President Aquino, in his speech, tries to say that those who oppose the passage of the BBL into law are enemies of peace. In the mind of the president, there are only two kinds of people---those who support the BBL in its entirety and those who oppose it in its entirety.
Excuse me, Mr. President, but please recognise that there is another group of people out there--those who love peace and want a more improved and more acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Like I said in my previous entries, the BBL is being pictured as the panacea to end the Bangsamoro Question. My take is--it is not. First off, the proposed BBL is not in synchronicity with the present system of governance being implemented in the Philippines and thus, is expected to clash with it in the future. And secondly, like the ARMM, political forces with interests in Mindanao, will surely destabilize it.
The best solution to the Bangsamoro Question is its inclusion as a state in a federated Philippine governmental system. If we want it to succeed, the Bangsamoro Republic must never be considered as such, as a semi-state, but a full state under a federated system. In that way, the full resources of the federation will be utilised to help it succeed.
Under a Federal system, the National Government still holds political power and control yet recognises the unique processes of the state. There is a symbiosis between the majority and the minority states based on equal treatment.
In the present unitary government, fragmentation thru autonomy is not the way towards penultimate peace in Mindanao. There must be a whole-sale acceptance of the Bangsamoro as a unique Nation, a nation distinct from the majority, yet has the potentialities of benefiting even the national government.
If this Republic would give up something, our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters must likewise give us something in exchange.
Showing posts with label ARMM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARMM. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Bombings are really GRP-AFP-MILF CC initiated attacks against BFFM
President Noynoy Aquino yesterday ordered a swift bombing of critical areas within MILF control considered as sanctuaries of lawless elements there. The target? A remote village in Zamboanga Sibugay where lawless elements are believed hiding from the law. And when we say, "lawless elements now" these include rogue MILF members responsible for the ambush of soldiers there. Another operation is now being conducted in Basilan, where 19 soldiers were believed killed by MILF and Abu Sayyaf Group members.
Notice that government is now distinguishing two sets of MILF members: one, those who are under the control of the Central Committee and the other termed as "rogue". Who are these elements?
It seems that they are mostly members of the splinter group, Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM) who separated from the main group when it disagreed with the main position of the MILF, that is, talk peace with the Philippine government. Without really describing them as BFFM, government seems to be conducting a psywar operations meant to hide the real problem right now---the rising strength of the MILF splinter group who want nothing but secede from the Philippines.
Former MNLF chief Nur Misuari is right---seventy percent or even more of the members of the MILF are now with Imam Ambril Umbra Kato, the commander who severed his ties with the Central Committee and refuses to honor what the MILF had committed with government.
Former US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney already predicted this late last 2007 during her visits to the camps. The main problem is not the MILF leadership agreeing to a peace process, says Kenney, but its capability of enforcing such agreements to the bulk of MILF members who were indoctrinated by former MILF head Imam Hashim Salamat to accept nothing more than independence from "Imperial" Manila. This space already articulated this problem in 2009-2010, shortly prior to the transition to a new administration.
What is occurring now in greater speed is the severage of communication and ideological links between ground troops critical of the MILF Central leadership and the Murad-led group controlling the formal structures of the rebel organisation.
For most MILF members, Murad is not being recognized as an effective and trust-worthy leader. Murad is a political operator, a player in the true sense of the word. He is perceived to be playing in the hands of Manila's negotiators. He is being compared with the late Imam Salamat who is an ideological, political and military leader. According to MILF members, the late Imam is an epitomy of a true Bangsamoro leader.
Imam Umbra Kato has now taken the leadership position insofar as MILF ground troops are concerned because of the inability of Murad to provide effective leadership. Like Salamat, Kato is a political, ideological and religious leader. What's more--Kato also fights with his MILF troops. He is a complete Bangsamoro fighter, based on the perception of many MILF members.
The thing about Kato is he is not politically pliant. He has one thing in his mind--independence from Imperial Manila.
The solution is really provide a most acceptable framework for the MILF. There are really three (3) options left for the GRP to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
First, do not appoint a political player as helm of the ARMM. Transform the ARMM into a highly effective and efficient organisation which would be the platform of the Bangsamoro in changing the socio-economic and political environment. ARMM is still a viable alternative to existing structures provided that those who will lead it will not have the same mindset as those from Manila, and that is, use the ARMM as a political tool only and not an economic tool, which is what it is.
Second, provide for a mechanism where "rogue" elements of the MILF and the MILF Central leadership would be able to iron out their differences. This mechanism could be provided by third party mediators such as the US, Malaysia or even Great Britain. Kato should be convinced by the Central Leadership to abandon such an enterprise so that whatever agreement the Bangsamoro leadership enters into, it will be respected by MILF ground troops as well. Otherwise, it is useless talking peace with these Moro rebels, since de-militarization will not take place after all the talks.
Lastly, consider the possibility of an all-out, drawn out, protracted war.
Notice that government is now distinguishing two sets of MILF members: one, those who are under the control of the Central Committee and the other termed as "rogue". Who are these elements?
It seems that they are mostly members of the splinter group, Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM) who separated from the main group when it disagreed with the main position of the MILF, that is, talk peace with the Philippine government. Without really describing them as BFFM, government seems to be conducting a psywar operations meant to hide the real problem right now---the rising strength of the MILF splinter group who want nothing but secede from the Philippines.
Former MNLF chief Nur Misuari is right---seventy percent or even more of the members of the MILF are now with Imam Ambril Umbra Kato, the commander who severed his ties with the Central Committee and refuses to honor what the MILF had committed with government.
Former US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney already predicted this late last 2007 during her visits to the camps. The main problem is not the MILF leadership agreeing to a peace process, says Kenney, but its capability of enforcing such agreements to the bulk of MILF members who were indoctrinated by former MILF head Imam Hashim Salamat to accept nothing more than independence from "Imperial" Manila. This space already articulated this problem in 2009-2010, shortly prior to the transition to a new administration.
What is occurring now in greater speed is the severage of communication and ideological links between ground troops critical of the MILF Central leadership and the Murad-led group controlling the formal structures of the rebel organisation.
For most MILF members, Murad is not being recognized as an effective and trust-worthy leader. Murad is a political operator, a player in the true sense of the word. He is perceived to be playing in the hands of Manila's negotiators. He is being compared with the late Imam Salamat who is an ideological, political and military leader. According to MILF members, the late Imam is an epitomy of a true Bangsamoro leader.
Imam Umbra Kato has now taken the leadership position insofar as MILF ground troops are concerned because of the inability of Murad to provide effective leadership. Like Salamat, Kato is a political, ideological and religious leader. What's more--Kato also fights with his MILF troops. He is a complete Bangsamoro fighter, based on the perception of many MILF members.
The thing about Kato is he is not politically pliant. He has one thing in his mind--independence from Imperial Manila.
The solution is really provide a most acceptable framework for the MILF. There are really three (3) options left for the GRP to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
First, do not appoint a political player as helm of the ARMM. Transform the ARMM into a highly effective and efficient organisation which would be the platform of the Bangsamoro in changing the socio-economic and political environment. ARMM is still a viable alternative to existing structures provided that those who will lead it will not have the same mindset as those from Manila, and that is, use the ARMM as a political tool only and not an economic tool, which is what it is.
Second, provide for a mechanism where "rogue" elements of the MILF and the MILF Central leadership would be able to iron out their differences. This mechanism could be provided by third party mediators such as the US, Malaysia or even Great Britain. Kato should be convinced by the Central Leadership to abandon such an enterprise so that whatever agreement the Bangsamoro leadership enters into, it will be respected by MILF ground troops as well. Otherwise, it is useless talking peace with these Moro rebels, since de-militarization will not take place after all the talks.
Lastly, consider the possibility of an all-out, drawn out, protracted war.
Friday, October 21, 2011
War to break out in Basilan ahead of Hataman appointment as ARMM OIC Governor
Two points on the ambush slaying of 19 soldiers in Al-Barka in Basilan. First, the attack proves that the Central leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has failed in managing its forces in that area. This is a clear example of what would happen if the MILF and the GRP conclude a peace deal. Chances are, some or even most of the ground troops would not honor such a commitment.
Second point, it is most believable that this is an attack prompted by the military. Most of those who went in that killing zone, were special forces amphibian troops. Meaning, they had a deployment mission. This could have been communicated with the MILF commander in that area. The military should have been smarter now than before. Four years ago, a similar attack happened.
Anyway, what is certain is that Basilan, and the rest of the island groups of Tawi-Tawi and Jolo are becoming more and more dangerous, because people have now armed themselves. Warlords, crime groups, and rebels have taken refuge in that area. There is no chance for government to exert itself in an area such as Basilan and the rest of the island groups.
Imagine the prospect of appointing someone who has a death warrant from groups in Basilan and Jolo at the helm of the ARMM. That would enrage warlord groups there, and that would also justify further militation and militarization of the area. Don't tell me that ARMM troops would attack Basilan to pacify these incalcitrant elements?
An attack against rebels and extreme elements in Basilan led by someone who has a well publicized feud with the major armed group in the area would just be interpreted as a political rather than a peace and order solution.
For example, we all know that Mujiv Hataman has a long-standing feud with the Akbar warlord clan in Basilan. The center of attention right now is that province where Mujiv once served as Congressman.
If a war would erupt in the area, Hataman has no choice but to deploy troops in Basilan. Even if the reason is laudable, meaning, deployment is made to quelch militants, this would just be misinterpreted as a purely political move meant to give power to Hataman to neutralize his political enemies.
This early, peoples from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi are quite anxious of the prospect of Hataman becoming ARMM OIC governor. Many see this as an attempt by government to create its own warlord in the area. There is relative peace there because Hataman has been stripped of his power. Appointing him as Governor is sure to be interpreted as giving Hataman another stab at power.
With power, Hataman's moves would only be interpreted by his enemies as giving him an opportunity at consolidating his power for another chance at dominating politics in Basilan.
Hataman's appointment would further worsen the peace and order situation at the ARMM. If the area becomes extremely violent, how then can government realise what DILG secretary Jesse Robredo vows to do--that is, implement serious reforms in Mindanao? There will only be an endless stream of violence.
Second point, it is most believable that this is an attack prompted by the military. Most of those who went in that killing zone, were special forces amphibian troops. Meaning, they had a deployment mission. This could have been communicated with the MILF commander in that area. The military should have been smarter now than before. Four years ago, a similar attack happened.
Anyway, what is certain is that Basilan, and the rest of the island groups of Tawi-Tawi and Jolo are becoming more and more dangerous, because people have now armed themselves. Warlords, crime groups, and rebels have taken refuge in that area. There is no chance for government to exert itself in an area such as Basilan and the rest of the island groups.
Imagine the prospect of appointing someone who has a death warrant from groups in Basilan and Jolo at the helm of the ARMM. That would enrage warlord groups there, and that would also justify further militation and militarization of the area. Don't tell me that ARMM troops would attack Basilan to pacify these incalcitrant elements?
An attack against rebels and extreme elements in Basilan led by someone who has a well publicized feud with the major armed group in the area would just be interpreted as a political rather than a peace and order solution.
For example, we all know that Mujiv Hataman has a long-standing feud with the Akbar warlord clan in Basilan. The center of attention right now is that province where Mujiv once served as Congressman.
If a war would erupt in the area, Hataman has no choice but to deploy troops in Basilan. Even if the reason is laudable, meaning, deployment is made to quelch militants, this would just be misinterpreted as a purely political move meant to give power to Hataman to neutralize his political enemies.
This early, peoples from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi are quite anxious of the prospect of Hataman becoming ARMM OIC governor. Many see this as an attempt by government to create its own warlord in the area. There is relative peace there because Hataman has been stripped of his power. Appointing him as Governor is sure to be interpreted as giving Hataman another stab at power.
With power, Hataman's moves would only be interpreted by his enemies as giving him an opportunity at consolidating his power for another chance at dominating politics in Basilan.
Hataman's appointment would further worsen the peace and order situation at the ARMM. If the area becomes extremely violent, how then can government realise what DILG secretary Jesse Robredo vows to do--that is, implement serious reforms in Mindanao? There will only be an endless stream of violence.
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