. Could Mindanao survive being split like that? Or will it only lead to additional fighting to put the whole island under one type of control or the other? For me, I would prefer to see Mindanao remain whole, and remain under 100% Philippine control.
One good thing about all of this – it is my understanding that the way the agreement is worded, it will require a Constitutional Amendment of the Philippine Constitution. With that, it would make me less concerned, because usually changing the Constitution, in any country, involves a lot of reflection, and serious thinking.
Of course, as a lover of Mindanao, and a resident of Mindanao, I hope that long term Peace can come to the Island. I just am not sure that this is the right path leading to a lasting Peace.
photo credit: Keith Bacongco
UPDATE: As of Monday afternoon, August 4, 2008, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has issued a Temporary Restraining Order stopping the signing of the agreement in Malaysia tomorrow. There will be a hearing on August 15 for the court to consider arguments from North Cotabato Province and Zamboanga City against the agreement. So, for now, there will be no signing until at least after August 15.
Hi Bob
I have had experiences with the MILF since my days of living in the Philippines the first time. Do you think that if they are given part of the island they will be happy to stop there? From the way their counterparts talk they will never give up until they have the whole country.
Bob
This type of appeasement has been tried and tried again and if history teaches us anything it does not work. For starters this will embolden the MILF that will only lead to more fighting. Also this would give the MILF a strong hold. I can see many problems with this and almost no good from an agreement like this.
🙁
I do get why the government wants this to work. This war has gone on far too long. That being said, it's hard to imagine this working out well. And even harder to imagine that this would be any sort of long-term solution.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – I have never heard of the MILF desiring the entire country, rather they are intent to hold all of Mindanao. I expect that the same thing will happen as what happened with the MNLF negotiations in decades past. At that time, parts of the MNLF were unhappy with the negotiated agreement and splintered away, thus forming the MILF. After the MNLF signed the treaty, the MILF kept fighting. I think it is likely that some people in the MILF will splinter and form a 3rd (or 4th if you want to count the Abu Sayyaf as a splinter of the MILF) group, which will continue the battle.
Hi Larry – The 1996 Peace Agreement with the MNLF has proven rather successful, I think. However the downside is that the MILF emerged, and demanded more, so that aspect of it was a failure (although the MILF emerged a long time before the treaty was completed).
Hi Tom N – Only time will tell!
Morning Bob,
Of most concern initially at least is the fact that it is all being done in secret? Not exactly all that democratic. It will certainly lead to a strong hold with pressure placed on the remaining resident infidels to relocate.
Hi Neil – You make some interesting points there. I don’t personally fear Shariah Law, as Macky pointed out, it works in Malaysia and Indonesia. As long at is is applied fairly, I think there is nothing to fear from it.
Hello Bob,
One step forward for short term peace, two step back for freedom of speech or womens rights. Give any radical religious group any form of power and they will not stop at what they have been given.
You have to look and what is happening in countries where different religious groups are involved with governments to see unstable they are. They breed hatred and are not satisfied until every body thinks like they do. The main thing is a vast majority of people do not want these religious nut cases involved in their normal every lives.
Allowing for Shariah Law, forget civil rights you will not have any.
A bit harsh I know, but I hope that MILF realise that not everybody wants their style of religion and accepts that. Other wise peace and prosperity will not survive for long.
Steven
Hi AussieLee – I totally agree with you, and a lot of people here in Mindanao are also on our side. The situation is that a bunch of people from Manila are negotiating away Mindanao with no input from Mindanaoans, and even keeping the whole thing a secret! A lot of Mindanaoans are quite angry about this.
Hi Steven – I more or less agree with you. One statement that you made stuck out to me:
"I hope that MILF realise that not everybody wants their style of religion and accepts that. "
I don't think that would ever happen. The MILF would think that anybody who doesn't want their religion needs to be brought into the fold, and made to want their religion. Just my feelings….
Hi Neil – The way the Philippines is with languages, and the general attitude of regionalism, I am actually surprised the the country has survived as long as it has.
Bob… Just opinion, but if the MILF is given full autonomy, the best case scenario for non-muslims would be similar to something like the government in Malaysia – official freedom, but reality is somewhat different. Just ask any ethnic Chinese Malaysian. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember that even in heavily muslim regions of Mindanao, muslims were still a minority. Even if the agreement holds, there is no guarantee of peace. It will largely depend on how the MILF runs their new domains.
I've been watching this with some concern and as an outsider looking in a sense of mystery, since there already is and has been for some years a semi-autonomous Muslim state in Mindanao.
I too am concerned that division is hardly the way to go to archive unity and harmony among peoples. I'm just as disturbed by fellow Western's anti-Islam hubris .. we haven't come very far in the past few centuries toward understanding and tolerance … confusing US empowered and formerly bankrolled criminal misfits like Osama binLaden with the real principles and teachings of Islam.
Mindanao was a Muslim territory long, long before the Spaniards came and began their own reign of terror in the name of Christianity. Whenn it comes to extremism and religious wars, as Christians we need look no further than our own history.
I will say this, Bob, that I am surprised that you would think of leaving the Philippines should the worst case scenario in Mindanao come to pass. There's 7000 plus other islands and 65 or 70 million non-Muslim Filipinos that make up the rest of a vibrant, puzzling, progressive, regressive and always fascinating land.
Hi John Miele – In the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) the ratio of Muslims to Christians is around 95% to 5%, so indeed it is a super majority of Muslims. I personally don't have a problem with any Muslims that I know, and I actually enjoy seeing their culture. In areas like Davao and much of Mindanao, the Muslim population is below 20%.
Hi Dave Starr – I'm sorry, Dave, you mis-understood my title. Perhaps I was too tricky with it! I would not consider leaving the Philippines, or even leaving Mindanao. What I was trying to say is "will the Philippines leave me?" In other words – perhaps (who knows?) Davao would not even be a part of the Philippines under the agreement. Now, I am 95% sure that is not something that will happen, but we won't know until after the agreement is public.
Yes, perhaps I fell for a little 'linkbait' technique, Bob. I do though encourage people not to get hung up on only one city or one area … that's one of the reasons I am slow to make a real investment in living here … like a permanent home … because there are som many places which attract me … including Davao.
Your title suggests a Californian who would leave the US just because a reactionary governor fired them from their job to balance the budget so that he could enjoy his luxurious private jet-set lifestyle saying they would leave the US. … oh, sorry the aristocratic "let them eat cake" governor is already a reality, not just in the discussion datge as the Mindanao issue is. Mixing rumors with reality there, my bad 😉
Hi Bob – I was actually wondering if you were going to write about this.
As controversial as it is, I am still holding my judgement regarding the deal. I need to read more about it. Like you, details like UN & ASEAN representations surprised me.
In my opinion, It would be best to have an autonomous Bangsamoro region.
Historically, the Moros always saw themselves as a sovereign people & never really fully accepted being governed by outside entities (Spanish, American & the Philippine Republic). They did not consider themselves Filipinos. Filipinos were seen as colonizers to them.
But decades of migration & population shifts have certainly affected things. I do believe it is important that the region must remain Philippine territory. I am just encouraged that the RP negotiators are trying to be sensitive to the Moro perspective of things.
After about 120,000 dead plus the economic & social damages from the war, it is clear the current system doesn't work. This is why I am also intrigued by the federal system being talked about.
I do think that the current deal gives too much away, but I am hoping that it is malleable enough to consider some issues raised by some sectors (which include the Sultanate of Sulu).
I am, however, quite confused about North Cotabato's role in this. The NC leaders are quite upset by the inclusion of NC in the proposed Bangsamoro.
Yet many news articles claim that the region voted overwhelmingly to be part pf ARMM in the 2001 plebiscite. But then I also saw numbers that contradict this.
The MILF & MNLF (and ARMM) has had a checkered past in terms of organizational leadership. This part I am very worried about. I hope their leaders have learned from their mistakes & become an effective ruling body. Still, I have seen some commendable statements from a few Moro leaders.
It is good to remember that if for some miracle, this deal goes through smoothly, the Bangsamoro will not only be led my people with MILF/MNLF background, but also by well-regarded Filipino-Muslim statesmen.
There are many of those in the country. From the private sector, the state universities or from government. Maybe this will propel a fresh infusion of ideas & leadership in the region instead of having the Moro issue being tiredly led by the same aging war horses.
Regardless, I am quite sure you know Davao is not a factor in this deal (so is CdO & many other cities). It would be interesting to see if this will start a new migratory pattern similar to what happened to Mindanao in the mid 20th c.
Hi macky – Regarding North Cotabato, I believe that only certain Barangays are going to be included in the Bangsamoro region, according to what I have heard, and I believe those Barangays did vote overwhelmingly to join the 1996 ARMM. However, since the Province did not vote to join, the Barangays in question didn't get to join either.
Now, let me play devil's advocate, if you don't mind (and remember I am playing Devil's Advocate). If, back in the 40's, the USA said "Well, the Philippines deserves some autonomy, but they really need to remain a US territory…." What would you think about that? 😉
Islam will not stop there, to believe otherwise is a fools dream !!!!
Ooh, you devil you.
Then I think it would compare to the Moro struggle in the larger sense. The Philippines will have a never-ending insurgency (we love our rebellions) while certain parts Philippines slowly assimilate to US sensibilities. History has shown that the people are a stubborn bunch (same goes with the Moros).
It'll be Hawaii but with guns in the mountains.
Interesting. Thanks for the question.
By the way, I'd like to commend DAVE STARR on his well-worded posts. He did his in 1/5 my comment.
I too noticed the blurred comparisons with radical islam we are fed in the news & the formation of a Muslim state.
It certainly seems like a knee jerk reaction & less of an understanding of a different culture.
I am not concerned with their Islamic Law & dictates. We can look to our neighboring countries to see that this shouldn't be a concern.
Bob,
I do not know as much about things here as you do, but I am wondering if the Government would ever take the time to change the constitution as you stated to allow this to happen. I am afraid it will be like the peace negotiations. There is a meeting, then one party does not attend. agreemnent are agreed but never written or signed. I am a pacifist but understand the anger of people or groups where promises are never kept. I just hope and pray someday in our lifetime all this will be put to rest and no new groups emerging to start it all over.
if i may add one more thing.
I think it is important to see this outside of the religion aspect. It's about a people wanting their own land after centuries of fighting for it. It's just that their culture has Malay-Islamic roots.
This is why they call themselves Moros of the Bangsamoro nation & not just Muslim. They are indigenous to that part of Mindanao. Many centuries before Ferdinand Magellan's "discovery".
It's as if the Native Americans held on & fought against the western expansion until now.
Hi Bob
I think it is outrageous for GMA to sign this agreement with the MILF especially since she did so much in secret. She did not want to reveal any information to the public. She also wants to give the MILF rights to 15 miles of Ocean territory of any resources found also I assume all fishing rights. Parts of Palawan would also be included I believe. Many parts of Zamboanga city would be included even though it is a heavily Christian city. Many parts of the country would love to be able to retain their mineral rights (profits) instead of giving it to Manila. Like the states in the U.S.
Why would a Christian Filipino want to live under Sharia law which comes from the Koran. Islam is not only a religion but also a code of law. I think many of the laws in the Philippines is based on the rule of law and not based on religion. When you compare Muslim desire for independence or a high level of atounomy because they use to be a majority, maybe Spain should give parts of their country to the Muslims or that Serbia should retain Kosovo forever even though they represent only 10% of the population. Right now Christians are a majority of Mindanao.
In Pakistan which is a Muslim country but not ruled by radical Islam (well the frontier areas are) but a Christian can be accused of defaming Islam or the Koran and can be put in jail for life. So if you borrow money from a Christian and cant afford to pay him back just accuse the Christian of defaming Islam which does happen.
If I was MNLF I would be upset for not getting the same type of agreement so if you continue to rebel, maybe you will eventually be given full independence. They also want to delay the ARMM elections set for Aug. 11. The MILF said it would hurt negotiations if the elections are allowed on that date.
The only good thing is that the constitution will need to be changed to allow this agreement/treaty to be finalized and I dont see that happening.
Giving your left hand…soon they also want your right hand. ❗ ❓
Hello Bob,
I know the USA gave the Philippines full autonomy, but they still had a very large stake on how the Philippines was run, especially while the "cold war" was on.
In fact when the US President gives and order to jump, the reply comes back "how high sir" from the Philippines.
My personal opinion is that individual cultures should be allowed to flourish and their right be preserved as long as they do not force it onto anybody else.
I think it is better to an Atheist, who has ever heard of an Atheist being shot or tortured for his or her religious beliefs.
Steven
Hi Bob [ and other readers ]
About 10 day,s ago , it was on TV and in the newspapers here in Europa ,
that the negotiations once again ended in mineur ,
and because of that, there would not be a Peace Agreement Signed day.
That,s what we know about it.
But all of you , closer to the source will maybe know more than us.
Hi Dave Starr – Maybe the Governator would like to come to Mindanao and try to TERMINATE all of the hostilities? 😆
Hi brian – It seems that the battle of religions will be the great battle of our lifetimes, don't you think?
Hi macky – I want to point out for everybody's benefit that I have not really shared my opinion on this yet. I feel that I have been trying to argue both sides of the issue. One of your statements, though, makes me want to share my real opinion. When you said:
"I am not concerned with their Islamic Law & dictates. We can look to our neighboring countries to see that this shouldn’t be a concern."
that is how I feel too. Actually, even if Davao were to become part of the Bangsamoro homeland, it isn't really something I would fear.
Hi Bruce – I think that if the agreement is signed in the form that has been rumored, and then the Philippine Government did not follow through with an Amendment to the Constitution to put the agreement in force, there would be war over that.
Hi macky – Good analogy about the Native Americans.
Hi Neil – The big problem is that some centuries ago, Mindanao was owned by the Muslim people. The Christians started settling here mostly in the 20th Century, and took the land from the Bangsamoro. So, if Christians would not want to live under Shariah Law, they should not have come here. Anyway, I know, it is a simplistic argument for a complex issue, but just trying to put some thoughts out there.
Hi Teng – Food for thought!
Hi Steven – I think that mostly what you are saying is too simplistic. The Philippines is under no obligation to the USA, they are free to say "NO" when asked to jump. It may not meet their interests to do so, but they are free.
Hi Anton – There is no final peace treaty ready for signing. There is, however, an agreement on Ancestral Domain that will be signed in Malaysia tomorrow. The Ancestral Domain issue is widely thought to be the most difficult to solve, so we may see a fast track to a final agreement from here.
Even with the upcoming signing of the MOA and the generous (overly) terms to the MILF there has still been attacks done by the MILF in NC in the past few days. Like Bob said there will be splinter groups who are not completely satisfied until full independence.
A little history note as to one of the reasons why there was a muslim insurgency, was an incident called the Jadibah massacre, where Marcos formed a special miltiary unit of Tausug muslims. When it became known to these recruits that their job was to forment trouble with the local Tausug ethnic group in Sabah (which the Philippines claimed since it was ceded to the Sultan of Sulu, and since the Sultan of Sulu is a Filipino citizen it should be part of the Philippines) they wanted to quit and go home. Instead of allowing them to go home, the military executed them on Corregidor in 1968. There was one survivor who was able to tell the story of what happened.
Hi Neil – I like to stay informed about Mindanao events and such, but I didn't know about this Jadibah massacre that you describe. Quite interesting.
Hi Bob
Im happy to be able to share something with you that you had not known before. I think Mindanao only became Muslim a century before the Spanish arrival, Lesgaspi who founded Manila as the capital had to fight a Muslim leader there. It was really the Americans who were able to fully defeat the Moros and bring them a part of the Philippines (where the colt 45 became standard issue to fight the Moros.) Im not sure if there was Sharia law before then. Islam in Southeast Asia was usually not as strict as it is in the Middle East, but with huge funding from Saudi Arabia and promoting Wahhabism (which is happening in Southern Thailand) you are seeing a stricter form of Islam in SEA.
To say that Christians should accept Sharia law because the Muslims were a majority for centuries, but are now a part of the Philippines. I believe they should abide by law set forth by the national government. In Sharia law there is death penalty, what if they were to start executing criminals which is now outlawed by Manila. When the Europeans or NGOs who oppose the death penalty ask them to stop and Manila is unable to do so, how would they look to the outside world, those parts of Mindanao would be looked upon as being independent of Manila.
hello bob
i say leave mindanao as it is.
VIVALAMINDANAO
salamat bob
Hi Ron W – I like it the way it is, but for people who live in areas where there is still fighting, I am sure they would like to see peace.
the MILF… such an unfortunately chosen name…
Hmmm, interesting discussion but enough has been said.
Just want to comment on this:
"I think it is better to an Atheist, who has ever heard of an Atheist being shot or tortured for his or her religious beliefs."
As they say — "there are no atheists in foxholes…"
Probably that's why we don't hear of one being shot or tortured. LOL.
Isn't there so much truth in that?
Hi Bob
As far as I know Sharia law is not practised in Indonesia. In Malaysia you can not convert from Islam to Christianity but it is ok the other way around. You can also take a look at Nigeria where they do practice Sharia Law in the North which is mostly Muslim. There has been a lot of violence amounting to this among other things which has killed thousands over the years. What also makes me upset that I'm sure many other parts of the Philippines would like to have the same set-up as the Moro population, remember before the Spanish there was never such a thing as the Philippines. Maybe make a Illocano state. I know Sen. Pimentel has supported a Federal sytem with statehoods similar to the U.S. Government officials in Manila do not want this since it will weaken their power and conversely limit what they can steal.
Plus Im not sure when you put Religion and Law together that things neccesarily will be applied fairly and when you consider history and some countries (Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia) that things will turn out smoothly.
Hi Never forget 9-11 – If you are talking about what I think you are talking about, the name "Moro Islamic Liberation Front" or MILF was around a long time before the abbreviation that you are referring to.
Hi ecstasy – Good catch there, ecstasy!
Hi Bob
Just wanted to update that the supreme court has issued a TRO against the signing of the MOA with the MILF. This will postpone any potential agreement by a at least a few weeks, the date being set for a Aug. 15 hearing.
Hi Neil – You are quick on the keyboard! I just finished updating the article about 1 minute before your comment came through! 😆
One thing is true: as long as the Moros are not granted a secure identity & sovereignty as a people, the conflict will not end.
The GRP had to recognized this. I still am not decided on the MOA (and quite concerned at the scope of what the GRP is offering), but I am glad that there is an agreement of some sort.
I do believe though that if things do normalize, investments from countries from Malaysia (the sponsor of the talks), Indonesia & other muslim countries will help stabilize that part of the region. The US has already set up strong connections there. Then you have the infusion of the Chinese Muslims (a huge base in Jolo).
The seeds of radicalization occurs is underemployment, poverty & war. Much of which occured during the conflict.
Many of the splinter rebel groups are mostly uneducated gangs. If stabilization & development occurs, many of the reasons why these groups form will disappear.
The ARMM region is in a great spot if developed. surrounded by moderate islamic nations & supported by RP & western democracies.
Plus an infusion of cash & training from other nations, emboldened by current events, will make sure extremism doesn't take root there. I look at the Mindanao State University as one example of this.
Quick thought on the Jabidah massacre. It's too bad not a lot of Filipinos know this part of history because events like these would help many understand the conflict. Nur Misuari, the MNLF founder, was inspired to go underground & start the modern moro movement because of the massacre.
There conflict is really multi-layered & not just a christian v. muslim thing. Much more complicated than that. I am still wrapping my head around the "ancestral domain" debate between the Sultanate of Sulu & the MILF!
It's easy to equate things will the current problems in the middle east. but I recommend that people take a deeper look on the roots of the conflict.
Hi macky – You have some good points to ponder there, macky. One thing I will say – if the Muslim leaders could bring areas like Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi under control, it could be developed into a great tourism area. Particularly Tawi Tawi – in my opinion, there is no more beautiful place in the world. Yet, as things are now, even most Filipinos consider the area too dangerous to travel to. The ARMM has a lot of potential.
Bob
Hope this is not too much of an "off topic remark" but can you tell me the "source" of your information about current events here in the Philippines. I watch the local and national news sometimes but do not have the language skills to fully follow and can't ask my family for continual translations. So, would appreciate a bit of a pointer in the right direction, you seem so well informed, OK you have to be interested to be informed and you are, i would like to follow too, hence my plea for help (if its secret Bob no probs 😉 )
another off topic remark….not completely un-related, but the NPA recent increase in activity is also very concerning, i would be interested (very) in a discussion of this topic, but don't feel well enough informed about the issues
i have learnt quite a bit about the moro issues here thanks
best regards
Hi rick b – Last week, the Philippine Daily Inquirer got ahold of a copy of the MOA, and published a lot of details about it in a number of different articles on their site. For my Philippine news, I generally rely on a number of sources:
1. ANC – ABS-CBN News channel on TV
2. Inquirer.net on the Internet
3. GMANews.TV on the Internet
4. SunStar for local Davao News
I also have a number of Google News Alerts set up for various Philippine related keywords.
Regarding the NPA, they don't concern me. Yes, in recent months they have stepped up their attacks a bit, but in general, the NPA seems to shy away from harming foreigners, so I don't get overly concerned about them.
thanks Bob, i will look at these sources
hope you are right about the NPA, i have had discussions about the NPA with some guys at my tennis club and they think (generally) due to economic pressures, the NPA issues will become more prominent, due to for example pressures of poverty from disenfranchised young men
thanks again Bob
Hi rick b – No problem, Rick!
Guess you'll have to unpack your bags Bob!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7540672.s…
Just joking, but it is a step in the right direction.
Hi John in Austria – Yep, but that is only good for 2 weeks or so… and, actualy, the title of the article meant more like "will I be living in the Philippines, or the Bangsamoro Juridical Entitiy" – I don't have any plans of moving! 😆
The problem that I see arising is the 'split' of power with the Islamic region will create nothing more than what it is today…an impoverish region virtually devoid of investement due to the corruption and nepotism which permeates the much of the Country. Islam and Christiananity may be two arguably diffeent religions but pinoys will still be pinoys…and the new region will suffer the same dilemma…corruption, graft and greed to the point of economic distress, which will lead to unrest, turmoil & poverty for its troubles of which will be convienantly
blamed on the "Christian" counterpart….in otherwords same …same!!
Hi Bob
Since the NPA was mentioned, I have always found it interesting that Globe cell towers are attacked regularly (including 5 last week in the Bicol region) and Smart cell towers are never attacked. This only happens I believe that PLDT (smarts parent company) pays off the NPA to not attack them. This part is never mentioned in the news.
My two cents on this is that this will not prosper in the Supreme Court. It will not suceed a constitutional challenge.
The best thing that this MOA will do though is to hasten Federalization of the entire archipelago.
Otherwise, the Boholanos will demand their own State or Nation too. Also the Warays, the Hiligaynons, the Illongos, the Ilocanos, the Igorots, the Ivatans, the Cebuanos, etc….there will be no end to it.
It's really high time to change the Constitution and for Federalism. The Manila government is just too inept to run the whole country.
Acording to some press reports I read on this subject, a little over 80% of the land area of Iligan was to be included in this " deal ". Seems like such a shame if this happened. I thought it was a very nice place when I visited there. I guess now it will be a wait and see if I ever go back there again. If I don't at least I can always have a fond memory of it the way it was. 🙁
Hi Bob, Why do they allow splinter groups. It sounds like the Palestinian problem and that doesn't bode well for peace. I don't know what could be better than living with religious freedoms. They sound like a bunch of freedom busters to me. Be ready to run boys.
Hi Bob – Interesting topic and comments. Gives us hope for an autonomous Ilocandia! 😆
Found your website by accident by typing milf and philippines on google, but I must say you have a very informative site and I will be coming back!
Hi Bob!
This MILF treaty has been of considerable interest to me. I have been searching to try to find a proposed secession map for this event. I have seen the launguage of the agreement which is vauge and generalized at best. I find some humor in the notion that some cities in heavily Muslim populated areas are resisting inclusion into the ARMM. Hmm do the poulations fear rule by inept terrorists? I think that most of the populations are hard working peace loving people who are tired of being victimized by these thugs. I told my wife that maybe the MILF wants a delay in the provincial votes so they have more time to influence the votes with threats and violence. Even the Muslim population knows that there are more Muslim victims as a result of the cowardly bombings and shootings. They are probably terrified at the thought of having their captors legitimized by the government. I plan to live by General Santos City in the future so I hope the experiment in chaos and anarchy is kept at a distance.
Hi brian – The Moros will argue to you that they are not Pinoys. They claim that they are not Filipino, and that Mindanao is being held by the Philippines, against their will. They say that the region will prosper under their control, after being neglected by Manila. On some of their arguments, I cannot disagree.
Hi Neil – Ha ha… I hadn't thought about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. You are right, it is always Globe that gets attacked.
Hi Dr. Sponk Long – I tend to agree with you that Federalism is the way to go. My only argument with Federalism as it is planned in the Philippines is that they intend to set up a Parliamentary system, and I do not believe that the Philippine Republic is mature enough for a Parliamentary system. Politicians here change political parties on a whim, and that would not work well under a parliamentary system.
Hi Bob New York – Under a Bangsamoro Juridical Area, I do not believe it would be a "no-go" area, although I do understand your feelings and sadness that your beloved place would be included.
Hi John – I don't think it is a matter of anybody "allowing" splinter groups. If a group splits from the main group, I don't see how you would be able to stop it.
Hi Paul – Don't miss Dr. Sponk Long's comment! 😆
Hi Dude22 – Glad you found the site. Keep visiting!
Hi Tom Ramberg – I hear you, and understand your concerns. The two people (both Muslim) who are resisting the MoA, which surprise me, are the Sultan of Sulu, and the Governor of Sultan Kudarat.
My guess about the resistance from the Governor is that he fears for his office and his political power. That just stands to reason when the governments in those areas likely become a free for all of power and wealth grabbing. Remember the terrorists are not farmers, they just wait for peoples crops to mature then take them by force. They are not carpenters, they just occupy structures built by others. According to the treaty that I read the ARMM will receive infrastructure improvements from the central government, probably because they have no plan of making improvements on their own. I think that maybe the indian reservations in America might be similar to the end result here. Hmm might be interesting to see a Muslim casino! HA HA!
Hi Tom Ramberg – Yes, you are probably right about Governor Mangdadatu, and I don't really blame him for that.
Hi Bob – lot's of info from your readers on this one. I especially appreciate Macky's views, as I don't know the history of all this.
Word from Mlang is that they are not at all happy about this development. They are on night alert and the potential for trouble, no matter how this goes, is high.
Two subjects I detest talking about are religion and politics. Mix them together (which inevitably happens) and you get this kind of mess.
Hi Randy C – I had not thought about the "religion and politics" thing. The truth of the matter, though, is that the battle is not really religious. Most people think – "Christian vs. Muslim" and thus it's a religious fight. The truth is that the heart of the matter really has nothing to do with religion. It is a battle of one group of people who owned the land vs. another group who took it from them. Honestly, if this issue were left up to Mindanaoans to decide, it could probably be cleared up in a way that is good for both sides. But, it is still an issue of a bunch of people from Manila trying to impose their solution on the local people, and that rarely works well.
Remember the old saying – "Hi, I'm from the government, and I'm here to help!" It rarely works out that way! 😆
Hi Bob,I have no answers,but question how far back a modern world can go to satisfy everybody,i mean should the US gov give the US back to the Red Indians.As far as i see it unity is strength,nationalism causes wars.We have Scottish and Welsh nationalists here wanting independence from England but they do not realise that they could not survive economically if they had full independence.As for Mindanao if the ARRM region were to get total independence one day,they could not survive economically,so what would they do next,invade the rest of Mindanao and take over the whole Island,thats how i see it,regards Chas.
Hi chas – Thanks for sharing your view of things. In many ways I agree, although in other ways I disagree. For example, let's say that the Island of Mindanao were to become independent from the Philippines. I believe that Mindanao could survive, perhaps even prosper under such a scenario. After all, Mindanao is a land rich in resources, many of which are taken for the benefit of other parts of the Philippines.
Hi Bob…You never know what is going to happen until it is all over ,then we pray it was a good decision…
PS Bob sorry to say i can't make the seminar Saturday the 9th.
Hi Bob,Yes, i agree Mindanao as a whole could survive easily economically,but i meant that the ARRM as a independant region could not survive economically,regards Chas.
Hi Bob
The Christian Filipinos who moved into these (former only Muslim areas) areas did so when it was a part of the Philippines, so it was legal to do so. Indonesia is doing the same moving Javanese ethnic Muslims to Papa New Guinea so they can be the majority in that country. The natives are a totally different ethnic group and usually Christian. I dont think Thailand is going to go this same route in their 3 southern provinces which they took over a 100 years ago. Zamboanga city has been a Christian city for centuries. Sabah was a part of the Sultun of Sulu territory, but the people there are not clamoring for independence. Maybe because Malaysia is a wealthier country or amajority Muslim country. If you are right that MILF believes that the Christians took their land, then they may want more territory and this is just one way to get closer to that goal, if they had the power to do so.
Hi Phil R. – I certainly can't argue with that! You are a wise man, Phil!
No problem on the seminar!
Hi chas – Yes, I understood your point there.
Hi Neil – Not saying at all that anything was illegal about the Christian settlers moving into Mindanao. All I am saying is that such mass migrations tend to lead to trouble over time.