On the Bangsamoro Question--dismantle the instruments of war by making Muslim Filipinos feel the concern and love of government

Since the establishment of a Sultanate around the 14th century in those islands of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, the Muslims of these territories were mostly traders. Sulu was the center of regional trade between these islands and Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. Westerners also trade with them, including the British, Dutch, Spanish and Americans.

When the Americans came, they unleashed war in these territories, and caused the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Tausugs. Worse, due to the intense regionalism felt by Maranaos and Maguindanao-ans, all the more fueled by the Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) strategy employed by the Americans, the Sultanate of Sulu came under the political control of the Americans and placed within Philippine territory and thus, became a province under the Republic of the Philippines.

During the time of Magsaysay, government encouraged Filipinos from the North and from the islands of the Visayas to occupy certain lands in Mindanao. It was then that conflicts arose when greedy speculators seized the lands of the Bangsamoros. It thus led to interracine fighting which occurs up to this day.

Bangsamoros are fighting for their land. As written in the Noble Qu'ran, land is one of the blessings of ALLAH SWT and fighting for the right to possess and occupy when provoked by outside forces, is a holy right and one of the conditions for jihad.

Until now, most Tausugs do not recognize the right of the Republic of the Philippines to exercise political, social and economic control over their lands. And I understand why. How would you shore up trust with the Republic when at the time of Marcos, instead of extending to them economic opportunities, the Tausugs got war instead. From the seventies until now, there has been numerous encounters and wars and conflicts in these parts of the South that has scarred it for life. Generations upon generations of Muslims in these parts have not felt the concern of the government, hence it stymied economic development in the area which caused the people to be perpetually bonded and enslaved by political dynasties which exploit the poverty of the people.

To liberate the Tausugs, they must struggle against these forces which are being perpetuated by the government. The problem of the Muslims in the South is not what kind of governance model they should be under--it is the lack of opportunities to live under the precepts of their religion that allows this never-ending cycle of violence in their communities.

For a pious Muslim, life is simply a life lived according to Islam. When this life is disrupted, jihad follows. It is in the DNA of every Muslim to fight for what is Right, condemn what is Wrong and raise the banner of Allah SWT, every single moment of his life.

To solve the Bangsamoro problem, there should be a conscious effort by government and assisted by civil society and the private sector for the Tausugs and the rest of the Bangsamoro Nation to show the concern and sincerity of government that these institutions are aiming to:

1. Create a stabilized environment in the South, dismantle the causes of conflicts, de-mobilize the mechanisms of war, and re-model an economic system that suits the Muslims living in Mindanao.

2. Assist SMEs in these areas through government securities and investments. Grow this sector by allowing more banks to extend loan services to basic sectors, particularly SMEs and traders.

3. Dismantle political dynasties thru a series of political actions meant to empower groups instead of individuals to ascend the rungs of power in the regional and provincial levels. The type of governance model should be consultative, with one Sultan representing the interests of all Muslims in the area. It should be called a confederation of sultanates---the Sultanates of Sulu, Maguindanao and Lanao, the traditional sultanates which until now, are recognized by all Muslims there as their own.

4. Institutionalising components for change thru government intervention, allowing the growth of organs of power and ensuring strict compliance of Shariah, the body of laws respected by every Muslim.

Insstead of turning these areas once more into a magnet for regional jihad, the Duterte administration should begin re-inventing the wheel so to speak, and promote and provide lasting solutions to this age-old problem in the South.

Instead of war, let our government talk with the stakeholders there. Exhaust all possible means for peace. Then, if these solutions are still ineffective, then, create peace thru war.

Typhoon Pablo slams into VIs-Min: 70 dead

As of presstime, seventy people have already died shortly after Typhoon Pablo slammed into the cities and towns of Mindanao. The 125 kph strong winds of the Typhoon fell trees and uprooted foundations of houses. Most of those who died were caught in rushing flash floods and landslides.

When Pablo struck Davao Oriental, residents reported that the winds were so strong, coconut trees were uprooted from the ground and flew in the air, hitting homes and killing several people. Authorities were able to evacuate 8,400 families from Davao Oriental, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur and Leyte.

Meanwhile, DOTC reported that 3,430 people got stranded in 16 ports in Visayas and Mindanao.

Aquino administration facing perilous times

Malacanang's spin doctors were quick to praise President Aquino when the new Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station surveys came out. The palace praised itself for retaining a high approval and trust ratings for the President. 


Studying the results however, shows that there is nothing to rejoice about. Both survey firms say that public approval or trust in the President did not actually rise or moved these couple of months. Meaning, the President is now being closely scrutinized by a confused public whether he is performing at par or not. (see Amado Doronila's article today at the Inquirer)


The firms also admitted that their results could actually be wrong. Meaning, the public sent wrong signals to the inforeceivers of the survey firms. 


Four challenges face the President right this moment:


First, the worsening economic situation. I'll not enumerate the index anymore.
Second, a worsening peace and order situation not just in Metro Manila but also in Mindanao and possible escalation of the conflict there with the Bangsamoro rebels.
Third, escalation of hostilities between the Communists and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and lastly;
Fourth, continuing graft and corruption in the government that worries foreign and domestic investors


Fact is, this is the most dangerous part of Aquino's administration. He is overlooking so many things that this administration does not really know what is truly happening in our country. It is in a state of suspended animation. NOthing moves out there. It is like people inside the palace is waiting for something to happen.

The Bangsamoro Question and its 2-fold struggle

I've been to Mindanao several times already and though I am not born there, I know what is happening there. Mindanao is not just rich in natural resources--it is also being enriched by the people who live there. 


Many of my friends live in Mindanao. They are both Christians and Muslims. For my Muslim friends, some of them consider themselves as Bangsamoros. Before, the term is exclusive for those who only believe in the Islamic faith and who reside in Mindanao. Now, even Christians consider themselves as Bangsamoros.


Seriously, there is nothing wrong in Mindanao. The entire region is blessed with so much riches, especially natural resources, that, given the chance for self-rule, Mindanao may even eclipse Metro Manila and Cebu as the most progressive and the richest place in the Philippine archipelago. I heard so many foreign investors willing to invest in the place. And I personally know that Bangsamoros will definitely do good not just in establishing strong trade relations with other countries, but also will develop their place as a modern, cosmopolitan place in no time.


I visit General Santos every month and I love the place. There is peace and tranquility there. Christians and Muslims live peacefully there. There is no rancor between the two religious groups simply because every single thing has been provided for every one, regardless of religion, for self-development. You don't see shanties there, a stark difference from the ones in Davao del Sur, Maguindanao and Lanao. Every single resident of GenSan is contented by their lives because the city itself gives equal opportunity to anyone willing to invest her or his time for self-improvement and for commerce.


I wrote here several entries ago, that, the only problem in Mindanao is peace and security. Muslims claim a part of it for themselves which is quite understandable if we are to base it in History. However, though their claims have basis in history, the very question as to who really own Mindanao is still subject of extreme debate.


Muslims have dominated the Western and Eastern hemispheres of Mindanao while the North and the South are predominantly Christian. Now, the question is-is it possible for these territories being claimed to be ceded to their original owners? Yes, it is under a legislative action. Government must change the provisions of the Constitution and refigure its territorial claims to be able to accommodate such a solution.


And who, may I ask, are the original owners of these lands? It would have to be the traditional royal families in Mindanao, most of them, warlords. So, in the event of a reconfiguration, traditional royal families will have to battle it out with both the MILF and the MNLF for political power.


The Bangsamoro question will not be resolved through a peace agreement because even if the government accedes with the demands for self-rule, the entire region will still be beset by violence. A civil war between and among different interest groups will shortly happen once government or the MILF succeeds in its independence claim.


For example, this early, the so-called Sultan of Sulu is making claims of the Jolo Group, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi---three areas within the territories being claimed by the MILF as bangsamoro territorial homeland. The possibility of a clash is very likely there, since the Sultan will not give in to the rebels once an MILF Bangsamoro homeland is recognized.


Really, the Bangsamoro struggle is two-fold: resistence against imperial Manila and once it is achieved, resistance against so-called traditional royal families who will surely claim ownership of several lands under the Bangsamoro homeland territory. 


What Mindanao needs is a hegemon---a strong and powerful force able and capable of unifying these groups under one proposition---development. When every single group in Mindanao agrees to keep it safe and simple in the name of development, and not religion, then, every thing will take care of itself, naturally, like what happened in Malaysia. 

Emergency Powers for Arroyo

Energy secretary Angelo Reyes has a very interesting proposition. Since we're now suffering from power shortages in the Visayas and Mindanao, Reyes said that probably by next year, Luzon will also have power shortages. Reyes even made a threat that blackouts would surely affect the conduct of the May 10, 2010 elections.

This, says Reyes, justifies giving emergency powers to Arroyo to solve the potential energy crisis.

What Reyes did not know was that reporters also interviewed the one responsible for distributing electricity and that agency said that we still have excess capacity to avert an energy crisis. Reyes' call was uncalled for.

Obviously, Reyes is praying for something to happen to extend his madame Arroyo's term. Or, maybe, just maybe, Reyes is thinking of the "profits", quick ones at that, from "emergency projects"? Silly me.

Reyes, like the rest of Mrs. Arroyo's gang, is praying for a term extension. Or, Reyes is just cautioning the public of an administration plan to sabotage the forthcoming 2010 elections?

Whatever his motives are, Reyes' call for emergency powers to Mrs. Arroyo is uncalled for. We don't need to give emergency powers to somebody we know would just abuse it.

These administration men are fearing for their lives. They know for a fact that the administration does not have a winnable candidate. They fear of losing their juicy positions and its attendant perks.

This is a concern because these pro-Arroyo men might do something drastic just to stay in power.

RP Generals in heat

The first one was this general who burst out from a meeting with provincial officials when a Congressman accused the Army of not being there when fighting broke out between the MILF and local vigilante groups. Then Air Force Chief Pedrito Cadungog followed with threats of punching anyone who'll accuse the Air Force of having widow makers and flying coffins in its fleet.

Now, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. General Nelson Allaga sending off a text message to an Inquirer journalist who was asking why there's still US troops stationed in Zamboanga City. The text was uncalled for.

It seems that generals right now act like bullies and not gentlemen. We pay for their salaries and we even subsidized their studies as plebes. But when they earn their stripes, they now consider us as if we are their slaves.

Why do we have generals such as these? Umakyat na ba ang kapangyarihan sa mga ulo ng mga yan? I don't want to judge but it seems like it.

Imagine an Air Force Chief threatening everyone with harm should we tell him the truth. Pedrito, have you even reviewed the fleet of dilapidated airplanes you have in your disposal? And those old Hueys which caused the deaths of many of your men? How do you describe them, ha, Pedrito? Do you want us, the people, to just take these all in stride?

I once met Lt. General Allaga when I was covering the 2000 Erap-initiated war against the Bangsamoro rebels and he was a gentleman. What had happened to him?

Where are the generals who serve the people as officers and gentlemen? It seems that the pampering done by Gloria had surely gone to the heads of these so-called generals.

Reason why Kenney is involved in the GRP-MILF peace talks

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ARMM elections and Ces Kidnapping

There's a new TV commercial out there called "Bagong Simula". It's a collaborative work done by various artists and bands. See it and you'll probably appreciate it. Or, maybe not.

While ANC was airing this material, Gloria Labandera was busy trying to launder the dirty image of her political party. She's out there in Davao convening her allies and anointing Zaldy Ampatuan, the LAKAS-KAMPI bet for the ARMM elections. At the pulpit, she lambasted the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and ordered the forces of evil to annihilate their fellow devils. So, this war in Sulu will just be between the forces of Shaitan ranged against the forces of Beelshebub. Lovely.

Informants told the NewPhilRevolution that Ces was released at that time to coincide with Gloria's foray in Mindanao. Notice how things developed truly fast after the kidnappers decided to pass on the deadline?

Did they paid money (probably not 15M as reported) upon strict orders from Malacanan since the president is arriving in Mindanao? Was that the reason for those two duffel bags which were handed by an attorney to an unnamed ASG member?

Do you notice the uncanny connection between the kidnapping and the ARMM elections? Is this what an ABS-CBN reporter referred to when she said that one of the reasons for Ces kidnapping is this ARMM elections?

Was Ces kidnapping a ploy by local politicians to get that presidential blessing? Or was it a fund-raising activity? Was it to highlight the plight of Suluanons before the global stage? Was the "betrayal" that Ces was referring to initiated by combined elements of the military and local politicians and used as bait to pressure Gloria to annoint the vice governor as ARMM candidate?

Going back...I don't see this ARMM elections as bagong simula for the peoples of Mindanao. Admit it..it's a fucked up place.

On the Sulu Question, Part 2

After the controversial death of ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the AFP to step up more attacks and obliterate the ASG from the face of the earth. It was in 2005 when she said that. Now, sixty soldiers dead and many more sent to dangerous missions there, the Abu Sayyaf Group continues to terrorize the Tausugs and even inspired young Muslims there to take up arms for an unworthy cause.

The ASG continues to remain a menace and a disgrace to the Bangsamoro struggle for independence.

No amount of pride and braggadocio can defeat this group of reckless thugs. Arroyo should be counseled by her numerous advisers not to shoot herself in the mouth again. Despite her vaunted influence over military generals, groups such as the ASG continues to humiliate her before the eyes of the world.

Arroyo remains the weakest link in the regional fight against terrorism. In fact, Arroyo is the best recruiter of destabilizers and terrorists due to her weak leadership, both in the economic and political fronts.

With poverty slowly engulfing most of Mindanao, the prospect of an outbreak of war and violence remains a strong possibility. As I've said in previous posts, regional terrorists could exploit this. A resumption of hostilities between Bangsamoros and Philippine security agencies in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and other impoverished provinces in Mindanao could break the tenuous peace in that part of the Asia-Pacific region.

There's a very strong possibility that Mindanao could turn into the region's security flashpoint. The JI is just waiting to exploit this. A war could offset efforts towards Mindanao peace and development.

Worst, terror groups are starting to indoctrinate and exploit the young minds of Tausugs in the area. Paupers both in body and soul, these are potential insurgents being trained for more kidnappings, more assassinations and worst, more bombings.

I call upon the US State Department to intervene and assist the Philippine government in resolving this potential crisis. Let's prevent this from spilling over the rest of the country.

Brewing Revolt In Mindanao--quo vadis Gloria?

While we are so engrossed with the food crisis, a revolution is a-brewing in Mindanao.

Yesterday, a band of Islamic militants staged a rally in Sulu, one of the Southernmost islands of the Philippines (see story below). The rallyists called for independence from Manila, the seat of power. Police were unable to resist the militants, who carry long knives tucked in their waists.

Obviously, this is a mockery of the administration of Mrs. Arroyo. One, it was a defiant act of rebellion. That action was a direct contravention of existing Philippine laws. The rallyists should have been arrested for inciting to rebellion and/or secession since they are calling for independence of Sulu. Police were helpless in arresting the militants, calling the incident just a way to let off steam.

Was that just a way to let off steam? No.

That incident was plain and simple rebellion. If it happened here in Manila, the rallyists could have been arrested, even mauled by police. But no. That one occurred in Mindanao, and our cops are afraid shitless.

Second, that act shows that Islamist are preparing for something bigger than a call for independence. It's just a warning to Manila that Tausugs are again ready to go to war against them. Is Manila ready for war?

Obviously, Manila is ill prepared for another war in the South. That might cause Mrs. Arroyo's quick downfall. Imagine a scenario where hundreds if not thousands of troops being killed in Sulu. Imagine another conflagration similar to the one which happened in the 1970's where Marcos sent his troops to suicide missions in Mindanao.

Government peace panel adviser Jesus Dureza said it might take a while to implement the remaining unmet provisions of the MNLF peace pact. What Dureza meant is this--Manila is not that serious in really institutionalizing peace in Mindanao.

Talks are rife that former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari will join the MNLF panel in OIC talks in Jeddah. Will it appease the Tausugs? No. Remember that only a few weeks ago, Nur has been replaced by a government factotum in the person of Ampatuan. Ampatuan has zero credibility among his people. The entire MNLF Central Committee does not have the personality to influence the remaining MNLF fighters toe the government line.

What about the MILF? Reports say, the biggest Bangsamoro group is split into different factions, due to the inability of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad to maintain organizational cohesion. Many young MILF fighters vowed not to follow Murad should he proceed with peace talks with Manila. Reports say as many as 3,000 young fighters will continue waging war with Manila even if both sides sign a peace pact.

A revolution in Mindanao could take its toll on this administration, both politically and economically. It could break the backbone of Mrs. Arroyo who cling to power in the barest of threads. Remember that her troops have suffered innumerable defeats in the battlefield against Muslim fighters in the South. The once-feared Marines have been decimated in that area. If war breaks out, how will government explain the expected deaths and casualties of government troops there? How will it cope with the exodus of thousands of families? Is government logistically prepared to face this eventuality?



Monday, April 21, 2008


Muslims march for freedom in Sulu

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea

By Al Jacinto, Correspondent

JOLO, Sulu: Hundreds of Muslims turned up Sunday and demanded independence for the province of Sulu, once the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

With clenched fists and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), the marchers clad in their traditional garb demanded independence of Sulu, an archipelago in the remote part of the Philippines.

“We want independence. We want our ancestral land back from the infidels,” Datu Ibrahim said. Others assailed the military for alleged violations of human rights of Muslims in Sulu after seven people and an off-duty soldier were killed by security forces in a raid on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Maibung town in February.

The marchers went around the town of Jolo, many waving red flags emblazoned with kris and other traditional weapons, urging citizens to join them. Policemen guarding the town kept a close watch, but did not stop the marchers, some of them carrying long knives tucked on their waist, a long tradition still practiced in many parts of the island.

“People here are just expressing their sentiments. It is their freedom to express what they believe is rightfully theirs. As long as they don’t break any law, it is fine and police are watching them,” one police sergeant said.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to have existed as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

Mindanao, Palawan, and the islands of the Sulu Sea were colonized by Spain, which ruled the country. Christian settlers later occupied Muslim ancestral lands.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still paid an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram. At least a dozen people are claiming to be the real sultan of Sulu and North Borneo.

The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, which is negotiating peace with Manila, is also fighting for independence in Mindanao, a region rich in natural resources, but is deep in poverty and torn by strife and terrorism.

However, many politicians whose family owns vast tracks of lands and business interests in Mindanao are opposing the MILF demand for a separate state, saying, it would displace Christians in areas covered by the Muslim ancestral domain.

Peace talks were stalled last year after government and rebel negotiators failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the most important issue before the rebel group can reach a political settlement.

Prognostinations in 2008

We have seen numerous fortune tellers on television, saying this and that about our fate this 2008. This year, as everyone knows, is the start of a new cycle in Chinese astrology. These fortune tellers have already said things on the futures and careers of showbiz personalities, etc. What about politics and the economy? Let me humour you, my readers, about some political prognostinations this 2008.

Politics 1: Anti-Arroyo protests to continue

Protests against this government will continue unabated this year. However, I see that these groups will encounter numerous problems. First, logistics. Second, lack of support from political parties and third, internal disagreements. These snags will affect their moves in a major way.

Initiative has been lost due to the Christmas season. I see a controversy to happen within the first and second weeks of January which would again, put the anti-arroyo movement on perspective. A move to oust Arroyo could be possible within January or the first weeks of February. After this, possibly on June, July or worst, September.

Politics 2: Opposition will remain weak

The fragmentation of the opposition ranks contribute greatly to its weakness. This early, various opposition personalities have intimated their desire to run for president in 2010. I dare say that these personalities do not hold the people's interests in their hearts. For if they do, they will not wreck the opposition ranks with their personal desires. No one among them is fit to become president. They don't have the genuine interest of the people in their minds and hearts.

The lack of a solid campaign ideological platform will contribute to the defeat of the opposition in 2010.

Politics 3: 2008--campaign year for 2010

2008 will usher the start of the election campaign period. Several personalities will test the waters so to speak. Expect vigorous media campaigns from presidentiables coming from the opposition and administration.

Politics 4: Philippines--theater of war between US and China

This country will remain the foremost theater of war between the US and China. Though undeclared, this silent war will continue in the Philippines. We felt this cold war between the two economic giants during the ZTE controversy and the propaganda against Chinese products. Chinese and American interests will dominate Philippine policy-making this year.

Last year, we saw the emergence of a forward base by the US in Mindanao. China will definitely fortify its presence in the Spratlys as countermeasure. Increased Chinese presence in the country will be felt. It will be a matter of how pervasive the influence is from both groups.

Politics 5: US to choose candidate with strong links

The US is seeking a presidentiable who will not oppose US interests and at the same time, counter Chinese interests in the country. Obviously, this administration is pro-Chinese. Look at how it looks the other way when Chinese products flood the markets via Customs. Study the disparity of US products vis-a-vis Chinese products in the Philippines and you'll know what I meant.

2008 will see more and more engagements of Chinese and American envoys with both opposition and administration camps. Castilian interests will be tertiary.