PLAN “REVERSE ARROW”

There are outstanding queries on what are the interest of Malaysia and the United States of America on the Mindanao peace process because of their strong endorsement of the aborted MOA on ancestral domain. Writer Erick San Juan seems to provide a plausible answer to these questions. Here’s an excerpt of his column “Mindanao Sold” published in the Mindanao Gold Star Daily last weekend.

“Fact is: The Philippines has an outstanding sovereignty claim over the island state of Sabah which is owned by the Sultanate of Sulu. Accoding to PLAN REVERSE ARROW, Malaysia, which exercises sovereignty over the disputed island state, finds it cheaper to bankroll a rebellion than go to war with a neighbor known for it innovations and skills in combat tactics in spite of being ill equipped.

On the other hand, gluttony and the greed for cash, which has been plaguing the leadership of the MILF appears to be enough for them to fight a proxy war in favor of Malaysia-over the island state of Sabah, if only to succeed in grabbing back the land and all the improvements introduced on them by settlers from the north, to whom they have earlier sold their properties. By fighting this war, the MILF is in effect, providing Malaysia an effective buffer-a shield=- against any attempt by the Philippine government to pursue its sovereignty claim over Sabah.”

On the role of USA he wrote:

For the United States, keeping the Philippine authorities busy on their own internal security threats, would continue allowing the Yankees unabated access to the strategic spots in Mindanao where she may keep her secret base for its submarine and other war machines and intelligence operatives on the ground as they keep their sights focus on maintaining control over the straits of Malacca, the crossroad between Asia minor and the Pacific.

Besides Uncle Sam is engrossed in trying to seize control over the rich oilfields in the South China Sea and those in the Liguasan Marsh of Maguindanao and the no man’s land (the erstwhile Monterey Ranch) between Wao, Lanao del Sur and Alamada, North Cotabato.

So there goes the agenda of each of the players. This is also one of the reasons why US Ambassador Kristie Kenney travels incognito to Mindanao often. In most cases, she is seen without any Filipino security details. Although we can’t blame her to do her homework in following her government’s undisclosed policy.

He also warned on falling into the trap of Federalism

“One important message that ought to reach every Filipino is for them to keep their eyes and ears wide open all the time. They have to keep wary about foreign hands, who, through the lure of Federalism, have been trying to divide the country in a bid to keep control over the Philippines resources of GOD (Gold, Oil and Deuterium). Remember, before Yugoslavia got Balkanized, they had first to federalize that once progressive, emerging industrial state. “

On the purported American role, it may be plausible but I don’t think it’s the reality on the ground. USA, for its being the only remaining super power in the world, is wise enough to learn her lessons in the past. Not so long ago, the United States supported the Mujahideens of Afghanistan in its war against the Soviets. USA provided the materials and the tools to the combined Islamic fighters to defeat the air superiority of the Soviets. Watch the movie, “Charlie Wilson’s War” to know what I mean. Unfortunately, that war produced America’s greatest nemesis, Osama Bin Laden, who unthinkably inflicted America’s worst terrorist attack in the history of mankind.

The United States of America also supported the regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in its fight against Iran. USA was then smarting from its painful memory where its embassy in Iran was taken over by supporters of Iranian spiritual leader Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeinie in 1979. Later on, Iraq became an enemy of the USA after it attacked tiny Kuwait in 1991 and the war against weapons of mass destruction in 2003. Ironically, Iran became a US “ally” when it provided support to the Northern Alliance forces against the Afghan Taliban in 2001.

If America will indeed support an Islamic state in Mindanao it will risk undergoing the same experiences. For many in the Muslim world, America is seen as an enemy, no matter what. No sooner that an Islamic state will be established, the extremists elements of the Muslim population would turn against the United States, the same way Bin Laden and Saddam did before.

By that time, unable to withstand mounting pressure, America would leave and left a legacy of an uncertain and volatile Mindanao.

I believe USA is not so naïve as to risk of repeating its mistakes in the past. I’m sure they learn their lessons.

 

TSAP TSAP REPUBLIC

Lumad’ want self-rule, too

Tribal leaders seek autonomous region

By Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 02:31:00 08/26/2008

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Fired up by the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) that would govern an expanded Bangsamoro homeland, the lumad (indigenous peoples in Mindanao) are seeking an autonomous region for themselves. At a gathering here Monday of around 200 representatives of 13 indigenous peoples’ communities in Mindanao and Palawan, several tribal leaders called for the creation of an Autonomous Region for the Lumad of Mindanao.

The convenors said the meeting was held “in the spirit of finding a peaceful solution to the issue.” The community representatives who participated in the meeting mostly came from the affected lumad territory identified under Categories A and B of the BJE area as stipulated in the MOA.

The participants included Subanen, Higaonon, Talaandig, Armunanen Manobo, Ubo Manobo, Manobo Pulangiyon, Dulangan Manobo, Teduray-Upi, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, Lambangian, Blaan, Tboli, Tagakaolo, Bagobo, Banwaon, Mamanwa, Tagbanua, Mandaya, Mansaka, Ata-Manobo and Mangguangan.

Human rights activists have considered Mindanao a significant terrain for the indigenous peoples’ struggle for recognition and self-determination.

I hope the Lumads will not think about seceding.

 

 

“YOU CAN’T STOP THE CHA CHA”

Lawyer Christian Monsod, one of the members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, told dzMM Thursday that there is no way to limit the Constituent Assembly from tackling only a shift to a federal system of government for the sake of granting Muslims an expanded and more powerful homeland in southern Philippines.

“If the Constituent Assembly has been convened, it has plenary powers. I don’t think you can limit by law what the Constituent Assembly can take up.

The Senate’s Joint Resolution 10, sponsored by at least 12 senators, seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly for the purpose of revising the Constitution to establish a federal system of government that will create 11 federal states, including a Bangsamoro Federal State.

Monsod criticized government officials for misleading the public by saying that minority Muslims can only be granted ancestral domain rights if there is a shift to a federal system of government.

“The implication of some statements of administration people is that you need to shift to federalism in order to give effect to the peace agreement. There is no such thing because the adoption of a federal system for the entire government is not necessary.”

Monsod said an easier way to grant Muslims greater economic and political power, without having to make radical changes, is by amending the section in the Constitution on local government or on autonomous regions.

“You just change those provisions and give more power to the autonomous region and call it Bangsamoro homeland provision without touching other provisions of the Constitution.” Because the section on autonomous regions already constitutes some exceptions….That’s why the Constitutional Commission enacted that provision on autonomous regions.”

“Why is it that some people are saying that ou cannot possibly implement the MOA [Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front] without changing the entire system to a federal government? That is misleading.”

On the other hand, CBCP President Angel Lagdameo, the archbishop of Jaro in Iloilo, stressed the need for the public to examine the real motive behind the Palace’s renewed Charter change (Cha-cha) drive in view of suspicions that it was a ploy to extend her term of office.

“Aba’y hindi natin alam kung ano nga talaga ang hidden agenda tungkol dito sa pagpapalabas ng Cha-cha … siguro kailangan magkaroon talaga ang lahat ng tao ng pag-discern, pag-examine sa sitwasyon kung talagang matuwid ang mga ipina-panukala sa atin ng pamahalaan (We don’t really know the agenda behind (Malacaňang’s new) Cha-cha drive. Perhaps we all need to discern and examine the situation in order to come up with the proper recommendations to the administration).”

Lagdameo said in an interview on Church-run Radio Veritas.

Meanwhile, DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez called the withdrawal of signatures of some senators on the resolution calling for a shift in parliamentary system as an embarassment. In a radio interview, DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez said the possible withdrawal of signatures from Resolution No. 10 authored by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr would indicate the senator’s haphazard manner in initially supporting the measure.

“The fact remains they have not yet withdrawn, it is still there. They have signed the resolution which was filed by Pimentel … Medyo sa tingin ko medyo embarrassment sa kanila yan, hindi nila pinagaralan (I think it would be an embarrassment for them because it would betray that they did not think before signing the resolution).

“Nariyan ang resolution ng Senado. Sabi ng pangulo, it is a good law because it may bring lasting peace to Mindanao. Siya pa ang binabanatan nila (The Senate resolution was there, and she thought it was a good law because it could bring lasting peace to Mindanao. And now she’s being criticized for it again). As far as the president is concerned it’s always damned if you damned if you don’t”

As expected, allies of GMA is defending the move of Cha cha and even chided the political opposition for being selfish, whose opposition to the charter change is anchored on the hindrance to their political ambitions in 2010. Rep. Bobby Dimaporo of the 2nd Dist of Lanao del Norte has this to say.

“They’re accusing the President of using the federalism as an excuse to tinker with the Constitution so she can stay longer in Malacañang. But what they are not telling us is that they want her out of the way by June 2010 so they can replace her.

“They want the President to go as scheduled so they can replace her as they planned. What’s good for our nation should not be hindered by anyone’s ambition.”

Meanwhile, GMA is enjoying her latest dance craze, Cha cha!

Dancing with “You can’t stop the Cha cha” (to the tune of Village People’s “You can’t stop the music”)

picture courtesy of the equalizer.blogspot.com.

 

ITS NOT WHO WILL RULE BUT ON HOW THE RULERS BEHAVE

Philippine military in clearing operations of villages occupied by MILF forces.

“What good is that piece of document on ancestral domain be if realities on the ground promises nothing but the prospects of more assaults and harassments?”

“Its not on who will rule but on how the rulers behave.”

Menardo Wenceslao

The MILF-GRP draft memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain has stirred the hornets nest. The intense reaction is even more violent than when the autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao was conceptualized even as the number of barangays is hardly a speck compared to the ARMM region. How come therefore, there is such a violent reaction to the proposed Bangsamoro land?

The undercurrent lies over the fact that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has displayed a belligerent behavior even as the negotiators of peace have reached an understanding on what items should be considered in tackling the issue of ancestral domain. The incessant assaults on the government peacekeeping force and attacks on civilian communities deliver a visible picture of what could possibly happen to non Muslim communities if the proposed (expanded) territory of Bangsamoro Juridical Entity will be carried out. What good is that piece of document on ancestral domain be if realities on the ground promises nothing but the prospects of more assaults and harassments?

The apprehension of the leaders in Mindanao over an expanded territory which comprise the BJE is not who will rule but how rulers will behave. Non Muslim people have very great respect and adoration for the likes of venerable leader Saipada K. Pendatun, Sen. Mamintal Tamano and Rep. Simeon Datumanong to name a few. The late Sen Pendatun could have asked for the entire Mindanao as an autonomous region and he will be supported no doubt by the leaders and peoples of Mindanao. There should have been no worry about that.

The anxiety today however, is provoked by unending atrocities and emboldened display of firepower that seems to be growing and becoming more sophisticated everyday.

Thus, the clamor of negotiating panels to bare the content of the MOA on ancestral domain. There is a need whethere there is a guarantee that the proposed BJE will become a zone of peace and security for other tribes who have prior rights within the BJE territory.

 

WHO IS THIS GUY?

A commentary by Erick San Juan entitled “Tough-talking Gloria had this very interesting information.

“Are you aware of the fact that one of the most trusted spokesperson of President Arroyo is actually paddling his canoe over two rivers all at the same time? What do I mean? Well, on one hand he speaks for PGMA, but at the same time, he is the husband (yes, hubby) of the daughter of MILF Chairman (actually vice chairman for political affairs) Gadzali Jaafar! Oh what a shame.

Now, I can’t pinpoint who this guy is. GMA has so many spokesperson talking at the same time. So I am asking. Can somebody provide the answers? Anyone?

***

Here’s an interesting article of Noralyn Mustafa published in the Inquirer, “To be or not to be ‘Bangsamoro’ “

Here are some excerpts.

I could write a book about my Arab grandfather—and maybe I will someday—but it is my mother’s “background” that is the present topic. The question: Would she have agreed to being called “bangsamoro”?

I don’t think so. Although she had lived in Jolo from her 17th birthday up to the day she passed away in October 1996, she insisted that she was a “Zamboangueña.” She was born and raised in what is now Zamboanga City, in the ancestral home in Magay, the only “Muslim” house in a Christian neighborhood, referred to as the “brick house” because of its brick tile roof.

She went to school in what was formerly known as the “Moro Settlement School,” later named St. Albans School, managed by the Episcopalian (Anglican) church, affiliated with the Brent School system, where she was a member of the tennis and basketball teams, and was in the soprano section of the school and church choir…

Now, would she have agreed to having some barangays in Zamboanga City included in the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity? I certainly don’t think so…

Would I agree to have Palawan included in the BJE? I don’t think so. It’s Tausug ancestral domain. And I am Tausug.

 

ONE IRRESPONSIBLE JOURNALIST

I have high respects for journalists. Theirs is a selfless and patriotic endeavor to report the truth and bring information to the people. Most gave their time and effort honestly for the fulfillment of this mission. Some paid their dear lives for it. For that I salute them.

But not this one journalist, Al Jacinto who made his headline inflammatory. The article was entitled, “Catholics Hold Rally Vs Muslim Homeland In Southern Philippines“ published on Monday, August 04, 2008. The title alone is agitating enough. Why append the word “Catholics” in an issue that does not involve religion. Mr. Jacinto should have known the implications of using the term given the sensitivity of religious undertones in the Mindanao conflict. If a Muslim will read the title alone, how would he feel? Surely he will feel that the protest is in line of religious divide. Prudence should have dictated Mr. Jacinto not to to use the term. What he did was plain arrogance given the fact that he is a multi awarded journalist.

Now going over his article, there is plain bias against Christians. This for me is going over the bounds of balanced reporting.

Many of those who joined the rally wore red shirt and were mostly local government employees and students who were ordered by their teachers to join the protest. Others were curious about the rally and the issue of the Muslim ancestral domain. Local Catholic priests in their homily on Sunday also urged the residents to join the rally.

“Our teacher told us to attend this rally. We do not know what they are talking about here,” one high school student told the Midnanao Examiner.

His teacher said the principal ordered them to bring the students at the rally. “We were just told to bring the students here at the rally and to put on a red arm band in support of the protest rally,” she said.

On the other hand, this portion reinforces Christian-Muslim animosity instead of promoting peace and easing ethnic tensions.

But many Muslims in Zamboanga City said they wanted to be part of the Bangsamoro homeland and are supporting the MILF peace talks. Many of them claimed that they are being discriminated against by Christians. Others also claimed that many department stores in the city do not hire Muslims, but only Christians.

I dont know if this is true or not. But one things for sure, this will fuel passions. And this is very unfair to Christians. Muslim might have denied employment not because of their religious beliefs but maybe because of other reasons. What if you have an individual who has an attitude problem in work, would you still employ him just for the sake of not being branded as discriminatory of a Muslim’s religious beliefs?

For me, this article is so foul and I am shocked that it was written by an acclaimed journalist at that. This is very very irresponsible article.

As expected, NUJP and other media groups rushed to aid Jacinto and condemned the Zamboanga City Council resolution declaring Jacinto a persona non grata as a form of media harassment. The move of NUJP and other media organizations is ill advised, if not equally irresponsible.

Given the facts of the case, the Zamboanga City council has all the right reasons for declaring Jacinto as persona non grata. He did offend the people of Zamboanga. He deserved the punishment. Sadly, the latest news is that the declaration against Jacinto was lifted by the Zamboanga City Council.

That journalist got away with his violations.

 

GMA SHOULD RESIGN FOR THE MORO PEACE PACT TO BE SIGNED

War is escalating in North Cotabato. 133,000 people are leaving their residences for fear of being caught in the crossfire. The skirmishes occur in the aftermath of the failed signing of the MOA on Ancestral Domain which will cover the Moro homeland.

As we know it, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City and Iligan City protested on the signing of the MOA not because they do not desire peace but because they feel the government was not transparent in handling the issue particularly the area of lands to be included in the proposed homeland. For these people, they feel the government is keeping them in the dark as to the details of the said agreement.

Which is rightly so. An agreement that has wider implications on the lives of the people there should have been conducted in a transparent manner where all the stakeholders are informed about its development. But sadly, the Gloria Arroyo government for agenda that only itself knew conducted the negotiations in a surreptitious manner, like a thief in the night, to shortcut the peace process and short changed non Moro peoples.

Which makes one suspect that there are agenda behind the secrecy and which is the extension of Gloria Arroyo’s stay in power. Gloria Arroyo, again manifested her utter insensitivity to the concerns of her own people. North Cotabato Vice Governor Pinol and Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz must have felt so betrayed by this incident that they woe the day they throw their support to Gloria Arroyo. Instead of hoping that Gloria Arroyo would help them in their problems, it was aggravated instead.

The situation in Mindanao is spinning out of control. People are no longer trusting either the government or the MILF to make good of their promise to bring peace in the South.

Which made me realize however far fetched it is that the only way to salvage the peace process is for Gloria Arroyo to step down from the presidency to finally dispel the apprehensions that the GRP MILF peace talks was only used for a grander and more sinister plot which is term extension.

There is no other way. No amount of promises and persuasions will assuage the concern of the people that Gloria Arroyo will renege her commitment to step down in 2010, the year her bogus term will expire. For the Filipino people to have a fresh start in the peace process, a more transparent and consultative national leadership is needed and that is no way can be achieved as long as the “evil” woman, as NEDA Chair Romulo Neri, described her, is still there perched at the top of power.

 

RESPECTING RIGHTS IN MINDANAO

This is in reaction to the article of Miriam Coronel Ferrer entitled “Making and Unmaking Mindanao.” She said that the territorial limits of Mindanao is flexible and is not unconstitutional. While it is true that some part of Mindanao was under Moro rule, there are also parts of Mindanao which are not under the Moro empire.

She should read historical books about Mindanao and she should realized that the history of Mindanao is a tragic tale of slavery and subjugation with non Moros who are always at the receiving end. Moro raids were rampant and brutal to the centuries. Moro raids leave families shattered as family members are snatched from them and sold into slavery. Some were forced to fight each other like gladiators. The Moro watchtowers doting the shorelines of Mindanao and Visayas is a living testament to the depradations.

I am not opposed to any grant of autonomy to the Moros. They should have real autonomy. However, as things goes, the concept of their autonomy is disturbing. They are insisting of having their own army and worse, they are going to include areas which are predominantly Christian. How many times the proposal of inclusion of Christian areas into Bangsamoro homeland were rejected in a plebiscite. Why would include areas where the people will readily reject the autonomous region in a plebiscite? Baka makalusot?

While it is true that some areas were once occupied by Moro residents, the same were changed both  because of government declarations and private transactions, not landgrabbing as some would like to make it appear. The situation changed through the years. What MILF is trying to achieve is to turn back the hand of time, as if nothing happened.  Things have changed and this changes should be carefully considered as suggestions for its dispossession are underway to make way for peace.

The problem in our country today is that Luzon people are the ones charting our destiny. The Luzon were the ones who sent Luzonian settlers into Mindanao and now they are the same ones who want to take them away. Why would people from Luzon are the ones who will decide for us. Do they know what is like to live with an armed Moro? It is easy for them to say this and to say that because they dont live here and they dont know the situation here in Mindanao.

Everytime a pretensious Luzonian would say something about our future, its repugnant to the senses. Who are they to decide for us.

Anyway, while a Makati City Mayor cannot cannot have any more right than the MILF to claim to know what is good for the affected Mindanaoans, the same also applies for a journalist who writes about us and who likewise do not know the dynamics of Mindanao. I can identify more with Mayor Binay, because although he is not from Mindanao and do not live here in Mindanao, he understands the concerns of Mindanaoans in relation to the botched GRP_MILF MOA which is actually a sellout of our rights as a peace loving and harmonious people.

 

SIDE COMMENTS

Mayor Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de oro City

“Primarily, there was really no proper and official consultations with the LGUs that would be affected by the agreement. Wala sila’y paki kung unsay socio, economic and political consequences sa ilang mga negotiations.”

Mayor Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City

“Do not build a Berlin Wall among the people of Mindanao,”

North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol,

“We won the battle. But because this is just a TRO, therefore, our victory is just temporary.”

Rea Marie Jubelag, an officer of the University of Southern Mindanao Student Government,

“The inclusion of North Cotabato in the expanded Armm (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) is not the answer to the conflict here. In fact, it will only worsen the problem.”

Pigcawayan councilor Rolando Dillera, president of the Councilors League in North Cotabato

“This is not a fight between the Muslims and the Christians. But we, Christians, are just trying to defend what is right and due us. We can’t allow the government to ink an agreement, which will later cause animosities between the Muslims and the Christians,”

Representative Abdullah Dimaporo (2nd District, Lanao del Norte)

“We trust the Philippine negotiators and the President who will not do harm to us. In case we do not like the agreement, we can oppose it in congress. Definitely we can win in the plebiscite, whether we want ‘No’ or ‘Yes.’ There is therefore no reason for any worry on the MOA.”

Now is not the time for war. Our economy is suffering from the oil crisis, “We all saw what happened during the all-out-war of President Joseph Estrada against the MILF. The MILF were no match to our AFP, but the great damage were suffered by evacuating the poor families, and large sum of public funds used by the AFP which could have been utilized for schools and other much needed projects.”

“Let us give peace a chance. Let us see the outcome of the peace agreement,”

 

“DONE DEAL” NA PALA; SELLOUT COMPLETE

“Our official position is that the agreement on ancestral domain has been signed, so it’s a done deal.”

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, had said that the MOA became binding when it was initialed by the two sides on July 27 and Tuesday’s aborted ceremony in Malaysia was merely a formality.

Now lets listen to our government through Eduardo Ermita.

“Not until then can anything be implemented. Sa katunayan, kahit mapirmahan iyong comprehensive compact agreement ay kinakailangan ang mag-usap [In fact, even if the comprehensive compact agreement is signed, there is still a need to talk],” 

“Hindi nangangahulugan na kung sakali nagkapirmahan ng MOA on ancestral domain ay iyan na ang kasunduan [It doesn’t mean that if the MOA on ancestral domain is signed, that is the agreement].”

Exactly Mr. Ermita. If its a done deal then nothing can be done about it. While the agreement may be going to the motions of a plebiscite, the fact remains that the government’s negotiating position is restricted to what has been agreed on the point of ancestral domain. The government’s hand is already tied, so to speak.  Plus, expect that the plebiscite will be rigged in favor of the Bangsamoro homeland. The administration’s ability to make it into a reality is proven in “Hello Garci” in 2004 and the Migs Zubiri-Koko Pimentel case in 2007.  The outcome is settled with Mindanao slowly going to the MILF and their ilks.

So the betrayal is complete. Mindanao is being chopped chopped and fed to the Muslim rebels. Meanwhile, Gloria’s favorite dog, Hermogenes Esperon Jr. manifested that betrayal in that in- your-face declaration to North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol.

‘Pare kapag na-TRO kami diyan at inatake kayo ng MILF bahala kayo sa sarili niyo… Hindi namin isasakrapisyo ang buhay ng sundalo namin para sa inyo.’”