Peace, The Ulamas, PCID and Vagni Update

The recent releases of foreign hostages thru the intercession of ulamas in Jolo, Sulu is testament of the efforts made by a small non-governmental organization. Called the Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy (PCID), this organization founded by long-time peace advocate Amina Rasul, has made significant progress in peace in Mindanao, especially in those war-torn areas such as Basilan, Sulu, Lanao and Tawi-Tawi. PCID has been in the forefront of peace initiatives, silently working their way to the hearts and minds of the Bangsamoros in Mindanao.

Ulamas are highly respected authoritative figures in the Bangsamoro homeland. They educate the Bangsamoros in the ways of Islam. Many advocate for the separation of the homeland from the clutches of imperial Manila rule; yet, there are many who also want this to be a peaceful transition instead of armed struggle.

Peace, as some analysts surmise, can only come about if the Manila government recognize the uniqueness of the Bangsamoro culture and grant full independence. There is no compromise. For decades, Bangsamoros have staged numerous campaigns and even war, to show that what they want is self-governance.

Self-governance is a sensitive thing, especially if you ask those hawks in the palace. For them, the only response is war. That's why, as we speak, there are hundreds if not thousands of soldiers fighting the Bangsamoros for that precious real estate called Mindanao. War brings only misery and more apathy to victims and combatants. It makes matters worst.

What is so problematic is when third parties enter into the picture, spoiling the broth and making it more difficult for both the Bangsamoros and Imperial Manila to enter into a peaceful settlement. Here is where the PCID enters into the picture.

PCID strives to unify the disparate forces within the Bangsamoro Republic to arrive at one common agenda for peace. Ulamas are critical members of this striving since they serve as both religious and proto-political advocates within their own respective territories. That's why, for the first time, PCID organized a fully united Ulama Council which aims to continue the Bangsamoro struggle within the parameters of peaceful resolution and mediation.

This is where PCID has been a success for numbers of years. Governments such as the United States, Britain and other European nations have supported PCID's efforts in the region. And the PCID will continue serving and striving for the complete unification of the Bangsamoros.

.By the way, foreign hostage Vagni is still missing. Some reports say he has been abandoned in a desolate area to die. Military sources are confirming this as we speak. Vagni, reports say, is sick. He's been suffering from hernia. Ulamas are also actively trying to determine the location of Vagni and convince the ASG to hand the hostage over. However, complications reportedly arise. Vagni is nowhere to be found