Fourteen dead after a firefight broke out between the Royal Army of the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysian security forces. The question now that many people are asking--what is the government doing about it? Twelve Filipinos died in that firefight and based on the principle of parens patria, government is supposed to attend to this quite seriously.
But, how do you expect this government to act the right way when it does not even have the capability of gathering accurate ground information? Yesterday, the very spokesperson of the President committed a grave error when he started blurting out disinformation. Secretary Ricky Carandang, who was earlier reported to have resigned his post only to deny it, said that the "firefight" never occurred and that the Malaysian forces only fired a "warning shot". Local Government secretary Mar Roxas further complicated this when he publicly blamed the Kirams for the incident, accusing the Sultan of Sulu of being "hard headed".
Worse, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the very same agency tasked to investigate or conduct an investigation, literally parroted what their Malaysian counterparts declared, without even appending the term " alleged" or "reported" to the information being given to them. The DFA further helped the Malaysians in spreading disinformation through a formal presscon which Assistant Secretary Hernandez called. The DFA is supposed to give information on what it itself gathered, and not depend on the note verbale or the report of the Malaysian envoy.
It goes without saying that the Philippine government acted like the Malaysian official newspaper and if you look at this very closely, even served as the disinformation agency of the Malaysians.
The Philippine government lost all shred of credibility yesterday, in the eyes of the Kirams, the Tausugs and the Islamic Community. The very act of the State yesterday clearly shows how it treats the Sabah issue---this government has literally abandoned this claim.
How then, will the Kirams trust this government when it acts contrary to what is expected of it? The Malaysian envoy is correct---the standoff ended yesterday because the very act of the Philippine government has clearly isolated the Sultanate of Sulu from the rest of the archipelago.
Since the Philippine Government has clearly shown its partiality with the Malaysians, it has now negated whatever moral influence it exerts to the Peoples of the Sultanate of Sulu. The Sultan may well not involve the Philippine government anymore in its claim, and pursue its claim to the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), of which Malaysia is a member.
For that to happen, the Sultanate of Sulu must wrest itself free from the clutches of Imperial Manila and declare its independence. The Sultan's next move therefore, is not to annex Sabah at this point--it must complete its political struggle against the Philippine Government first and foremost. I will not be surprised if the peoples of Jolo, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi will again declare a war of independence.
Let me then dedicate this space to the twelve brave Islamic Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country. These pious ones must be named, and proclaimed throughout the country. Their extraordinary courage and bravery are shining examples of how pure and proud this race truly is. How glorious their deaths are! It is very rare for someone to die due to his principles.
Showing posts with label sabah standoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sabah standoff. Show all posts
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Firefight breaks out in Sabah: Royal Sultanate Forces attacked by Malaysian Police
Just this morning, an undetermined number of Malaysian police forces reportedly attacked the Royal Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu in a remote town of Sabah. The attack, which allegedly resulted to numerous casualties, was reportedly instigated by the Malaysian security forces to forcefully evacuate members of the Royal Sultanate force from Sabah. The attack came while efforts are being made to arrive at a peaceful resolution to what is now known as the Sabah standoff.
Lahad Datu was the place attacked, reportedly where Crown Prince Agbimuddin Kiram and about 180 other armed members of the Royal Sultanate Forces are said to be holed up since February 12. The Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III quickly condemned the attack. Kiram III still maintained his order for his men to stay put, contrary to the appeal of the Philippine government for him to exercise leadership and order his men to desist and leave the place.
Kiram was interviewed over radio saying that the Malaysians attacked first but the Royal Army had anticipated it and was ready. However, the spokesperson for the Royal Army admitted sustaining casualties. Henry Omaga Diaz of ABS-CBN 2 said, the Army sustained some casualties. However, accounts by Raja Muda said, only one of them was hit.
The attack occurred while the Sultan of Sulu was going to the Embassy of Malaysia to communicate with the Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines.
Lahad Datu was the place attacked, reportedly where Crown Prince Agbimuddin Kiram and about 180 other armed members of the Royal Sultanate Forces are said to be holed up since February 12. The Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III quickly condemned the attack. Kiram III still maintained his order for his men to stay put, contrary to the appeal of the Philippine government for him to exercise leadership and order his men to desist and leave the place.
Kiram was interviewed over radio saying that the Malaysians attacked first but the Royal Army had anticipated it and was ready. However, the spokesperson for the Royal Army admitted sustaining casualties. Henry Omaga Diaz of ABS-CBN 2 said, the Army sustained some casualties. However, accounts by Raja Muda said, only one of them was hit.
The attack occurred while the Sultan of Sulu was going to the Embassy of Malaysia to communicate with the Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines.
The Sultan of Sulu's decision to occupy Sabah is his jihad
The Islamic revolution is shaping up in Mindanao, specifically, in the islands of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, traditional hotbeds of radical struggle since the colonial times up to now. The struggle centers on one big real estate issue---the ownership of lands being occupied by Bangsamoros. Historically, these lands were under the administration of three Sultanates---the Sultanate of Buayan, the Sultanate of Maguindanao and the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. All of these Sultanates were conquered by the Americans.
When political independence was granted by the United States government, these occupied lands then came under the administration of the Philippine government. Evidence that these lands are now under the patrimony of the Philippines were its inclusion in the definition of Philippine territory, and visible signs of these lands being under the administration of the government, such as it being under the protection of the State's security forces and obedience of the people to the laws of the land.
Residents became and considered themselves "Filipino citizens". These include Bangsamoros who militated against the government. Bangsamoros consider themselves Filipino Muslims.
When organized militancy became visible, a huge segment of the Bangsamoros consider themselves not as Filipinos, but as "Bangsamoros" only and others, "Muslims" only. In the Noble Qu'ran, there really is no other nationality except the faithful as a "Muslim". Affixing another nationality in the term "Muslim" is considered shirk, since every one who professes to believe in Islam falls under the Nation of Islam, which is one nation under Allah SWT. The two billion Muslims around the world are citizens of the Ummah or Jemaah Islamiyah or the Islamic community.
In Mindanao, there are those who believe in this, which considers themselves only as "Muslims" and those who consider themselves as "Filipino Muslims". Some do not agree on being called "Filipino Muslims", since the term "Filipino" is rather an append to slavery.
Anyway, for Muslims, their religion is the top-most in mind, with citizenship falling second, even last of their considerations or priorities.
However, when property claims are being discussed, Muslims take these things very seriously. The struggle for property ownership is something very important for any Muslim. Fact is, the struggle for one's property is a cause or reason for jihad or a declaration of Holy War.
What the Sultan of Sulu is doing falls under his own belief that occupying his own property is his jihad. Those who follow him, is also following the righteous path because it is encouraged by the Noble Qu'ran and the Al-Muslim to help fellow Muslims in their strivings. Threats against property, life or one's honor are drivers for jihad.
The only question is---will this be a peaceful or an armed jihad?
Had the occupiers of Sabah been non-Muslims or even Muslim, the prescription is still a peaceful jihad. Muslims are encouraged to resolve these things in a peaceful manner, since the very act of negotiating peace is, by itself, jihad.
Now, whether or not these Muslims under the Sultan of Sulu consider themselves merely as Muslims and therefore, under the tutelage of the Sultan or as citizens of the Philippines, the fact remains that they are under the political jurisdiction of the Philippines and therefore, enjoys the rights of a Filipino citizen.
Being so, and respecting the rights of the Sultan of Sulu in his claims of ownership of Sabah, here comes the tricky part---how to resolve the impasse?
The best way is for the Philippine government to resolve the issue by silently backing the Sabah claim and creating an open channel between the Sultan of Sulu and the Malaysian government. This dispute, honestly, is between the Sultan of Sulu (the Philippine government in its back) and the Malaysian government which occupies Sabah as a lessee. Talks should be encouraged between the two.
I believe that this issue could be resolved peacefully if the Malaysian government agrees to raise the lease payments from its present state to, at least US$ 3 billion. I think the Sultan of Sulu will agree on this, since the only reason why it is occupying Sabah right now is it wants to publicly announce that Sabah still falls under the territories of the Sultanate.
Or, include the Sultanate of Sulu in the Federation of Malaysia, thereupon creating the concept of duality in citizenship for those who profess to follow the Sultan. A peaceful resolution is in the horizon. All camps should only reason and open their minds and adhere to the truth and mete justice to those who need it.
When political independence was granted by the United States government, these occupied lands then came under the administration of the Philippine government. Evidence that these lands are now under the patrimony of the Philippines were its inclusion in the definition of Philippine territory, and visible signs of these lands being under the administration of the government, such as it being under the protection of the State's security forces and obedience of the people to the laws of the land.
Residents became and considered themselves "Filipino citizens". These include Bangsamoros who militated against the government. Bangsamoros consider themselves Filipino Muslims.
When organized militancy became visible, a huge segment of the Bangsamoros consider themselves not as Filipinos, but as "Bangsamoros" only and others, "Muslims" only. In the Noble Qu'ran, there really is no other nationality except the faithful as a "Muslim". Affixing another nationality in the term "Muslim" is considered shirk, since every one who professes to believe in Islam falls under the Nation of Islam, which is one nation under Allah SWT. The two billion Muslims around the world are citizens of the Ummah or Jemaah Islamiyah or the Islamic community.
In Mindanao, there are those who believe in this, which considers themselves only as "Muslims" and those who consider themselves as "Filipino Muslims". Some do not agree on being called "Filipino Muslims", since the term "Filipino" is rather an append to slavery.
Anyway, for Muslims, their religion is the top-most in mind, with citizenship falling second, even last of their considerations or priorities.
However, when property claims are being discussed, Muslims take these things very seriously. The struggle for property ownership is something very important for any Muslim. Fact is, the struggle for one's property is a cause or reason for jihad or a declaration of Holy War.
The believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then do not doubt [the verity of Islam], and jahadu (do jihad) with their properties and selves in the way of Allah; those are the truthful (49.15).
What the Sultan of Sulu is doing falls under his own belief that occupying his own property is his jihad. Those who follow him, is also following the righteous path because it is encouraged by the Noble Qu'ran and the Al-Muslim to help fellow Muslims in their strivings. Threats against property, life or one's honor are drivers for jihad.
The only question is---will this be a peaceful or an armed jihad?
Had the occupiers of Sabah been non-Muslims or even Muslim, the prescription is still a peaceful jihad. Muslims are encouraged to resolve these things in a peaceful manner, since the very act of negotiating peace is, by itself, jihad.
Now, whether or not these Muslims under the Sultan of Sulu consider themselves merely as Muslims and therefore, under the tutelage of the Sultan or as citizens of the Philippines, the fact remains that they are under the political jurisdiction of the Philippines and therefore, enjoys the rights of a Filipino citizen.
Being so, and respecting the rights of the Sultan of Sulu in his claims of ownership of Sabah, here comes the tricky part---how to resolve the impasse?
The best way is for the Philippine government to resolve the issue by silently backing the Sabah claim and creating an open channel between the Sultan of Sulu and the Malaysian government. This dispute, honestly, is between the Sultan of Sulu (the Philippine government in its back) and the Malaysian government which occupies Sabah as a lessee. Talks should be encouraged between the two.
I believe that this issue could be resolved peacefully if the Malaysian government agrees to raise the lease payments from its present state to, at least US$ 3 billion. I think the Sultan of Sulu will agree on this, since the only reason why it is occupying Sabah right now is it wants to publicly announce that Sabah still falls under the territories of the Sultanate.
Or, include the Sultanate of Sulu in the Federation of Malaysia, thereupon creating the concept of duality in citizenship for those who profess to follow the Sultan. A peaceful resolution is in the horizon. All camps should only reason and open their minds and adhere to the truth and mete justice to those who need it.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Military strike against Sultan's followers will internationalize Sabah issue
Why are Malaysian security forces so eager to "flush out" through a military strike, their fellow Muslims now allegedly occupying illegally, a portion of Sabah? Do they not realize the serious implications of such a strike, not just their foreign relations with the Philippine government; moreso with the peoples of Sabah and to regional stability?
Malaysia's eagerness to strike the followers of the Sultan of Sulu reminds us of the actions of syndicates running those shanties in Brazil or Metro Manila. Imagine, a renter asking the owner of the land to leave his very own property?
In Islam, ownership of property is one of the most important rights. All Muslims acknowledge the rights of a Muslim who owns the property.
The Sultan of Sulu, by historic right, owns this parcel of land, which was granted by a British company to the Malaysians upon transfer of political sovereignty.
A military strike against these fellow Muslims who only want to dialogue with their fellow Muslims who are now occupying a parcel of land which, by right, is theirs, is something halal.
As said by the Noble Qu'ran, when a pious One was questioned about his nationality, he says "Muslim!" or "Islam". In this case likewise, why does the Malaysian government fear about this, when it is a dispute between brothers? Using or attempting to use force over some issue is not being encouraged in Islam.
A military strike by Malaysian forces against this group of the Sultan of Sulu will transform this place into a regional magnet of Islamic militancy. Malaysia's act will be likened to an injustice. This will also consolidate other forces in the region who sees the legitimacy of the claims of the Sultan of Sulu as true and honest.
Malaysia, do not hasten this option because it might create a far more serious tension in the region.
Malaysia's eagerness to strike the followers of the Sultan of Sulu reminds us of the actions of syndicates running those shanties in Brazil or Metro Manila. Imagine, a renter asking the owner of the land to leave his very own property?
In Islam, ownership of property is one of the most important rights. All Muslims acknowledge the rights of a Muslim who owns the property.
The Sultan of Sulu, by historic right, owns this parcel of land, which was granted by a British company to the Malaysians upon transfer of political sovereignty.
A military strike against these fellow Muslims who only want to dialogue with their fellow Muslims who are now occupying a parcel of land which, by right, is theirs, is something halal.
As said by the Noble Qu'ran, when a pious One was questioned about his nationality, he says "Muslim!" or "Islam". In this case likewise, why does the Malaysian government fear about this, when it is a dispute between brothers? Using or attempting to use force over some issue is not being encouraged in Islam.
A military strike by Malaysian forces against this group of the Sultan of Sulu will transform this place into a regional magnet of Islamic militancy. Malaysia's act will be likened to an injustice. This will also consolidate other forces in the region who sees the legitimacy of the claims of the Sultan of Sulu as true and honest.
Malaysia, do not hasten this option because it might create a far more serious tension in the region.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Sabah standoff is more than what it appears
Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte is correct---for Malacanan they should study the matter before they act, an indication of the complexity of the problem which is the Sabah standoff.
Two things---what is the nationality of those individuals who went to Sabah? Are they Filipinos?
Based on their own statements, these individuals belong to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a Hashemite Kingdom recognized by the Islamic world. If these individuals claim membership of the Sultanate, then, it follows that they are subjects of the Kingdom rather than of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
If the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intervenes and negotiates for their safe passage out of the security cordon laid by the Malaysian government, it will be interpreted as a tacit admission by the GRP that is abandoning its claims over Sabah.
BY recognizing the nationality of these individuals would mean the rejection of the claims of the Kirams over Sabah. The best thing to do in this situation, if I may give my two-cents worth in this is, do nothing. It will be in the best interest of the Philippine government not to intervene in this and allow representatives of both camps, the Sultanate and the Malaysian government, to resolve this standoff by themselves.
However, the complexity lies on the status of this kingdom---is the Hashemite Kingdom that is the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a legitimate state in the eyes of the international community?
It claims to have territory, a government, an armed force, a constituency and diplomatic recognition--elements that makes a state. Under international law, this should very well be recognized as a state.
Hence, the very act by these individuals in proclaiming the existence of the Sulltanate of Sulu and North Borneo is an act of rebellion against the GRP which claims political sovereignty over the very lands by which the Sultanate claims as its own.
The solution is therefore drastic---for both contending camps to claim sovereign rights, they may have to fight it out---the Sultanate fighting the colonial Philippine state, unless, of course, the GRP enters into an agreement with the Sultanate recognizing it as a sub-state under the protection of the GRP. And you know what this means if the GRP does this--it will strengthen the claims of the Sultanate over Sabah, which directly will affect RP-Malaysian relations.
Of courses, there is still a diplomatic solution to that---for the Sultanate of Sulu to continue giving lease to Sabah to Malaysia, this time, over a just compensation scheme.
The standoff places both states--the Philippine government and the Malaysian government--in a tight bind.
Two things---what is the nationality of those individuals who went to Sabah? Are they Filipinos?
Based on their own statements, these individuals belong to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a Hashemite Kingdom recognized by the Islamic world. If these individuals claim membership of the Sultanate, then, it follows that they are subjects of the Kingdom rather than of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
If the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intervenes and negotiates for their safe passage out of the security cordon laid by the Malaysian government, it will be interpreted as a tacit admission by the GRP that is abandoning its claims over Sabah.
BY recognizing the nationality of these individuals would mean the rejection of the claims of the Kirams over Sabah. The best thing to do in this situation, if I may give my two-cents worth in this is, do nothing. It will be in the best interest of the Philippine government not to intervene in this and allow representatives of both camps, the Sultanate and the Malaysian government, to resolve this standoff by themselves.
However, the complexity lies on the status of this kingdom---is the Hashemite Kingdom that is the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a legitimate state in the eyes of the international community?
It claims to have territory, a government, an armed force, a constituency and diplomatic recognition--elements that makes a state. Under international law, this should very well be recognized as a state.
Hence, the very act by these individuals in proclaiming the existence of the Sulltanate of Sulu and North Borneo is an act of rebellion against the GRP which claims political sovereignty over the very lands by which the Sultanate claims as its own.
The solution is therefore drastic---for both contending camps to claim sovereign rights, they may have to fight it out---the Sultanate fighting the colonial Philippine state, unless, of course, the GRP enters into an agreement with the Sultanate recognizing it as a sub-state under the protection of the GRP. And you know what this means if the GRP does this--it will strengthen the claims of the Sultanate over Sabah, which directly will affect RP-Malaysian relations.
Of courses, there is still a diplomatic solution to that---for the Sultanate of Sulu to continue giving lease to Sabah to Malaysia, this time, over a just compensation scheme.
The standoff places both states--the Philippine government and the Malaysian government--in a tight bind.
A Kingdom arose from the GRP-MILF Peace Agreement
For a comprehensive understanding of what is happening in Sabah right now, read my friend Arlyn dela Cruz's article over at the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) at http://globalnation.inquirer.net/64577/heirs-of-sultan-of-sulu-pursue-sabah-claim-on-their-own.
Now, the more important question---why is it that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines practically ignored the claims of the Kitams who claim to be the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo?
According to deep sources, Malaysia insists that the GRP should ignore the claims of the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu in exchange for a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Malaysia's interests in serving as mediator in the peace negotiations between the GRP and the MILF is really in keeping with its general national interests of keeping Sabah as their "property" and under their management.
Meaning, Malaysia used the MILF as a bait for the GRP to ignore the legitimate claims of the Kirams in relation to Sabah. Therefore, the GRP-MILF peace agreement is nothing more than a concession.
Sabah was a gift of the Sultan of Borneo to the Sultan of Sulu after the Islamic forces quelled a possible rebellion and war in Borneo. The Bornean sultan gave his two territories--Sabah and Palawan--to the Sultan of Sulu who, back in the 16th century, was the regional hegemon. The cession of territory happened in 1658.
In 1878, Sultan Jamalul Ahmad Kiram leased Sabah to a British company. The British at that time, was the colonizer of Malaysia. The lease agreement was between Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent. In the agreement, it specifically disallowed the turnover of Sabah to any other government or personality without the expressed approval of the Sultan of Sulu.
In 1968, Britain granted political independence to Malaysia and in turn, ceded the administration even of Sabah to the Malaysian government.
The entire Kitam clan has already united. Their claim is basically legal in the sense that even the Malaysian government is paying them monthly rent or "cession money" amounting to US$1,500, which, to the heirs of Sultan Jamalul Kiram, especially to Muhammad Fuad Kiram I, the reigning Sultan, is very small. Sabah is about 77,000 square kilometers and contributes 30 billion dollars annually to the Malaysian economy. IN current terms, Malaysia should pay the current lessor at least US$ 3 billion dollars in rent annually.
However, because of the consistent ignorance of the Philippine government, and the fact that, the Philippine government is, in itself, a colonizer so to speak of the Sultanate of Sulu, this administration practically abandoned the claim and in exchange for a so-called "lasting peace" in Mindanao, allowed Malaysia's participation in the peace process.
Thus, a Kingdom now rose up, and is expected to press its legitimate claims until the end.
Now, the more important question---why is it that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines practically ignored the claims of the Kitams who claim to be the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo?
According to deep sources, Malaysia insists that the GRP should ignore the claims of the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu in exchange for a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Malaysia's interests in serving as mediator in the peace negotiations between the GRP and the MILF is really in keeping with its general national interests of keeping Sabah as their "property" and under their management.
Meaning, Malaysia used the MILF as a bait for the GRP to ignore the legitimate claims of the Kirams in relation to Sabah. Therefore, the GRP-MILF peace agreement is nothing more than a concession.
Sabah was a gift of the Sultan of Borneo to the Sultan of Sulu after the Islamic forces quelled a possible rebellion and war in Borneo. The Bornean sultan gave his two territories--Sabah and Palawan--to the Sultan of Sulu who, back in the 16th century, was the regional hegemon. The cession of territory happened in 1658.
In 1878, Sultan Jamalul Ahmad Kiram leased Sabah to a British company. The British at that time, was the colonizer of Malaysia. The lease agreement was between Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent. In the agreement, it specifically disallowed the turnover of Sabah to any other government or personality without the expressed approval of the Sultan of Sulu.
In 1968, Britain granted political independence to Malaysia and in turn, ceded the administration even of Sabah to the Malaysian government.
The entire Kitam clan has already united. Their claim is basically legal in the sense that even the Malaysian government is paying them monthly rent or "cession money" amounting to US$1,500, which, to the heirs of Sultan Jamalul Kiram, especially to Muhammad Fuad Kiram I, the reigning Sultan, is very small. Sabah is about 77,000 square kilometers and contributes 30 billion dollars annually to the Malaysian economy. IN current terms, Malaysia should pay the current lessor at least US$ 3 billion dollars in rent annually.
However, because of the consistent ignorance of the Philippine government, and the fact that, the Philippine government is, in itself, a colonizer so to speak of the Sultanate of Sulu, this administration practically abandoned the claim and in exchange for a so-called "lasting peace" in Mindanao, allowed Malaysia's participation in the peace process.
Thus, a Kingdom now rose up, and is expected to press its legitimate claims until the end.
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