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.
