The Bangsamoro--the peace deal that affirms the rise of a Nation among nations

Just before dusk yesterday, the Bangsamoro fighters signed a peace deal that will hopefully end their political struggle and give them the peace they so longed for, for centuries. President Benigno S. Aquino III, and the Malaysian Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a pact that took seventeen years in the making. Al-Haj Murad, the MILF's political head and Prof. Miriam Coronel both affixed their signatures in a pact that will lead to the rising of the Bangsamoro.

Unknown to many, I became part of the creation of this deal, especially in determining the true concept of the Bangsamoro. One of the things which the government panel considered before resuming talks with the MILF is the striving towards a fuller understanding of what the MILF is fighting for.

More than territory, more than political hegemony and more than resource sharing is the true striving of the Filipino Moro towards a state of being, that is Bangsamoro.

Let me reiterate here that the concept of the Bangsamoro is more than the creation of a State--it is an affirmation of the existence of a Nation. The concept of the Bangsamoro arose from the very genuine aspiration of the Filipino Moro for recognition of its unique identity separate from the rest of the Nation.

Yes, he is part of the Filipino nation. Yes, in the interim, he is one among many Nations comprising the Philippine state.

For the true believer of Islam, he is part of a bigger and higher state of Being--the Nation of Islam. This Nation of Islam embraces those who believe in Islam, the religion as set forth in the Noble Qu'ran by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH upon the prodding of Allah SWT.

This concept is beyond the political concept of the State. Bangsamoro is not just a state, but a Nation of believers in the true path towards salvation.

What our fellow brothers and sisters in Islam born and living in Mindanao have achieved is not just political victory but a reclamation of the lands given to them as blessing by Allah SWT. Politics is definitely not the true striving of the Pious Believer but the affirmation of the right over the lands that Allah SWT gave him when he was born and what Allah SWT gave his ancestors when they first set foot in Mindanao.

It is upon the will of Allah SWT that the Bangsamoro rises.

Aquino blames peace saboteurs behind twin blasts in Mindanao

President Benigno Aquino believes that groups who oppose the peace process in Mindanao are the ones behind the twin bombings in Cagayan de Oro and North Cotabato. The Chief Executive does not believe that Jemaah Islamiyah members are behind the blasts, echoing what the Armed Forces of the Philippines already announced that JI cannot be the ones who masterminded the blasts because the terror group's movements have already been contained.

Who are those who oppose the peace process?

We have as main suspect, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF, the splinter group from the MILF. BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato actively opposes the peace pact, and wants to continue the legacy of Hashim Salamat, the spiritual-political leader of the MILF who believes in armed struggle.

Another group which opposes the peace pact is a shadowy cabal of Christian groups, whose members include influential people based in Mindanao. This group consists of members of the AFP themselves, both active and retired. Dislocation of Christian communities is what they fear if the peace pact eventually leads to the Bangsamoro sub-state.

The last group is reportedly, the Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF. Nur Misuari, founder of the group, wants government to honor its commitments forged in the 1979 Tripoli agreement. Until now, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines has not satisfied its side of the deal. Misuari warns of an all-out war in Mindanao, if the GRP and the MILF insist on creating a Bangsamoro sub-state.

Some analysts believe that countries with interests in the Philippines are likewise using proxies to effect chaos and confusion in this country.

As what this corner already said several entries ago, war will not end with the peace pact. Violence will continue to affect Mindanao economic and political growth maturation precisely because the region is subject to the interests of several groups. These groups have the means to sow terror. They are determined. They have mass bases.

Don't get me wrong---the idea of a Bangsamoro sub-state is noble. The steps taken by government is worthy of praise. And they can't do anything to obliterate these roadblocks caused by groups with selfish personal interests. These groups are talking about ultimate control of a region rich in natural resources, meaning, a region blessed with riches beyond one's wits.