101 East - War in Mindanao

MANIFESTO

CALLING ON THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) AND THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE (OIC) TO INTERVENE AND MEDIATE TO END THE WAR IN MINDANAO AND INTERCEDE FOR THE JUST RESOLUTION OF THE BANGSAMORO STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION


When, at the dawn of the high-tech, ultra civilized 21st century, the Bangsamoro finds itself still bereft of its inherent rights and freedoms as a distinct sovereign nation, stolen as they were, under cover of “civilizing” democracy by successive colonizers;

When, after many decades of so-called peace negotiations, the Bangsamoro people wakes up to the harsh truth of the abominable situation of sustained betrayal, manipulation, lying, cheating, and killing by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines;

When, today, the Bangsamoro is subjected to another cruel war by a government that abdicated democratic government, declaring the Bangsamoro as its subjects for protection yet waging atrocious war against it, this time, right after the exposure of its base insincerity in consummating the previously agreed upon and approved Memorandum of Agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD), executed by and between the government of the republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF);

When, today, the Bangsamoro cannot find any redeeming justification for the non-existence of genocidal intent in the acts of the government of the republic of the Philippines in 1) taking side with the notorious Ilonggo land grabbers association (Ilaga) and other land usurpers, all of whom have amassed wealth in Bangsamoro territories without consent nor participation of the Bangsamoro, and some of whom wrested control of local governance and would own the whole of Bangsamoro homeland by systematically dispossessing the Bangsamoro, and 2) unleashing disproportionately massive military forces with heavy land and air artillery for pursuing two commanders of the MILF yet indiscriminately bombing and destroying communities and villages and deliberately sowing fear and terror to the populace resulting to the displacement of thousands and thousands of innocent civilians.

When, today, the acts of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines include the incomparably contemptible authorization and distribution of 13,000 arms to civilians, many recipients of whom are Ilaga adherents who desire above all to drive out the Moro people from their territories thereby exposing all pretensions to equal protection of its peoples by the GRP, as well as the scheme to instigate a genocidal civil war reminiscent of the dictator Marcos policy, to broad daylight;

When, today, despite the valiant resistance of the Bangsamoro freedom fighters against an overwhelming war machinery and military operations of a colonial government and despite the perseverance of the great majority of the Bangsamoro to sustain and advance the struggle, the Bangsamoro civil society believes that the only remaining hope for immediate and just resolution of the conflict is in the existence of international organizations and entities sworn to maintain world peace and security by safeguarding human rights and peoples’ rights and the promotion of conflict resolution through principled, just and peaceful means;

When, today, we, the Bangsamoro multi-sectoral members of the civil populace of Lanao resolve to adhere to the hope and trust that these humanitarian organizations, appraised of a gross crime against humanity in our region of the world will come to the aid of the victims of this unjust war, the peace-loving Bangsamoro and Filipino populace, alike;

With solemn prayers that this appeal finds its niche in the hearts and minds of all peace-loving citizens and organizations of the humane world, we therefore call on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Conference to jointly intervene in this Mindanao conflict, to mediate for the cessation of the war and to institute the just resolution of the grievous injustices to the Bangsamoro and their right to self-determination;

We call on the United Nations to investigate and determine the true cause and extent of the war and if the principles and purposes for which the UN exists still operates, to disregard the GRP assertion of the war as an internal affair or that the current imposition of war on the Bangsamoro is legitimate and instead afford protection of all peace-loving Bangsamoro and Filipino civil populace from the scourge of unjust war and especially to uphold and protect the Bangsamoro right to self-determination as guaranteed under UN declaration and international laws.

Issued this 2nd day of October 2008 during the multi-sectoral Bangsamoro civil populace rally for peace at the Plaza Cabili, Islamic City of Marawi.

STATEMENT OF THE MINDANAO PEOPLES CAUCUS (MPC)

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MOA-AD: Build not Destroy

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PRESS STATEMENT: IBS

August 22, 2008

By Abhoud Syed M. Lingga
Executive Director, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies


We call on the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to extend the mandate, which will expire on September 8, 2008, of the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

The GRP and MILF peace panels came to an agreement on the establishment of the IMT in 2001. The functions of the IMT are to observe and monitor implementation of cessation of hostilities and the socio-economic development aspects of signed agreements.

Malaysia lead the IMT with contingents coming from Brunei, Libya and Japan.

After the deployment of the IMT in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao clashes between government and MILF forces declined significantly from 698 and 559 incidents in 2002 and 2003, respectively, to only 15 in 2004, 10 in 2005, 13 in 2006, 7 in 2007, and one in the first quarter of 2008.

After the number of IMT monitors was significantly reduced when Malaysia decided to pull out 21 of its peacekeepers, clashes between government and MILF forces surge resulting to deaths of combatants from both sides and civilians, and displacement of hundreds of thousand of people.

Recent events show once again the urgency of third party monitors to sustain the ceasefire in order to keep the peace process on track.

We also call on the Malaysian Government to reconsider its decision to pull out from the IMT.

We see it necessary at this point in time for the GRP and MILF to observe ceasefire and work out mechanism to sustain the cessation of hostilities.

- End –



Abhoud Syed M. Lingga
Fax: (+63 64) 4213551
Email: aslingga@yahoo.com

STATEMENT: Muslim religious leaders call for peace, justice in Mindanao

Muslim Religious Leaders
Friday, 22 August 2008 06:15

We, the Ulama[1] of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sharif Kabunsuan, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, General Santos City, Davao City, Davao Provinces, Zamboanga del Sur, and Cotabato City, having gathered for the regional consultative forum of the “Empowering the Ulama of the Philippines” project[2];

Deeply alarmed about the fragile peace situation in Mindanao aggravated by the controversies surrounding the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domains (MOA-AD) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF);

Believing that resorting to violence, will just worsen, rather than resolve the problem;

Profoundly convinced that peace is the only way out of this current predicament; and that such peace must be just and comprehensive;

Do hereby:

1. Call upon all parties to exercise restraint and sobriety amidst heightening tensions in Mindanao;

1. Appeal to all parties to honor the agreement on mutual cessation of hostilities of 2004 and avoid escalation of conflict;

1. Ask the Philippine Commission on Human Rights and other regional and international human rights organizations to monitor the conflict and ensure that internationally accepted agreements on war are adhered to;

1. Call upon Muslim national leaders to show their commitment to peace in Mindanao by supporting the MOA-AD;

1. Oppose plans to revisit or renegotiate the MOA-AD and instead urge government to honor its commitments as stipulated in the agreement which was negotiated by its legally constituted panel of negotiators;

1. Urge the high court to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) it issued on August 4, 2008;

1. Call upon the government to demonstrate its sincerity in achieving peace in Mindanao; and, urge the immediate signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domains (MOA-AD) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF);

1. Appeal to national government officials, political leaders and other personalities to refrain from issuing irresponsible and inflammatory statements that may deepen the crisis and cause unnecessary conflict among the different religious and ethnic groups in Mindanao; further, the Muslim community will reject any attempts to hijack the peace process for political opportunism;

1. Call upon media to be more responsible and avoid exacerbating the already tensed situation;

1. Advocate a public education campaign on the provisions of the MOA so as not to cause undue misunderstandings.

SIGNED by the 43 Muslim religious leaders and scholars who are attending the Regional Consultative Forum of the “Empowering the Ulama” project in the province of Sarangani from August 18 to 19, 2008.

1. ABDULATIP, Ali

2. ABDULGAPOR, Mohamad Taha

3. ALABAT, Abdulsalam

4. ALI, Abubakar

5. ALI, Anshari

6. ALILAYA, Faidza

7. ALI, Jaafar

8. ALI, Mansor

9. AMERIL, Muslemin

10. ARAB, Sarip

11. BADRODIN, Albaya

12. BARRA, Hamid

13. BAWARI, Arabie

14. BILON, Alivic

15. BUTO, Ali

16. CANACAN, Abdurrahman

17. DIDATU, Maimona

18. DIMAPORO, Samsodin

19. EDZA, Bong

20. EDZA, Mohammad Taha

21. ESMAEL, Ebrahim

22. IBRAHIM, Bajunaid

23. KAMAL, Abdulaziz

24. KANDA, Guialil

25. KUDANDING, Mukhalidin

26. KUSIN, Bai Amira

27. LAGUIALAM, Abdulbayan

28. MALA, Ahmad

29. MOHAMAD, Zakaria

30. MOLAO, Samson

31. MUNIB, Jamal

32. PAGABANGAN, Anisa

33. PAGAYUKAN, Nasrul Yakin

34. PAIRAT, Abdulwahab

35. PANGAWILAN, Abdulbasit

36. PASIGAN, Mohammad

37. SALIC, Abdulmajid

38. SAMEDON, Zulkarnain

39. SANDIGAN, Ibrahim

40. TANDO, Anas

41. TOBIAS, Saide

42. TUYA, Mohalidin

43. YUSOP, Badrana



[1] Ulama is a term used to refer to Muslim religious leaders and scholars.

[2] The project is the initiative of the PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY (PCID) with support from the British Embassy and the Royal Netherlands Embassy. The three-year project is intended to provide the ulama of the country the opportunity to present a unified voice and a venue to discuss important issues that affect the Bangsamoro.

STATEMENT: Moro Youth Leaders push for Peace

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STATEMENT: Arroyo regime renders impossible formal talks between GRP and MILF

Prof. Jose Maria Sison/NDFP
Thursday, 21 August 2008 23:11

Contrary to the propaganda issued by the psywar experts of the Arroyo regime, I am not in any position to issue orders to the New People's Army (NPA) to undertake tactical offensives in sympathy with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). My role as NDFP chief political consultant is assisting peace negotiations and not issuing military orders to the NPA.

In a recent interview, I merely commented as follows: that there is a longstanding alliance between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the MILF and that the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and command of the NPA which are both based in Philippines have issued declarations (through www.philippinerevolution.net) that NPA tactical offensives are in the interest of the Filipino people and are also in sympathy with the Moro people and MILF who are under attack by the armed forces of the GRP.

It is the Arroyo regime that is accountable for the escalation of the armed conflict in Mindanao and in the entire Philippines. It agreed with the MILF to formally sign the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in Malaysia on August 5. But long before the Supreme Court issued the temporary restraining order, the regime all along had the malicious intent of withdrawing from the scheduled signing and had already mobilized and deployed military forces for large-scale offensives against the MILF.

The Arroyo regime's multiple acts of betraying the MILF have rendered impossible the opening of formal talks of the GRP and MILF. By announcing that it wants to review, further negotiate and revise the MOA-AD, the Arroyo regime veritably tells the MILF to bend and break by giving up what it has gained on paper through many years of informal talks and indefinite ceasefire. The clear message of the regime to the MILF is to keep the ceasefire and never to expect the signing of the MOA-AD.

The regime is using against the MILF the same stratagem (devised by Arroyo, General Ermita and NSA Gonzales) that it is trying to use against the NDFP. The GRP negotiating panel agrees to a draft and then freezes it with demands for revision, while requiring the MILF to submit to informal talks and prolonged ceasefire or, in the case of the NDFP, while pressuring it to submit to indefinite ceasefire that lays aside the substantive agenda and amounts to capitulation and pacification.

Apparently, by pretending for a while to be for MOA-AD and then backing out, the Arroyo regime has calculated that it shall have inflamed the armed conflict in Mindanao to the point of justifying martial law and charter change in a bid to prolong itself in power. Blinded by hubris, the regime misses the fact that it is besieged by a severe economic and financial crisis, that the MILF can fight back effectively within its own territory and that it is self-defeating for the regime to fight on two war fronts, one against the MILF in Mindanao and another against the NDFP in the entire country.

The reactionary armed forces have been overstretched and fatigued by so many years of Oplan Bantay Laya. In recent months, even former GRP president Fidel V. Ramos has observed this fact. The concurrent military offensives of the the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Army (BILA) and the New People's Army have the potential of breaking the backbone of the reactionary armed forces and encouraging the reasonable elements therein to support the ouster of the fake president and serious negotiations with the MILF and NDFP.

STATEMENT: Arroyo's policy shift in peace negotiations will intensify conflict in Mindanao

InPeace Mindanao


August 21, 2008


Mrs. Arroyo's policy-shift in her administration's peace negotiations to 'disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation' will spell more disaster than bring about peace especially in Mindanao.

Already, Malacañang has hinted at reneging on with its Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front through a policy of 'review' and 'non-renegotiation.' Now, government reportedly wants to directly relate with communities, side-stepping revolutionary organizations if they refuse to lay down their arms.

Disarmament and demobilization should logically be at the tail end of any negotiated political settlement, after the more substantive agenda such as economic, social, and political rights and welfare are resolved. Mrs. Arroyo wants to short-cut the substantive agenda in its talks with the MILF and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). This policy practically shatters the building blocs that were conscientiously built by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and other protagonists in the armed conflict.

At worse, this policy negates confidence-building with parties across the negotiating table which is direly needed at this hour. At worst, it is totally abandoning the framework that political and social justice are prerequisites to peace.

This move, like Arroyo's reported laptop-throwing fit in Malacanang, shows that she wants swift, militarist solutions. Arroyo is showing contempt against legitimate armed social movements of the MILF and the NDFP that have existed for decades because of poverty, hunger, and repression.

In other words, Arroyo is adopting an ahistorical approach to peace; and for this she would repeatedly fail like previous administrations which have adopted an all-out war approach to the armed insurgency.

By abandoning the peace process with the MILF and NDFP, Arroyo is laying the ground for localized martial rule in many conflict areas. Arroyo's plan to "directly talk to communities" instead of revolutionary movements representing constituencies is a mere cover up for "localized peace talks," an approach that has sought to divide-and-rule communities instead of address the roots of insurgencies.

Arroyo's localized peace talks dovetails into sinister moves of local governments and landowners to arm civilian populations supposedly to deter armed attacks by Moro rebels. Armed vigilantism is a throwback to the days of Martial Law when landlords and politician-warlords fanned Muslim-Christian conflict to their benefit. We fear that instead of pushing for GRP and MILF accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, arming civilians will lead to the further breakdown of law and order.

Peace advocates insist that the negotiating table, not all out war, is the most viable option to ease tensions on the ground and properly seek justice and indemnification for slain and displaced civilians. The people of Mindanao refuse to be dragged into anarchy and a contrived discord between Muslims and Christians. The people likewise refuse to be dragged into Arroyo's Cha-Cha dancefloor. We say 'No to All-Out War!'

Atty. Beverly Selim-Musni
Convenor
Cell No. 09209893390

STATEMENT of Waging Peace Philippines: Let the broader dialogue on the MOA begin!

Waging Peace in the Philippines
Saturday, 09 August 2008 00:47

So much furor has been generated by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain being forged between the Philippine government and the MILF. Tragically, the lack of transparency and consultation, and the contentious political context of President Arroyo's questioned legitimacy, have led to intense negative reactions that may even fuel more conflict. Yet after four decades of armed conflict, the majority of people long for peace in Mindanao. In recent years, many citizens have also been doing their share to build peace : establishing peace and development communities and sanctuaries of peace, monitoring ceasefires, sustaining interfaith dialogues, celebrating the annual Mindanao Week of Peace, understanding ourselves as a nation of nations..

Let us first then, amidst the anger and confusion, affirm our support for the peace process. Let us also insist that utmost effort should be taken to ensure the integrity of that peace process, built on the informed participation of the widest constituency.

Now that the MOA has been revealed, let us fully take the opportunity and time to understand, discuss, and dialogue on its actual content and implications.

The Waging Peace Philippines, a national civil society network advocating for a comprehensive peace, believes that the mechanisms for the broadest consultations should now be quickly put in place in order to give peace through the MOA a chance. The nationwide provincial consultations organized through the National Unification Commission in 1993 serves as a possible model. But more care will have to be taken to discuss the MOA soberly, thoroughly, with open minds and the participation of all stakeholders. It is especially important to listen to those who are not often heard in the majority-dominated media: the youth, women, Bangsamoro and indigenous peoples.

Hopefully the MOA will be understood as a product of many years of peace negotiations, embodying the aspirations of the Bangsamoro struggle, and the commitment of the government to some form of reparation for historic inequalities. In a struggle in which many lives have been lost on both sides, the negotiation that honors those lives can never be easy.

Therefore it is even more important that the peace process and the MOA, should not be used for any other agenda, like charter change for regime extension. We will join the people in resisting any attempt for such constitutional change before 2010.

In the end, the MOA, no matter how terrible or wonderful it is, will only be realized with the acceptance and participation of the people, if they can take it into their homes and hearts. We must all decide: how can we help to implement the MOA? or: If not this MOA, what are we willing to do to achieve peace in Mindanao?


For the Waging Peace Philippines convenors,

Karen N. Tanada

Peace Advocates' Appeal for Sobriety

The intense reactions to the planned signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has already reached an alarming stage. In the last few days we have seen how the unarmed civilians from both sides of the conflict have lost properties and even lives due to attacks or harrasments by either side. The current situation has started to create social disorder brought about by some hostile posturing both from supporters and opponents of the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) which is the essence of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain. With the Supreme Court issuance of Temporary Restraining Order today to stop the signing of the MOA in Kuala Lumpur, the situation on the ground points to more violence especially in Central Mindanao.

The Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), a network of major peace groups and coalitions in Mindanao appeals for sobriety and urge the parties in conflict to desist from any act that will aggravate the situation. And more importantly, for both government and MILF to observe and ensure enforcement of the ceasefire agreement at all times.

With the MOA signing taking a backseat, now is the most opportune time for government to have an honest to goodness dialogue with its constituents in order to get their acts together and to finally speak with one voice.

MILF, on the other hand, must all the more demonstrate its resolve and commitment to peace by reigning in all its constituents and prove that indeed it is speaking and doing peace not only in the negotiating table but also on the ground.

We call on all religious leaders to take the moral high ground and be consistent with the church teachings by serving as bridge builders and provide space for people to discuss the issues at hand more intelligently.

We also urge the government military command in Mindanao to stop the recruitment and training of civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) and CAFGUs at this critical time when these organizations are mobilized for specific agenda and interests only.

We most urgently make this appeal to local government executives to refrain from statements that instigate violence for fear of the unknown; but instead bring people together, educate and provide accurate information, address the roots of, but not create conflicts, and manage these conflicts in ways not harmful to people but that which respects diversity and dissenting opinion.

We are calling on both business and academic sectors to serve as links in de-escalating the tension in areas affected by the conflict. For business groups to use their influence on local politicians and be mindful of how wars and conflicts can be detrimental to business in Mindanao. And for academe to provide the venues/fora for information and education among the Moro, Christians and Lumad youths for greater solidarity and understanding.

We are especially making an appeal to the media to ensure responsible reporting and not to fan the emotions of people affected by the conflict that may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Mindanao.

We, more than ever appeal to all peace-loving Filipinos to give peace a chance in Mindanao. Also, on behalf of the communities recently affected by renewed violence in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces, we urgently seek the assistance of the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH) to allow these civilians who have evacuated from their areas to return and harvest their crops at the soonest time possible before their farm products go to waste. These crops are vital for their survival especially at this very discomforting period when their displacement is going to be indefinite as the peace process suffers another setback.

We, as peace advocates commit to sustain our efforts at reaching out to all sectors affected by the conflict in Mindanao by monitoring the situation on the ground, undertaking information- dissemination on the MOA among our networks, addressing the humanitarian needs of victims of displacement and providing them education on their rights as IDPs (internally displaced persons), and in assisting in the empowerment of civilian communities in handling conflicts. We will also submit a motion in intervention to allow civil society intervenor in the oral argument before the Supreme Court. We will be particularly keen and vigilant of other forces and interests who may take advantage of the volatile situation in Mindanao and we shall remain critical of their motives or agenda.

Now that the MOA is out in the open, let us take the opportunity to read it carefully and understand it with open minds and hearts. It is the product of more than four years of negotiations by parties who are both giving up much to gain the greater prize of a just peace. It is not yet the final peace agreement, but an important step and commitment that we should all help to implement.


Mindanao Peaceweavers
4August 2008


Sgd. Fr. Angel Calvo
Lead Convenor
Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ)


Sgd. Rey Magno Teves
Mindanao Peace Advocates Conference (MPAC)


Sgd. Mabel Carumba
Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM)


Sgd. Prof. Octavio Dinampo
Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)


Sgd. Guiamel Alim
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)


Sgd. Karen Tanada
Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN)


Sgd. Fr. Eduardo Pedregoza
AGONG Network


Sgd. Atty. Raissa Jajurie
SALIGAN Mindanao


Sgd. Augusto N. Miclat Jr.
Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)


Contacts:
Memen Lauzon-Gatmaytan
MPW Lead Secretariat
Tel. No. (82) 299-2574 or 2574
Fax No. (082)299-2052
Mobile No. 0920-9124312

UNYPAD STATEMENT on the Abduction of Professor Dinampo

AN APPEAL FOR THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF PROFESSOR OCTAVIO DINAMPO, CES DRILON AND THEIR COMPANIONS

Kidnapping, for whatever purpose and by whatever group, is against the law, be it human or divine.

It is on this premise that we, officers, members and staff of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), a non-government organization and a nation-wide youth organization based in Cotabato City, South of the Philippines, condemns in the strongest terms humanly possible, the abduction of Professor Octavio Dinampo, Ces Drilon and her crew in Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung, Sulu, last Sunday.

Professor Dinampo, of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Jolo, Sulu, is a renowned peace advocate. He is the chair of the Mindanao People¢s Caucus (MPC), of which the UNYPAD is a network-member.

Whoever and wherever the abductors are, we strongly appeal to them to immediately release, without any pre-condition, Professor Dinampo, Ces Drilon, a well-known broadcast journalist, and their companions.

To the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned law enforcement agencies to exercise due prudence in any rescue effort that the lives of the victims may not be exposed to danger.

Likewise, we call upon our fellow Mindanaoans to help exert efforts, through whatever legal means, for the immediate and unconditional release of kidnap victims even as we believe that things of this sort is an affront to every peace-loving citizens like us.

Finally, to the families of the victims, we say that we are one with you in praying and doing the utmost we can, humble it may be, so that the victims may be freed soon and without any pre-condition.

CBCS condemns in strongest possible terms the abduction of broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her crew, and Prof. Dimampo

The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, as a solidarity network of 168 Moro non-government and people’s organizations all over Mindanao, is profoundly saddened with the abduction of ABS-CBN’s veteran broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon, her crew, and Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Mindanao State University-Jolo.

Drilon is a broadcast journalist with a good reputation. Prof. Dinampo is known to be a good professor, a peace advocate and a leader in the civil society.

Abduction is a diabolical act that is strictly forbidden in Islam, and therefore deserves condemnation in its highest terms.

Drilon and Dimampo’s abduction is deeply disturbing that it transpired at a time when the GRP-MILF peace talks have been aborted and that the two parties are exerting efforts to explore all venues for its resumption, and while the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Government and the MNLF is ongoing despite rough sailing.

Whoever is the perpetrator, we urge the government to resolve the crisis in the peaceful way. In doing so, it must guarantee that the real culprits will be brought to justice with the assurance that the civilians will be spared from any harm or become collateral damage.

As we console the family of Drilon, those of her companion, and that of Prof. Dimampo, and recognize the efforts exerted by mother station, the ABS-CBN, we also call on the civil society organizations, both at local and international levels, to share their own part to address the crisis.

Likewise, we call on the media to exercise utmost responsibility in reporting the abduction to avoid distortion of the truth and further complicating the already tense situation.

Our prayers for their immediate and unconditional release.



Sammy P. Maulana
Secretary General
Contact No.: 0926-365-2965

CBCS Calls for Upholding the Gains of the Peace Process

By Mike G. Kulat


BACKGROUND

The Peace Processes in Mindanao concerning the Bangsamoro problem have already been a daily flavor in the life of every Bangsamoro since the early 70s that concluded in the signing of the Tripoli Agreement of 1976 between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GOP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The negotiations lingered on for twenty years so that in September 2, 1996 the GOP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement (FPA) was inked between then President Fidel Ramos and MNLF Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari witnessed by officials of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

At the advent of the negotiations, majority if not all the Bangsamoro pinned their hope of ending the centuries-old Bangsamoro problem. Even the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who formally broke away from the MNLF in the early 80s had mixed feeling of success and failure in the GOP-MNLF Peace Process. This was manifested by the late MILF Chairman Ustadz Salamat Hashim when they met with Misuari shortly before the conclusion of the GOP-MNLF 1976 FPA.

The late Chairman said, “At the advent of your negotiation with the government, let be this our agreement, that if you succeed in resolving the Bangsamoro problem through your negotiation I will come to you. But if you fail in your negotiation, then come to me and we will continue the struggle for freedom…”. This also led to the official declaration of the MILF leadership on “wait and see” attitude on the GOP-MNLF Peace Talks.

Shortly after the conclusion of the GOP-MNLF FPA and after thorough scrutiny of the agreement and it has been found out that it cannot solve the Bangsamoro problem (claim later corroborated by no less than the leadership of the MNLF) the MILF in 1997 decided to venture on a separate negotiation with the Philippine government.

Under this peace process, despite emplacing the Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities or Ceasefire Agreement signed between the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)-MILF Panels on July 18, 1997 at Cagayan De Oro City, it had been marred by both big and pocket wars, notably the 1997 Mal-Mar War, the 2000 All-Out War and the 2003 Buliok Complex War. These wars left ugly consequences in the lives of millions of Bangsamoro civilians that were considered “collateral damages” of wars by both state and non-state actors.

The recent developments in the GRP-MILF peace talks started with an impasse in September 2006 and from then on the peace talks has lingered with uncertainty and many times war has loomed at the midst. Then at a time when many have felt optimistic that the remaining contentious issues on the Ancestral Domain were resolved by the two panels in a series of Question and Answers and Executive Meetings, situations unfolded miserably with the aborted meeting scheduled on December 15 – 17, 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Unlike the September 2006 impasse wherein civil society organizations, government organizations and international communities had been very active in calling on both Manila and the MILF to return to negotiating table, this time it seemed every one had been very quiet and nothing was being heard, not even from the government, from the MILF nor from the civil society groups. This deafening silence struck the attention of the leadership of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) who were witnesses and aware of the devastation to lives of tens of thousands of civilians should war loom.

CONSOLIDATION CHALLENGE

So that as early as end of December 2007, the CBCS headed by Chairperson Guiamel M. Alim started to consolidate CSO strength all over Mindanao through the already established eight CBCS Regional Management Committees (RMCs).

The consolidation effort, although spearheaded by the CBCS RMCs, also involved other CSO leaders coming from different sphere of life like the Ulama and Church leaders. The bracing attempt also involved leaders who seem to have inclinations both from the MNLF, MILF, and the government; the AFP had also been invited. This had become the reason why some cynical media personnel outrightly labeled the mobilization as MILF sponsored activities.

MOBILIZATION STAGE

Cotabato City Rally:

The mobilization started in Cotabato City Plaza on January 7, 2008. It was managed by inter-CSO body spearheaded by CBCS- Kutawato Regional Management Committee led by Rahib Kudto. It drew more than 50, 000 crowds. Nevertheless, irresponsible media reporters put the crowd as some 4,000 and others had it at 10,000. But the reality is the Rally Secretariat had recorded an attendance of more than 38,000 delegations as early at 10:20 AM and the participants continued to pour in until 12 noon.

A quote from Mindanews says: “An outpouring of frustration and anger marked today’s peace rally at the city plaza here where thousands of people converged to push the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into resuming their talks and eventually signing a peace agreement.”

“I am tired of war,” said Bai Miseria Mamasalagat who arrived in the city from Pagalungan, Maguindanao onboard a caravan of about 23 trucks. “We have been evacuees for 20 years already. We are afraid,” she said, “that in case the talks would collapse, there will be fighting again and we will suffer.”

“The jubilation was short-lived, dreams were shattered,” said Guiamel Alim who noted that pronouncements of both parties in the past months were optimistic. “The signing of the MOA on the ancestral domain issue could have been the best Christmas gift for the Filipinos and a memorable reward for the Muslims in their celebration of Eid’ul Adha this year. It made a lot of people frustrated but many still keep hoping.” The rally participants came from Cotabato City, Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Marawi City Peace Rally:

The second leg of the rallies was staged in Marawi City on January 9, 2008. It was a colorful one participated by around 20,000 participants coming from Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte. The marchers wore red t-shirts, chanted “Allahau Akbar” (Allah is Great) and waved. The rally was organized by CBCS- Ranaw Regional Management Committee headed by Datu Amenodin Cali.

“The failure of peace agreements in the past can be attributed mainly to the non-participation of the Bangsamoro people, because non-participation means they do not own a peace agreement,” said Abdullah Dalidig of Islamic Movement for Electoral Reform and Good Governance (IMERGG).

“The consequences of war in Mindanao have been very painful and costly. More than 150,000 people died and 100,000 were estimated to be injured. Millions were displaced from their homes and several hundred thousands, including more than 200,000 Bangsamoro sought refuge in the Malaysian State of Sabah have not returned home, and these are all horrible consequences of war. This is the reason we are calling the government to initiate the resumption of the peace talks” said another speaker.

General Santos City Peace Rally:

The third leg of peace rallies in Mindanao was held at General Santos City on January 10, 2008. It drew more than ten thousand participants coming from the General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. The activity started with march from Queen Tuna Park and ended with a convergence at the Freedom Park where program was conducted with speeches from different speakers from interfaith leaders.

Oscar Sulaiman, Chairperson of CBCS- Rajah Buayan Regional Management Committee in his speech said, “SOCSKSARGEN is now a haven of peace. And this state of peace can be attributed to three things: emergence of strong local leaders, protection from both the police and the military, and the present gains of the peace processes”. He added that, “Due to the stalled peace talks, hopes were suddenly replaced by fears,” referring to the recent aborted meeting between the GRP-MILF panels scheduled on December 15-17, 2007 for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain Aspect.

Pastor Frank Bantilan, a Lumad religious leader from Sarangani Province, together with other Blaans, said that they are distressed by the sudden impasse of the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF. “Muslims and Lumads are more than brothers, we feel no different pain,” he said with conviction. “Tri-people”, the term commonly associated with SOCSKSARGEN is mainly due to the existence of diverse tribes belonging to the Indigenous People, Christian and Muslims. “This is not a time for war,” he uttered calling for stronger unity between the Lumads and Muslims.

In a position paper, the Moro CSOs and other non-Moro supporters pointed out that “the most civilized and acceptable way to resolve conflict is through negotiation”. And the best way for a negotiation to succeed is “sincerity, honesty and political will”.

These positions were fervently made known by the CSOs: “The real implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the MNLF and Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), the restoration of the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF, and for the Government to bestow its ‘political will’ towards the realization of the peace processes”.

Iligan City Peace Caravan:

The fourth leg of the peace rally was conducted on January 21, 2008 with a caravan of more than forty vehicles from Marawi City and converged at Iligan City Plaza where programs were held. It was participated by interfaith leaders including representatives from the City Government of Iligan. It organized by the CBCS- Ranaw Regional Management Committee. Majority of the participants came from the Iligan City, Marawi City and the provinces of Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte.

The peace caravan came together with oozing spirits of frustrations from the different non-Moro civil society organizations and students standing with placards at Iligan City Plaza who assembled earlier. Close to 10,000 people were gathered to shore up support to the continuous call for the resumption of GRP-MILF Peace talks and the sincere implementation of all the peace processes in Mindanao.

“If this acts are not enough to catch the attention of the government, the interfaith CSOs will organize the walk for peace from Marawi City to Malacańang Palace to show to the government that we are indeed very serious in our fervor to attain just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Abdullah “Lacs” Daligdig, chair of IMMERG added.

Atty. Ibrahim Canama of the Federated Royal Sultanate of the Philippines stated on an appeal of the sultanates for the MILF to return to the negotiating table and for the government to be sincere in dealing with the peace processes, from the course of the negotiation to the implementation of the agreements. “Our people cannot afford to live in fear,” he concluded.

“We are one with the Bangsamoro in the call for lasting peace,” said Fr. Chito Sugano of the Marawi Catholic church. “After all only those who declare war win, we are all victims”. Fr. Sugano added that “The Bangsamoro homeland, our bread and butter are happily utilized as battlegrounds, leaving its inhabitants with dime of hope.”

Pagadian City Peace Rally:

The fifth leg of peace rallies was held at the Pagadian City Plaza Luz on February 4, 2008. It was attended by more than ten thousand participants coming from different areas of Zamboanga Peninsula, from the towns of Tukuran, Labangan, Pagadian, Dumalinao, Kumalarang, San Pablo, Lapuyan, Margosatubig, Dinas and Dimataling.

The rally which was spearheaded by CBCS- Sibugay Regional Management Committee headed by Sultan Maguid Maruhom. It was concretized through series of community interfaith focus group discussions dealing with the present impasse in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks and its apparent consequences when the talks remain stalled for a long period.

“As we make this position ardently known, we are conscious of the fact that the greater majority of our people are eager for a meaningful result of the peace process through a comprehensive negotiated peace settlement that addresses our age–old political problem, not only to put an end to the ravages of war, but to usher the peaceful and harmonious co-existence of the people in Mindanao who mutually aspire for progress and development,” Ulama and civil society groups said in a statement.

In an earlier statement, the Ulama and civil society groups said: “The repercussion that dreadfully looms as a result of failures in the peace process is unacceptable. We must always continue to pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. Violence by any measure is despicable, and for whatever reason, there will never be a good war. We must unite to stop it.”

Basilan March Rally:

The sixth leg of peace rallies was held at Lamitan City in Basilan Province on February 7, 2008 participated by around five thousand participants composed of representatives from civil society groups, religious and local government representatives both Moro and Non-Moro grouping.

The activity organized by CBCS- Basilan Regional Management Committee in collaboration with other civil society organizations. It started with marching of the participants around Lamitan City and convergence at Datu Dizal Cultural Center where different speakers delivered their respective pieces.

Rev. Antonio in his opening statement said, “We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God. We all came from one creator. But he admonished the people by saying that, ‘We should follow the law and the government because the voice of the government can be considered as the voice of God.”

Mayor Ismael shared her message that, “It is high time that the greater majority of the general public should be aware of the two peace processes because, whether they like it or not, they are affected by it and they will eventually be the end beneficiaries.”

Though both the MNLF and the MILF are committed to their respective peace processes with the government, Commander Salahuddin of the MNLF however put little stock on their progress, saying in the vernacular that, “I doubt if the government is sincere in negotiating on ancestral domain. Even during our time (MNLF), we were just fooled by the GRP.”

For his part, Vice Governor Sakkalahul said that, “The people of Basilan want peace and they are united enough to attain this peace. But it can only be attained if no politics is mixed into the effort.”
Sulu Peace Rally:
The seventh and last leg of the peace rallies in calling for the GRP and MILF to resume the peace talks was held outside the Municipal Hall of Jolo on February 9, 2008. It drew more than ten thousand people coming from different municipalities of Sulu particularly. The activity was organized by CBCS- Lupah Sug Regional Management Committee headed by Timogen “Cocoy” Tulawie in partnership with the Local Government Units of Sulu and other civil society groups.

No less than Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Sulu 1st District Congressman Yusoph Jikiri and Jolo Mayor Hussein Amin graced the event. They were joined on the stage by Atty Ulka Ulama, former Regional Assemblyman and Board Member of the Sulu Grand Mosque Atty. Nasser Inawat, and Fatmawati “Patsy” Salapuddin, President of Lupah Sug Kababaihan and other local leaders of Sulu.

The supposedly peace rally turned into an indignation due to the “Ipil Massacre” which happened few days prior to the rally and killed eight civilians, young and old, men and women, perpetrated by elements of the Navy Special Warfare Group and Army Light Reaction Company on February 4, 2008 at around 2:30 AM at Barangay Ipil, Maimbung, Sulu.

Addressing his gathered constituents, Governor Tan said amidst choked up emotions that he will defend the rights of the people of Sulu. Speaking in the Tausug vernacular he further said “I did not accept the financial aid offered by DND Secretary Teodoro because others might think they can pay for the deaths of those who were killed in Ipil. We cannot accept the relief assistance that was brought here because in the future, if another, if another massacre happens, they might think that giving us relief goods would be enough for us. We do not need their help, if that is the case. We have lived on cassava and we have survived.”

Also in the vernacular, Congressman Jikiri heatedly stated that. ”Many times have events like this occurred, where civilians were killed; children, old people, pregnant women.” He continued that, “If we had been united from the very start in the same manner that we are united today, the perpetrators (of all violence and massacres) would have been afraid of us.” Addressing the gathered crowd, he added, “If you had seen the victims and the residents of Ipil, you would have cried because even though they had screamed (to the soldiers) that they were civilians, they were still shot at. If the people are united, our voice would be stronger.

For his part, Jolo Mayor Amin said, “I hope we will always be like this, united, whenever a human rights violation happens in our midst. So that the (national) government will see that we value our own people.”

Later in the rally, he told the people that he will allow all the placards used in that event to be posted everywhere in Jolo. “Let these placards stay where they are posted, until they are damaged by time”

IN RETROSPECT

The Consortium’s history of sharing its part in search for solution to the age-old Bangsamoro problem through peaceful means is not a new undertaking and considered part of its evolution more so with the mother peace processes such as the GRP-MNLF and the GRP-MILF Peace Talks. This can be gleaned from the past when it spearheaded the call to stop the war and resume peace talk better known as “Bakwit Power: Exodus for Peace” during the “2003 Buliok Complex War”. The activity was able to mobilize uninterrupted “human chains” on both side of Cotabato–Davao National Highway extending from the municipalities of Pikit, Pagalungan and Datu Montawal.

Nevertheless, the previous advocacies were confined only in a certain areas and other activities that followed involved quite of an average number of people. The significant nature of the recent mobilization is that it stirred public awareness in major urban centers throughout Mindanao (Mainland Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan and Sulu).

Secondly, public participation from all levels of Bangsamoro society had been overwhelming. Aside from the great number of participants in Cotabato City Peace rally because it is already a site past assemblies with hundreds of thousand crowds. But in many areas like General Santos City, Iligan City and Pagadian City have significant impact wherein the peace rallies had been remarked by respective Local Government Officials as “first of its kind” that a gathering of tens of thousand people converged.

Thirdly, a realization of the strength in working in collaboration with non-Moro CSO groups through interfaith approach and even government functionaries can be potential and effective partners when properly coordinated.

Fourthly, the crucial influence of the fronts like the MILF and in some areas like General Santos with the MNLF in drawing large crowd is essential even in a short span of time. The Ulama/Asatid group’s full participation was vital in the success of the mobilization.

Finally, in most of the rallies more than half of the total forces attended comprised women and youth that indicates they are potent force for any future mobilizations.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

In spite of the success attained in the mobilizations, certain areas of consideration must be continuously improved for future advocacies in order to achieve higher gains. Among those areas to be taken into account are:

First, improve and strengthen collaboration with the group identified with the MNLF as well as governmental instrumentalities or local government units in mobilization in order to balance issues and management.

Second, enhance engagement with other CSO groups especially the non-Moro groups and to reach out other important sectors of society such as the academe and others.

Third, special consideration and attention be given in working closely with the media people. The presence of some irresponsible media can make or unmake the important gains of the advocacies as manifested in the Cotabato City Peace Rally where some media reported that the crowd is only four thousand and is MILF sponsored.

Fourth, for the CBCS Secretariat to avail themselves during the planning meetings in order effectively oversee the implementation of activities.


(Mike G. Kulat is the Peace Program Coordinator of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society and the Coordinator for CBCS Central Mindanao Cluster.)

A Call for Sincerity and Political Will

OFFICIAL STATEMENT


A Call for Sincerity and Political Will


The pull-out of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) led by the Malaysian Government has created several reactions or statements from various sectors.

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) has declared it was surprised of the pronouncement by Malaysia regarding IMT’s “phased pull-out” but it “respects and accepts their latest decision.” The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has asserted that Kuala Lumpur “is doing the right thing”.

Let it be noted however that said pull-out is not at all a surprise. The Malaysian Government has been sincere and honest in mediating the GRP-MILF Peace Talks. And we value and treasure this very much. Nevertheless it must have already been fed up by the way the Philippine Government has been “playing around” with the peace talks.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno has said government should not give in to MILF’s demand for a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) without a plebiscite, and Armed Forces Vice Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said peace talks would not continue without disarming the MILF.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has said in his television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” (From the masses, For the masses) that he thinks the government is just playing around in the talks with the MILF.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had once told a group of non-government workers from Mindanao that the Arroyo administration policy vis-à-vis the GRP-MILF Peace Talks is ‘paikutin lang’ (to play around).”

Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process, assessed the impasse as “among the most serious to stall the rocky talks, a big hump” upon which the Philippine government has no “magic formula” while “looking for a way out”.

To recall, when GRP-MILF Peace Talks was in full swing, the Bangsamoro was so hopeful that finally a just and lasting peace will shine again in their homeland. United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney even visited the MILF camp and expressed support to the peace process.

However, the IMT pull-out has again pushed the prospects of restoring peace in Mindanao—which has been a long yearning of both the native inhabitants and migrants in this land—to uncertainty.

This is not amazing because the government’s record or performance in peace talks is not fulfilling. GRP forged a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996 but a decade later the MNLF has not been satisfied with the implementation and cried for tripartite review of said accord. GRP also engaged peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) but the latter withdrew because while the peace talks was ongoing, military offensives were launched by the GRP against the New People’s Army (NPA). And now the MILF suffers the same situation.

Ahead of Malaysia ’s pull-out from IMT, GRP has now been busy in flexing its arms: spreading propaganda and boosting its military capacity. The military wanted an “emergency procurement” for nearly 1.6 billion pesos worth of artillery and explosives; procurement of thousands of rockets, howitzers and mortars as part of its “regular build-up”. Furthermore, the Department of Defense has been asked to scrap bidding procedure for said weapons in favor of an “emergency procurement.” What GRP has been doing sends a strong message of preparation for large-scale war— an undisputed threat to national security! God forbid!

Given all these scenarios, the Bangsamoro people could only hope that— if only Manila has the strong political will and creativity to pursue peace talks and implement agreement, it can adopt the experience of other countries without invoking constitutional process. For at the onset of the GRP-MILF peace talks, the consensus between the two parties was clear: GRP will not refer to Constitution and MILF will not demand for independence.

We therefore urge Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to exercise her full power both as President of the Republic of the Philippines and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to uphold the primacy of the peace talks over military solution to address the centuries-old Mindanao problem!

The civilian is at all times superior over the military as demonstrated by her positions. Military actions and circumventing peace talks are inutile as proven in history. They can only produce superficial peace because they are not based on justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Let neither the forthcoming ARMM elections nor the pushing for Constitutional Change impede the resumption of GRP-MILF the talks and signing of a peace agreement, or be a stumbling block in honest review of the government-MNLF final peace accord.

We appeal to the MILF and MNLF to exercise extra patience in dealing with the GRP in peace talks.

Likewise, we call on both the local and international community to help us Mindanaoans to attain the kind of peace that we want, not what others want for us! Be with us in pushing the talks forward!


(Sgd.) TEMOGEN TULAWIE
Chairperson, CBCS Sulu Region

(Sgd.) MAGUID MARUHOM
Chairperson, CBCS Sibugay Region

(Sgd.) NATHAN INSUNG
Chairperson, CBCS Basilan Region

(Sgd.) MUNIB KAHAL
Chairperson, CBCS Zamboanga Region

(Sgd.) RAHIB KUDTO
Chairperson, CBCS Kutawato Region

(Sgd.) SALIC IBRAHIM
Chairperson, CBCS Ranaw Region

(Sgd.) OSCAR SULAIMAN
Chairperson, CBCS Rajah Buayan Region

(Sgd.) SAMMY BUAT
Chairperson, CBCS Dabaw Region

(Sgd.) SAMMY P. MAULANA
Secretary General, CBCS

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Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS)
KFI Compound, F. Tamse St, Poblacion IV9600, Cotabato City
Telefax No.: +63 (064) 421-5420
Website: http://www.cbcsi.org/
E-mail: http://us.f570.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cbcs_04@yahoo.com

Stop dilly-dallying! Mindanao peace is long overdue!

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Manifesto against Balikatan

RANAW CRESCENT

AGAINST BALIKATAN EXCERCISES (RACABE)

Marawi City

MANIFESTO

We, the concerned leaders representing the different sectors of the Meranaw Bangsamoro Society, vehemently manifest our opposition to the upcoming RP-US joint military activities dubbed as Baliktan Training Exercises to be held in the Ranaw areas starting February 18, 2008 on the following grounds:

1. The U.S government is responsible for the contemporary sufferings of the Bangsamoro people under the tyranny of the Philippine neo-colonialism when it granted independence to the Filipinos on July 04, 1946 and at the same time allowed the illegal annexation of the Bangsamoro Homeland to the Philippine territory notwithstanding the protests of the Bangsamoro people as expressed in a number of documents such as letters, declarations and the like. As a consequence, the birthright of the Bangsamoro people for freedom and independence was immorally usurped resulting to the centuries-old Bangsamoro in Mindanao .


2. The RP-US Balikatan Exercises is essentially a component of the US Global War on terror, a war that is premised on blatant lies and deception presented to the American people and the whole world by no less than President George W. Bush himself of which the real motive is foreign military occupation and economic exploitation such as what happened, and is still happening , in Iraq, a Muslim country that was invaded and occupied the false pretext of the presence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that was to proven untrue.

3. The US War on Terror is being utilized by the Philippine government to modernize its military hardware and has caused the destruction of Muslim places, death of innocent people who were caught in the crossfire and incarceration of Muslim civilians for being mistakenly apprehended as “terrorists”. The US global war on terror is in its true sense a hostile act against Islam and Muslims. The people’s mind-set has been conditioned through media type that terrorism is an ideology of the Muslim freedom fighters.

4. The US presence in the Bangsamoro Homeland is essentially to maintain its military presence in the Far East to monitor and prevent possible threat and pre-empt attack to the US mainland. The Bangsamoro areas may be used as military command base or launching pad for US military attacks against any countries hostile to US interests. Consequently, the Bangsamorp Homeland will become a potential target of military reprisals against the US .

5. The US continued stay in Ranaw may bring social ills. They will surely disregard the cultural sensitivity of the local populace such as what happened in much-publicized Nicole rape case in Luzon .

6. The US imperialistic design in the Bangsamoro Homeland is far from over after they left; they might exploit all resources that may be discovered in the Bangsamoro areas. They will be occupying strategic places with rich natural resources in the Bangsamoro Homeland. With all their advance technologies, they can siphon off in a few moments our natural wealth. Hence, the Bangsamoro people are wary that they will be deprived of their God-endowed natural resources.

7. Lastly, the presence of US troops in Ranaw will be a serious threat to the on-going peace process in Mindanao since the US troops may also help organize counterinsurgency groups to contain the progressive revolutionary movement of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen. On one hand, it will awaken painful memories of the past American invasions of the Ranaw areas such as the massacres in Padang Karbala, Bayang, Lanao del Sur that almost wiped out all able-bodied men in the said municipality except for seven who are either minors or infirm, in Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, and Pantar, Lanao del Norte, that may trigger violent retaliatory actions against US troops. On the other hand, spoilers of peace can exploit the presence of US troops to sabotage the on-going peace process.

By the foregoing reasons, we believed that any move of any individual or groups with vested interests that will help the realization of the proposed RP-US joint military exercises in the Ranaw areas is considered as betrayal of the Bangsamor nation especially the Meranaw people and must be condemned to the strongest terms possible.

Finally, we appeal to the us government in the name of heavenly relations and the brotherhood of Humanity, if indeed you are champions of peace, justice, and democracy, to respect the sovereign will of the Bangsamoro people, particularly the Meranaws by refraining from taking part in this military exercises in order to avoid igniting remorseful feelings of historical origin.

In the same vein, we demand from the Philippine government to show its genuine sincerity and strong commitment to peace in Mindanao by stopping this unwelcome RP-US Balikatan exercises.

Done in the Islamic City of Marawi on February 05, 2008.

Cartoon row hits Denmark—again

Over two years after the publication of the controversial cartoons that mocked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and have elicited fury and boycott of Danish goods in Muslim countries, unrest has again gripped Denmark.

Danish police arrested some people allegedly planning to assassinate the cartoonist who drew the cartoon.

Danish paper Jyllands-Posten, which first published the cartoons in September 2005, reprinted one of the caricatures as a response to the news of the arrest.

Critics slammed the cartoons as Islamophobic, racist, blasphemous to the Islamic faith, intended to humiliate a Danish minority, and a demonstration of ignorance in the history of Western imperialism, which supposedly dates from colonialism to the current conflicts in the Middle East.

Denmark has said, “freedom of expression has a wide scope and the Danish government has no means of influencing the press. However, Danish legislation prohibits acts or expressions of blasphemous or discriminatory nature. "

But such cases often lose in Danish courts because they contradict with the country’s putting forward of freedom of expression to the primacy.

The cartoons had been widely published throughout Europe and in some countries outside in 2005 and 2006, except in the US.

At the height of the tensions in 2006, CNN said it was not publishing the cartoons “because the network believes its role is to cover the events surrounding the publication of the cartoons while not unnecessarily adding fuel to the controversy itself."

Some of the caricatures depict Prophet Muhammad as: wearing a lit bomb for a turban; holding a sword while his eyes covered are by a black rectangle; his arms raised at the gates of heaven, saying to men who seem to be suicide bombers, "Stop, stop, we have run out of virgins;" has devil's horns emerging from his turban; and two women entirely veiled, with only their eyes showing, and the prophet standing between them with a strip of black cloth covering his eyes, preventing him from seeing.

Former US President Bill Clinton warned that anti-Semitism would be replaced with anti-Islamic prejudice.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference appealed “to the Muslims to stay calm and peaceful in the wake of sacrilegious depiction of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which has deeply hurt their feelings” because “Islam being the religion of tolerance, mercy and peace teaches them (Muslims) to defend their faith through democratic and legal means.”

Protesters in Manila, Marawi, Cotabato and Basilan demanded for Denmark's apology and for President Arroyo's condemnation of the caricatures. They ripped apart Danish flags and set them on fire.

The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society and other Moro concerned groups denounced the publication of the cartoons, called for solidarity of the Bangsamoro people, and urged dialogue and respect with other faiths.

Fr. Roberto C. Layson, interreligious program coordinator of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, condemned the publication of the cartoons and assailed the “Western media's lack of sensitivity to what other people hold as dear to them.”

“It could only come from a society that does not anymore regard religion as a value because they have made gods of themselves," he said

He described the publication of the cartoons as “tantamount to inciting violence,” adding that he could not imagine how Christians would have responded if the Pope were caricatured with an armalite as crozier (staff) and a swastika in his cap.

Dr. Abdulwahab Meddeb, a known French Muslim scholar, and France Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Chesnel, in a recent visit to Mindanao State University in General Santos, cited the importance of dialogue in resolving interreligious conflicts, such as the ones caused by the publication of the Danish caricature.

“If you read Sura Al-Maida, you will learn that we can merge and live with the Christians and the People of the Book (Jews),” Meddeb said.

Many Muslims in the country have experienced being discriminated against in job employments, denied of credit in appliance stores, becoming immediate suspects in terrorist incidents and facing illegal detention.

A film that attacks the Qur’an will be shown in the Netherlands soon. The brain of the movie is Geert Wilders, a fiercely anti-Islam Dutch politician.

Reportedly Wilders is a populist who often badmouths against his political opponents, migrants, and Islam, while avoiding dialogue.

Concerned Dutch groups have already expressed anxiety over the possible ramifications of the movie in the Netherlands’ relationship with the Muslim world.

International human rights groups attribute the attacks on Islam in Europe to racism and xenophobia.

CBCS’s Humble Beginnings and the Long Road to Peace

Reading the golden pages of history would reveal how the Bangsamoro people had faced through time certain situations and entities that challenged their existence both as a people and as a nation. The Spanish, American, and Japanese invasions and the contentious inclusion of Bangsamoro homeland in the formation of the Philippine republic in 1946 are, to name a few, some concrete examples of these instances.

If one would look at these historical accounts and delve into the actors involved, the agenda behind, and the strategies employed, one could see that the present major conflicts and injustices that continue to inflict the Bangsamoro and the Mindanaoans in general are rooted in the past and multifaceted in nature.

To put it simple, before the coming of the colonizers the Bangsamoro people were living in peace; after they left all (including the non-Moros) were shattered. It is for this reason that the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society was formed in 2003.

The CBCS, faced with the challenge of picking up the pieces back again for the Bangsamoro people, struggled to invite Moro non-government and people’s organizations Mindanao-wide to join the network. However, like any other endeavors, it had never been easy for the CBCS at the outset, and there had been setbacks along the way.

Nevertheless the CBCS stood tall against all odds, and through its barely six years of existence as a network, it has already gone a long way in bringing together Bangsamoro civil society organizations.

The secret? Sustained cooperation, collaboration and coordination in facing the challenges of creating a peaceful environment towards the realization of human rights, justice and good governance, the CBCS central office and Regional Management Committees say.

Today, the CBCS already has 164 member-organizations, and still increasing. The CBCS has become a key influential actor in the pursuit of peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland. Today also, there are existing or emerging issues and concerns that need special attention, the CBCS admits.

These include the RP-US Balikatan Exercises, mining issues and displacement of people, elections and electoral struggles in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement and the Tripartite Review, impasse in the GRP-MILF peace talks, national scandals and political crisis, massacres and arbitrary arrests, global anti-terrorism campaign, climate change, charter change, MNLF-MILF unity issue, proposed national ID system and the ID system in Sulu, presence of US forces, anti-insurgency program of the government, and “rido” (clan conflict) issues.

These realities are based on geographical, political, social and economic avarice and injustice; they are rooted on ignorance, discrimination and prejudice; and are results of decades of colonial hegemony, the CBCS says.

These need to be addressed peacefully or they can endanger social healing efforts in Mindanao; they can trigger renaissance of acrimony and distrust between the Bangsamoro people and the Settlers, the CBCS adds.

As for the entire Bangsamoro people? Disunited, indecisive, uninformed, and unvoiced out stance on these issues and concerns could open the room for multidimensional opportunism at the expense of the people and can cause apparent divide among ethno-linguistic groups and shattering of their right to self-determination, the CBCS admits.

Everything is still clear today for the CBCS, as it was at the onset. In the grand task of bridging the gaps and building the future, the CBCS has embraced the vision of being a network of Moro civil society organizations that is able to collectively assert its influence in helping transform social and structural changes in Muslim Mindanao; a network that is able to sustain working together to achieve peace, justice and human development in a context of plural society. It envisions a society governed by justice where all peoples are respected of their inalienable rights to exercise self-determination, co-exist harmoniously and live with prosperity and dignity.

The CBCS recognizes that the road to peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland is long and winding. It might take many generations. Meantime, hopes and prayers must not be shattered; gaps must be filled for the future of the Bangsamoro people and the Mindanaoans as a whole. (www.cbcsi.org)

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS AND PURPOSES- Addressed to the Congress of the United States of America

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS AND PURPOSES
Addressed to the Congress of the United States of America
Zamboanga, P.I.
February 1, 1924

(Ref.: Salah Jubair, “Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny,”3rd Edition, October 1999, pp 298-303).

Whereas a group of politicians, leading blindly certain elements of the population who have a faith and culture different from our own, as well as widely different political aspirations, have raised a clamor and outcry against the continuation of American sovereignty in the Philippine Islands, thereby jeopardizing our hope of prosperity, liberty, and economic security, through the possibility that the Congress of the United states of America might in opportunely withdraw it sovereignty from these Islands, permitting thereby to be created an independent government under which the Mohammedan or Moro Nation would be destroyed or placed under galling yoke, we, the following representatives of the Moro Nation, do, in the same Creator, worshipped by Christian and Mohammedan alike, set forth the following solemn declaration our rights, principles and intention for which we pledge our lives and fortunes:

Assuming that in the course of time the United States of America will grant complete independence, or a larger measure to the Philippine islands, and due to the fact that insecurity of political tenure of the United states and the threat of political domination of our people by the Christian Filipino majority in the islands of Luzon and Visayas is holding back the economic development of our country, and causing no little unrest and unhappiness to our people, we hereby submit the following suggestion for the solution of our present difficulties to the consideration of the Congress of the United States of America.

First. We are not seeking temporary or palliative measures. We ask for a solution which will be permanent and lasting in its effect. Therefore, we propose that the Islands of Mindanao and Sulu, and the Island of Palawan be made and unorganized territory of the United States of America.

In order that we may be fair to the Filipinos and in order that they may not arise on outcry to the effect that we wish to dismember the Philippine islands, we proposed that 50 years after independence may have been granted the rest of the Philippine Islands, a plebiscite be held in the proposed territory will be incorporated in the government of the Islands of Luzon and Visayas, remain a territory, or become independent.

This would apply the principles of justice and equity to all elements of the population and imply a government through the consent of the governed.

Second. That a simple form of government be designed for the new territory, taking into consideration that through lack of education in English or Spanish our people can not hope to exercise suffrage for at least two generations, an with the following objects in view:

(1) Justice and equity for Christian, Mohammedan, pagan, and foreigners alike. In order to attain this we must have Americans in high places to act as referees between our tribal and religious demarcations.

(2) No dominations of one element over another.

(3) Freedom of speech and religion.

(4) Every opportunity for American capital to develop the natural resources of our country, thereby affording our people the opportunity to progress in the arts and sciences and in agriculture, as well as to use the lessons of the schoolroom after leaving school. At present, there is no outlet for the talents and energies of our youths, owing to the economic prostration of our country.

(5) That the school system be reformed under American teachers and made suitable to the needs and prejudices of the Mohammedan population.

Whereas we enjoy none of the above benefits in their fullest measure, and

Whereas we do not even enjoy the right of petition and redress of wrongs which the Constitutions of the United States insures to its citizens, owing to the fact that we have addressed petitions without number to the Governor General even when he has been disposed to grant our desires he has found himself helpless to aid us, owing to the provisions of organic act known as the Jones Law:

Therefore we, in representation of nearly half a million Mohammedan residents of Mindanao and Sulu, do solemnly affirm and declare-

That we are loyal unto death to the United States.

That in proof of this loyalty we have pledge ourselves by the most solemn oath known to Mohammedans, to die rather than submit to domination by Christian Filipinos from the north, and, if necessary, to die in order that the United States Congress, which therefore has lent a deaf ear to our petitions, may now hear us.

That in the event that to the United States grants independence to the Philippine Islands without provision for our retention under the American flag, it is our firm intention and resolve to declare ourselves an independent constitutional sultanate to be known to the world as the Moro Nation. It is the duty of the Congress of the United States to make provision at once for the security and protection promised to us when we surrendered our arms to the United States Army. This promise is just as sacred as any alleged promises you may have made to the Christian Filipinos. You have left us defenseless, and it is your duty to protect us to return to us our weapons you took from us which we freely gave you, relying on your promises.

That while it is not our desire to do so, by disregarding our rights and wishes while at the same time conceding political and economic favors to the Christian Filipinos, favors which are in turn used against us, you are forcing us surely and steadily to recourse to desperate and bloody measures, which are abhorrent to us, in view of our loyalty to the American Flag, our Governor General, and our gratitude to the United States for the liberty and security of life which we enjoyed until you delegate your power and authority to the Christian Filipinos.

We complain that we have not one representative in the Philippine legislative elected by direct vote of the people. Our meager representation is through representatives appointed by the Governor General, who must have the approval of a Senate controlled by Filipinos. Hence such representation is a farce.

We complain that the Philippine Legislature appropriates 1,000,000 pesos per annum for pro-independence propaganda, thereby forcing us to contribute through taxation without representation to the efforts of certain Christian Filipinos to severe the bonds between us and the United States, all of which is not in accordance with our wishes.

We complain that when our people, including women and children, have been shot down by the constabulary or otherwise maltreated investigations have been conducted in such manner as to gloss over the truth.

We complain that in spite of the large volume of evidence of misgovernment of our people presented to the Wood-Forbes Commission and subsequently to the Governor General, nothing whatever has been done to assure our people that reforms meeting without approval would be undertaken, for the reason that the power to institute reforms lies in yourselves and not in the Governor General, the hands of the latter being tied by the provisions of the Jones law.
Among the Signatories:

1. Sultan Mangigin of Maguindanao
2. Hadji Panglima Nuño
3. Datu Sacaluran
4. Maharaja Habing
5. Datu Abdula Piang
6. Datu Benito of Lanao