The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) just reported a draft Memorandum of Agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). What it says there is very clear--the Bangsamoro will have their own government or state. The supposed draft will be signed by Tuesday. If this is true, I believe this is the right prescription to end the ages-old conflict in Mindanao.
The supposed MOA extends present ARMM territory and gives complete autonomy to the MILF in governing Bangsamoro lands. They will have complete sovereignty. What this means is that they will be given full control over their taxation, bureaucracy and even given police powers. However, though this is quite evident from the MOA (i have a copy myself), both parties coached the terms "shared responsibility" to mean that the territory is still within the purview of the GRP, albeit, limited to some aspects, for example, the use and "enjoyment" of natural resources, etc.
Many people, especially NPR's Bangsamoro friends, hail this as a "landmark deal". NPR thinks so too. For years, we've been disturbed by conflicts in Mindanao when the solution is actually within reach--just grant and secure the identity of the Bangsamoro.
Should this be approved, expect an exodus of Tausugs and Maranaos back to their homeland. Expect Middle Eastern support as well as those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Also, expect Chinese Muslims to invest in the BJE. We might see a more prosperous Mindanao in the years to come, which could probably, even surpass that of Imperial Manila.
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