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.
Showing posts with label zamboanga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zamboanga. Show all posts
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
On the Bangsamoro Question
If you notice the main issue opposing the GRP-MILF deal, you'll notice one oft-repeating word: "dismemberment". Most analysts, unfortunately including United Opposition Spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano (a born Muslim by the way), say they oppose the deal because it would cause the division of the country, which, they say, contradicts the Constitution.
I dare say, what dismemberment? What is to be dismembered when there's no integration in the first place?
Beyond the legalities or the definition of a territory within the constitutional purview, did we, the Filipino People, really considered the Bangsamoro people as Filipinos? Are these people from Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Zamboanga and all the rest of Moroland even considered themselves Filipino?
Did these people inhabiting Moroland act, live and breathe like Filipinos? Do we really integrate or assimilate their culture with our prevailing one?
When ask how do we describe our country, most of us would say "we're the only Christian nation in Asia", right? That statement alone shows you how isolated, how disjointed, how clear the distinction is in the minds of most Filipinos. Yes, it could be a factual statement, but it is not accurate. That statement already excluded 3 million born Muslims and millions more of reverted Muslims (or what we call "Balik-Islam").
Face it--these people constituting the Bangsamoro People--have a different system of beliefs, have a different tradition, have a different culture that totally opposes or contradicts the prevailing culture. What most Filipinos consider as legal, most are contradictory to Bangsamoro beliefs. The Bangsamoro is different. The Bangsamoro is unique. The Bangsamoro is not Filipino.
People opposing this deal do so because they're afraid they'll lose their powers. More than property rights, these people got wealthy enslaving the Bangsamoro. For decades, they enjoyed the fruits of the land, exploiting the natural and human resources of Mindanao, for their own. And what happened to those whom they enslaved?
Extreme and widespread poverty leading to widespread dissent and a long-standing war that has threatened the lives and futures of the Bangsamoro people. In all provinces of this country, Mindanao is the most impoverished, especially Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo and Zamboanga.
Those claiming "royal blood" oppose this deal because they'll lose whatever "divine claims" they have over the Bangsamoro. I dare say, what right do they have to claim proprietary property claims to these Muslim lands when it is illegal to claim ownership of land under Islamic law in the first place? Besides, what "divine right" do they have when they have'nt done anything to uplift the lives of their fellow Bangsamoro in those lands which they claim to be theirs?
And those in the United Opposition who oppose this deal do so because, face it, Gloria can claim credence to this as the only president who successfully resolved the Bangsamoro Question. I oppose Gloria and want her out immediately, but, in this issue, I fully support her and the peace panel. The Opposition reject this deal because the deal is a landmark deal that Gloria can claim as her perpetual legacy to the peace issue.
The Opposition says government is entering into the deal with an insincere intention. They say government can't deliver its promise. How do they know? Are these "oppositionists" now claiming to be psychics? I mean, how do they know that government can't deliver? And besides, that's the problem of the MILF right? If government can't deliver its promises, then, government is liable to the MILF and the international community.
Opposition says they reject this deal because it would lead to charter change. I don't believe that. MILF peace panel member Atty. Michael Mastura says that the deal only recognizes the right of the Bangsamoro to have their own state. And even if Gloria do want charter change, I don't think she'll succeed in it because people would definitely oppose any change other than resolving the Bangsamoro question.
We all need to give peace a chance. Those who want war, like North Cotabato Vice Governor Ed Pinol and the Lobregats of Zamboanga, let them be damned. Peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is right--if the MILF imposes its rights under the deal in the future, the AFP does'nt have any right to intervene on their behalf. Let the MILF resolve these problems. It's their territory anyway.
Let me say one thing--we need to consider this deal as a necessary small step towards the ultimate solution to the Bangsamoro question. For after this deal, there's no more we can expect from this but a long debilitating war. And a war at this point, would affect everybody, Filipinos and Bangsamoros.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On the Sulu Question
Watching veteran journalists and colleagues Jim Jalbuena and Tanjunsay over at Pia Hontiveros show "Strictly Politics" over at ANC brings back old memories. Like Jalbuena, I was one of those who covered the Sipadan hostage crisis back in 2000. Jalbuena's accounts brought back memories of those fateful days when hard-core members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) kidnapped foreign vacationers off the Malaysian resort of Sipadan. That incident brought the ASG to the global centerstage of notoriety. The incident lead to a release of all the hostages, but not without paying the ASG some "board and lodgings", allegedly to the tune of 200 million pesos.
So many things happened after that, with some of the foreign hostages recounting their ordeal and even writing about it. Tales of rape, of abuse, of forced starvations, etc., stories which could have happened or could have been just inventions of fertile minds. What's certain though, the ASG lived to scout for other unsuspecting victims, thus started a spree of kidnappings and ransom-paying.
Some say the ASG institutionalized kidnapping in Sulu. They could have. However, kidnappings and abductions are not entirely new in that part of the world. Historically, Muslims kidnap Christians or "outsiders" but not for money. No. At the time of the Spanish rule over these islands, kidnappings were mostly religious or military in nature. Kidnappings were used as leverages especially at the height of wars or skirmishes between hostile forces.
Now, if you look at it, kidnappings have become cottage industries, with young armed groups like the ones who abducted Ces Drilon and her crew, joining the frenzy. Prior to Ces' kidnapping, a Chinese businessman was abducted there and released after paying ransom. Others were also victimized, and the local media did not report about them since these are not high-profile cases.
And you can't entirely blame them. Centuries of neglect and poverty have transformed Sulu from a bustling trading post to a desolate and poor island. Those born in that island faces a bleak future. No job. No life. No comfort. Just a daily struggle to survive.
Sulu is a beautiful gem floating in the tranquil seas. During the Spanish era, Sulu was the center of indigenous Islamic power, with Sayyid Abu Bakr establishing the Sulu Sultanate in 1450, whose power stretched over Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
Historically, Mindanao has been the hotbed of an Islamic insurgency. In 1596, the Spanish colonial government launched a pacification campaign, mobilizing 50 ships, 200 Spaniards and 1,500 Christianized Filipinos. It failed. Three years after, Maguindanao datus launched their retaliatory attack, reclaiming Muslim communities from the hands of the Spaniards and even brought back 800 captives to Mindanao.
In 1692, Sultan Kudarat, the supreme Islamic leader in Maguindanao, defeated a Spanish force and even captured its leader. Between 1656 to 1658, Sultan Kudarat led an Islamic army composed of Muslims from Sulu, Ternate, Brunei and Makassar. Succeeding raids in the Visayas forced the Spaniards to retreat in Manila. Sultan Kudarat nearly defeated the Spaniards where it not for the outbreak of civil war between Muslims of Maguindanao and Sulu.
Muslims continued attacks against communities in the Visayas and Luzon, but superior firepower repulsed them. Attacks continue well in the 19th century, where it not for the Americans who even invented the 45-caliber pistol to defeat the Muslims. The establishment of American sovereignty over Mindanao lead to the marginalization of Islamic power. Using superior military technology, the Americans successfully pacified the region and integrated it into the Philippine state.
The American policy of integration was the reason why Muslims stopped their raids against Christian communities in Centtral and Northern Philippines. The Americans respected the culture, traditions and religion of Muslims. They also gave opportunities to Muslim leaders to ascend the rungs of mainstream Philippine life. During the first Philippine Congress, we saw some representation from Mindanao-based Muslims.
The US government also allowed barter trade to flourish in the area, especially in the islands of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi. That's why during those times, Sulu flourished and families there earned enough to sustain a comfortable life.
It was just during the time of strongman Ferdinand Marcos that Tausugs began to rise up against colonial Manila. Barter trade was disallowed and because of the pressures and "tributes" brought by the Lobregats in Zamboanga, trade shifted from Sulu to Zamboanga peninsula. Sulu rose up in revolt, leading to a decades-old war led by the MNLF.
Now, Sulu continues to struggle against the weight of extreme poverty. Many youngsters such as the ones who orchestrated this kidnapping caper, live a life of recklessness and violence. They were raised in a time of repression and economic disfranchisement. The Tausug youths of today live precariously, without hope and full of hatred against those who ruled Manila.
What they don't realize is this---the more they do these stupid things, the more they isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Sulu can't survive without outside help. It's an island. If they continue to isolate themselves, they risk further economic stagnation and poverty.
Government and other groups, especially the United States, should cooperate and assist Suluanons. Give them some development. Give Tausugs some jobs. That way, they will reject the un-Islamic practice of kidnappings and abductions. And hopefully, we will see the complete defeat of the Abu Sayyaf Group in that part of the world.
So many things happened after that, with some of the foreign hostages recounting their ordeal and even writing about it. Tales of rape, of abuse, of forced starvations, etc., stories which could have happened or could have been just inventions of fertile minds. What's certain though, the ASG lived to scout for other unsuspecting victims, thus started a spree of kidnappings and ransom-paying.
Some say the ASG institutionalized kidnapping in Sulu. They could have. However, kidnappings and abductions are not entirely new in that part of the world. Historically, Muslims kidnap Christians or "outsiders" but not for money. No. At the time of the Spanish rule over these islands, kidnappings were mostly religious or military in nature. Kidnappings were used as leverages especially at the height of wars or skirmishes between hostile forces.
Now, if you look at it, kidnappings have become cottage industries, with young armed groups like the ones who abducted Ces Drilon and her crew, joining the frenzy. Prior to Ces' kidnapping, a Chinese businessman was abducted there and released after paying ransom. Others were also victimized, and the local media did not report about them since these are not high-profile cases.
And you can't entirely blame them. Centuries of neglect and poverty have transformed Sulu from a bustling trading post to a desolate and poor island. Those born in that island faces a bleak future. No job. No life. No comfort. Just a daily struggle to survive.
Sulu is a beautiful gem floating in the tranquil seas. During the Spanish era, Sulu was the center of indigenous Islamic power, with Sayyid Abu Bakr establishing the Sulu Sultanate in 1450, whose power stretched over Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
Historically, Mindanao has been the hotbed of an Islamic insurgency. In 1596, the Spanish colonial government launched a pacification campaign, mobilizing 50 ships, 200 Spaniards and 1,500 Christianized Filipinos. It failed. Three years after, Maguindanao datus launched their retaliatory attack, reclaiming Muslim communities from the hands of the Spaniards and even brought back 800 captives to Mindanao.
In 1692, Sultan Kudarat, the supreme Islamic leader in Maguindanao, defeated a Spanish force and even captured its leader. Between 1656 to 1658, Sultan Kudarat led an Islamic army composed of Muslims from Sulu, Ternate, Brunei and Makassar. Succeeding raids in the Visayas forced the Spaniards to retreat in Manila. Sultan Kudarat nearly defeated the Spaniards where it not for the outbreak of civil war between Muslims of Maguindanao and Sulu.
Muslims continued attacks against communities in the Visayas and Luzon, but superior firepower repulsed them. Attacks continue well in the 19th century, where it not for the Americans who even invented the 45-caliber pistol to defeat the Muslims. The establishment of American sovereignty over Mindanao lead to the marginalization of Islamic power. Using superior military technology, the Americans successfully pacified the region and integrated it into the Philippine state.
The American policy of integration was the reason why Muslims stopped their raids against Christian communities in Centtral and Northern Philippines. The Americans respected the culture, traditions and religion of Muslims. They also gave opportunities to Muslim leaders to ascend the rungs of mainstream Philippine life. During the first Philippine Congress, we saw some representation from Mindanao-based Muslims.
The US government also allowed barter trade to flourish in the area, especially in the islands of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi. That's why during those times, Sulu flourished and families there earned enough to sustain a comfortable life.
It was just during the time of strongman Ferdinand Marcos that Tausugs began to rise up against colonial Manila. Barter trade was disallowed and because of the pressures and "tributes" brought by the Lobregats in Zamboanga, trade shifted from Sulu to Zamboanga peninsula. Sulu rose up in revolt, leading to a decades-old war led by the MNLF.
Now, Sulu continues to struggle against the weight of extreme poverty. Many youngsters such as the ones who orchestrated this kidnapping caper, live a life of recklessness and violence. They were raised in a time of repression and economic disfranchisement. The Tausug youths of today live precariously, without hope and full of hatred against those who ruled Manila.
What they don't realize is this---the more they do these stupid things, the more they isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Sulu can't survive without outside help. It's an island. If they continue to isolate themselves, they risk further economic stagnation and poverty.
Government and other groups, especially the United States, should cooperate and assist Suluanons. Give them some development. Give Tausugs some jobs. That way, they will reject the un-Islamic practice of kidnappings and abductions. And hopefully, we will see the complete defeat of the Abu Sayyaf Group in that part of the world.
Dramatic Ending on Ces Kidnapping Caper?
PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. is reportedly in Zamboanga City right now. He's monitoring the situation. There's a lot of buzz that, within the next few days, Ces and her TV crew will be "rescued", courtesy of the PNP. And for what?
For Razon's "senatorial" campaign? Since the start of the year, there are talks that Razon is being primed as a senatorial bet come 2010. I have nothing against Sonny Razon. In fact, he's one of those "nice" guys I would love to see debating against the likes of Lito Lapid who, incidentally celebrated this day as his first day when a bill of his was passed into law (Mark this day--17 June 2008 as the day when Lito Lapid became a legislator). Or, it would amuse us even further to see Razon debating against the erudite Miriam, probably even daring Miriam to go jump over that fabled bridge in Sta. Ana Manila.
Seriously, there's something brewing out there and I think that within the next few days, we will see Razon escorting a tired and stressed out Ces to be presented in Malacanan. Ces has become hot property right now, thanks to a "silent" media. Despite legitimate appeals from Malacanang and Teresita Ang-See, journalists still scrambled to go to Sulu and Zamboanga to cover Ces' kidnapping.
I am sure that within the next few days, Ces, his cameraman and Prof. Dimampo will be released by their young captors. Like those before her, Ces will be hauled immediately to Zamboanga to board a plane for Manila. There, like the rest of the kidnapped victims under this administration, they'll be presented to the president for that precious photo op.
And surely, Razon, the would-be senator, will be there.
Will we see Mayor Isnaji also in Malacanan? Possibly. Or that Vice Governor becoming governor through the funds of Malacanan? This kidnapping stunt added more pogi points for them. The more these things happen in their island, the more powerful these two will become.
Expect surprises, my friends.
For Razon's "senatorial" campaign? Since the start of the year, there are talks that Razon is being primed as a senatorial bet come 2010. I have nothing against Sonny Razon. In fact, he's one of those "nice" guys I would love to see debating against the likes of Lito Lapid who, incidentally celebrated this day as his first day when a bill of his was passed into law (Mark this day--17 June 2008 as the day when Lito Lapid became a legislator). Or, it would amuse us even further to see Razon debating against the erudite Miriam, probably even daring Miriam to go jump over that fabled bridge in Sta. Ana Manila.
Seriously, there's something brewing out there and I think that within the next few days, we will see Razon escorting a tired and stressed out Ces to be presented in Malacanan. Ces has become hot property right now, thanks to a "silent" media. Despite legitimate appeals from Malacanang and Teresita Ang-See, journalists still scrambled to go to Sulu and Zamboanga to cover Ces' kidnapping.
I am sure that within the next few days, Ces, his cameraman and Prof. Dimampo will be released by their young captors. Like those before her, Ces will be hauled immediately to Zamboanga to board a plane for Manila. There, like the rest of the kidnapped victims under this administration, they'll be presented to the president for that precious photo op.
And surely, Razon, the would-be senator, will be there.
Will we see Mayor Isnaji also in Malacanan? Possibly. Or that Vice Governor becoming governor through the funds of Malacanan? This kidnapping stunt added more pogi points for them. The more these things happen in their island, the more powerful these two will become.
Expect surprises, my friends.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Conspiracy of silence
Esperon says there’s a coup and he should be believed. In fact, says the teary-eyed Esperon, five ex-soldiers were arrested. Unknown to Esperon, three have been released. It was funny that Esperon should use these ex-soldiers. Imagine, accusing them of planning a coup when all the arresting officers can show are three rusty rifles. Yeah, three rifles for a coup? Come on Espy!
Eight hundred rallyists were prevented from going to the EDSA Shrine. Farmers are also barred from Mendiola, the traditional gathering place of those who want change. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim rejected earlier requests for militants to go to Mendiola on January 22 to commemorate the Mendiola massacre. Militants are dreaming. How would they be able to convince the one who actually headed the team which mowed the farmers down in the first place?
FVR, JDV and Kenney were conspicuously absent today in Malacanan. A palace factotum says, Kenney is in Zamboanga, playing tourist guide with two US legislators. I just don't buy it why a Malacanan functionary would assume the role of a US spokesman for a diplomat. It makes no sense. There was no explanation nor alibi given on behalf of FVR and JDV.
Civil society groups are keeping their mouths shut about these destabilization. However, its odd why the confirmation of a coup came from an unlikely source, Joma. Joma said that Arroyo would not finish her term because groups are out to get her head.
If I base my observations on what's going on, it points to just one thing: there's a revolutionary situation. Though there's a conspiracy right now of these groups on what their motivation really lies, it seems that their actions point to a confirmation of earlier reports. I remember of a similar strategy used against Erap in 2001. Erap was also saying how strong and how stable his position was until the forces of civil society overwhelmed him, forcing him out of power.
COPA is silent now. Even other groups known to oppose Arroyo. Groups seem to be keeping their aces close to their chests. This means that they're dead serious and fully capable of toppling this regime.
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