Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) MOA-AD

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The Cost of Peace: BJE MOA on AD

• Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) MOA-AD
• Let’s Begin
• Of BJE MOA-AD, ARMM Polls and Oil Price Updates
• Fragile Peace? Say It Isn’t So.
• Slow Progress is Still Progress.
• Winners and Losers
• The Case of the “Ex”
• Where Do We Go From Here?
• So You Think She Can Dance?
• Actually, We’ve Been Dancing the ChaCha re: BJE MOA
• The Buck Stops Here
• A Change of Pace on the BJE MOA: Other Avenues of Peace
• Deferred Peace is Expedited War
• You and What Army?
• Just Thinking Out Loud
• Eyes On The Prize
• Live and Let Live: The Non-Negotiable Solution
• Perception vs. Reality
• There’s No Turning Back
• There’s No Easy Way: Peace and Its Price

I had second thoughts about writing anything even loosely related to the BJE MOA-AD for fear of making a mistake on writing a take on a very critical issue that's been in existence for as long as I can remember, four decades -- so the reports say. Aside from the fact that this is all too complicated to research on, much less write about, the issue of peace in Mindanao and the many factors surrounding it is too sensitive an issue to even put into writing, if only for the fact that everything that ultimately requires "peace" is most of the time -- an uphill battle -- and many a writer wouldn't want to get caught in the crossfire. Now, I'm no politician. I have no degree in Political Science. I'm no political analyst. So, yes, I probably don't have the right to delve into this issue. But just like the many Filipinos glued to their TV sets (in my case, the desktop computer) for the most part of the day, I find no harm in expressing my opinion. This is, after all -- a personal blog. So, regardless of how others may see it. An inept and utter wannabe as I may appear, I claim my right to exercise freedom of speech. This is still a free country, right?

So, since I'm not a pundit for any and all measures, I think that gives you more reason to read on because this is a take from an average Filipino which means you can only expect me to discuss this in plain "lay" English -- in the manner that the average Filipino will understand. [Others may protest, "why not discuss it in Filipino instead?" -- well, I'd love to, but my blog's default language is English and in adherence to my policy, I cannot break that rule, even if I wanted to.]  No mind-bending political jargons or paragraph-long sentences that loses it's strength and coherence as it progresses into a lull. Boring stuff. I'm not a fan of out-of-this-world terms that do nothing but gloss the speaker's solicitation for praise. Sure, you sound all fine and classy, but does pompous words help your readers any more than it helps yourself? It's frustrating that while researching for information on BJE, I get results that point to sites that make understanding this issue more difficult than it already is. This immense desire to understand this and have a simple, easy to understand explanation gave rise to this post. I initially wanted to make a simple commentary but frustration has led to me do a thorough look at it, thus I beg you to bear with me if this post would end up being longer than expected.

I think that the beginning of wisdom is the acknowledgement of ineptitude and the need for acquiring information. Information is relevant to this issue because information is power. Information gives us the power to make informed decisions. And that is not one power we should underestimate.

NOTE:

Items enclosed in quotes and italicized were taken from the GRP-MILF draft pact on Bangsamoro homeland.

First off, let's examine parts of the GRP-MILF draft pact on Bangsamoro homeland.

What is this Bangsamoro Juridical Entity Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain usually referred to as BJE MOA-AD?

In plain terms, this MOA lays out the terms that will give exclusive and almost irrevocable right to the Bangsamoros through MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) to claim, use, exploit, earn from and control ancestral domains in specified provinces in Mindanao as an extension of the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) should these provinces/barangays approve of it through a plebiscite (elections). Control is both economic and political. So basically, autonomy. Almost Federalism-style.

What are Bangsamoros?

"The Bangsamoro people refers to those who are natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and the Sulu archipelago at the time of conquest or colonization of its descendants whether mixed or of full blood. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro."

What is "ancestral domain"?

"Ancestral domain and ancestral land refer to those held under claim of ownership, occupied or possessed, by themselves or through the ancestors of the Bangsamoro people, communally or individually since time immemorial continuously to the present, except when prevented by war, civil disturbance, force majeure, or other forms of possible usurpation or displacement by force, deceit, stealth, or as a consequence of government project or any other voluntary dealings entered into by the government and private individuals, corporate entities or institutions."

What is the basis of this claim of "ancestral domain" and why is this recognized?

"Ownership of the homeland is vested exclusively in them by virtue of their prior rights of occupation that had inhered in them as sizeable bodies of people, delimited by their ancestors since time immemorial, and being the first politically organized dominant occupants."

What is the connection of this claim of "ancestral domain" in relation to their desire to be "autonomous" politically and economically?

"The right to self-governance of the Bangsamoro people is rooted on ancestral territoriality exercised originally under the suzerain authority of their sultanates and the Pat a Pangampong ku Ranaw. The Moro sultanates were states or karajaan/kadatuan resembling a body politic endowed with all the elements of nation-state in the modern sense. As a domestic community distinct from the rest of the national communities, they have a definite historic homeland. They are the "First Nation" with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations."

[..]"The ultimate objective of entrenching the Bangsamoro homeland as a territorial space is to secure their identity and posterity, to protect their property rights and resources as well as to establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as distinct dominant people."

Who are the parties negotiating this?

GRP and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front)

What is GRP?

GRP is an acronym for Government of the Republic of the Philippines as referred to in the BJE Agreement.

What will comprise the BJE after this agreement?

[..]"The core of the BJE shall constitute the present geographic area of the ARMM, including the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite" [..]

What are the succeeding steps after signing the MOA?

A plebiscite within 6 months after signing in all 700 barangays included in the list.

What are the implications/effects?

Resources:

"Consistent with paragraphs 5 and 6 of the provisions on Resources, all potential sources of energy, petroleum in situ, hydrocarbon, natural gas and other minerals, including deposits or fields found within the territorial waters, shall be shared between the Central Government and the BJE in favor of the latter through production sharing agreement or economic cooperative agreement."

Economic:

"The Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, and the Central Government agree on wealth-sharing based on a mutually agreed percentage ratio in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity through an economic cooperation agreement or arrangement over the income and revenues that are derived from the exploration, exploitation, use and development of any resources for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people.[..]"

"The Bangsamoro juridical entity is free to enter into any economic cooperation and trade relations with foreign countries: provided, however, that such relationships and understandings do not include aggression against the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; provided, further that it shall remain the duty and obligation of the Central Government to take charge of external defense."

"The Bangsamoro government-take or profit split from total production shall be shared with the Central Government on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. All royalties, bonuses, taxes, charges, custom duties or imposts on natural resources and mineral resources shall be shared by the Parties on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity."

Socio-Political:

"The parties agree that the BJE shall be empowered to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of, civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, and police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions, necessary for developing a progressive Bangsamoro society the details of which shall be discussed in the negotiation of the comprehensive compact."

What's all the fuss about this?

It does not take a genius to see that we are clearly "giving parts of the country away". To Filipinos still, yes. But it's like the government's implied acceptance of the fact that "if you can't beat them, join them" -- in this case, it can be rephrased as "if you can't beat them, just give them what they want." Peace achieved, thank you. Have a nice day!

There are three sides to a story. In this case, the PRO-BJE side, the ANTI-BJE side and the PEACE side. So, as not to be accused of being one-sided, I'll briefly mention each side's argument.

For the PRO-BJE, they say:

• This is not "unconstitutional".  *Although clearly, if this is to come into fruition, an amendment to the constitution is necessary -- that's an undeniable fact.*
• Although binding, the MOA is just the first step, within six (6) months after signing the agreement, a plebiscite will determine whether barangays included in the list will join the BJE or not. They will determine their own future. It's not something imposed to them. This is democracy at work.
• The TRO issued by the Supreme Court (SC) was somewhat an embarassment on the side of government. But they acknowledge the fact that they should have included the judiciary in the loop, and that if they had done that, this may have been prevented. Although US Ambassador Kristie Kenney doesn't find all this embarassing for the government. Also, this is something that the executive handles, not the judiciary. *But check and balance should work, too, right?*
• This is a process that will take years. It is therefore premature to judge whether it will do the country good or not.

For the ANTI-BJE, they say:

• Why are we negotiating with bandits? MILF does not and should not represent the whole of Mindanao or at the very least, parts of Mindanao and its people.
• ARMM has not been effective nor successful. Now, you want another project doomed for failure in the form of BJE? Make ARMM work first, if it passes by a certain set of standards, then we can talk BJE in the future.
• It's unconstitutional.
• ARMM or BJE, it's the same thing -- peace in Mindanao cannot be achieved through this.
• JBE will only cause more bloodshed.
• We are one republic. Everyone should answer to one governent and one government alone.

For the PEACE side? Anyone? Okay, let's leave this for a while and save this part for later.

Does this affect you and me?

Are you Filipino? Is the Pope Catholic? Yes, it affects us all.

Do I have a "say" in this or am I forced spectator?

You have your say. Moro or not, we are all Filipinos. And I'd like to think that we all want the same thing -- that overly-abused word they call "peace". You can write about this and inform everyone you know. Because as it turns out, the government is now being criticized for engaging in a somewhat "secretive" negotiation. While it might be true that it's an honest mistake not to disseminate information prior to scheduling a signing (which is so lame an excuse if you ask me...and for all we know, they intently rushed this so they can include this good news in the SONA), prudence is one trait a government must not do without. Poor dissemination of information whether intended or not is a major factor in protests coming from various sectors. And is also precisely why, the Supreme Court ordered a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) by complaints filed by the local governments of Iligan City, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga City who claim that they weren't informed of their inclusion in the BJE list. Now, even Mindanao bishops question the MOA's supposed secrecy.

What can I do to help?

If you want to help, pray. Pray that everything turns out well. Disseminate information. Increase awareness of this issue in your family, circle of friends and colleagues. Let them read, or better yet, explain to them what's on the MOA. The government is obligated to observe public disclosure. The people have the right to correct information. This is the only way we can make informed decisions. And informed decisions are powerful decisions. We are talking about the country's future here. Our strength as a nation is being put to the test. To give in or not to give in. To fight for peace or to sit down and sign MOA's.

My Final Thoughts and the Peace Side:

In the same way that I don't feel deserving to write about this, I feel that I don't have the right to talk about "peace". I've always leaned towards total annihilation of extremists. And I don't deny that. You've probably felt it somehow as I write this post. It's so easy to loathe them. They cause trouble. They kill people. They sabotage the economy. They create a horrific image of Mindanao locally and internationally.

But yesterday, I have come to a realization. Who am I to know what's good for Mindanao? In fact, let's move it up a notch: who are we, people of Luzon and Visayas to know what's good for Mindanao? I've never been there. I've never heard gunfire before. I've never been that close to war or death. It's so easy for me to say let's not give in to their demands. Let's force them into "integrating" themselves to our form of government, to our system, to our "values", to our standards. Let's unite as a people. We are all Filipinos after all. Easier said than done. Four decades seem to shout how different they are from us. And that's not a bad th<p>I had second thoughts about writing anything even loosely related to the <b>BJE MOA-AD</b> for fear of making a mistake on writing a take on a very critical issue that's been in existence for as long as I can remember, four decades -- so the reports say. Aside from the fact that this is all too complicated to research on, much less write about, the issue of peace in Mindanao and the many factors surrounding it is too sensitive an issue to even put into writing, if only for the fact that everything that ultimately requires "peace" is most of the time -- an uphill battle -- and many a writer wouldn't want to get caught in the crossfire. Now, I'm no politician. I have no degree in Political Science. I'm no political analyst. So, yes, I probably don't have the <img src="http://adayinthelifeofrj.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" mce_src="http://adayinthelifeofrj.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" class="mceWPmore mceItemNoResize" title="More..." />right to delve into this issue. But just like the many Filipinos glued to their TV sets (in my case, the desktop computer) for the most part of the day, I find no harm in expressing my opinion. This is, after all -- a personal blog. So, regardless of how others may see it. An inept and utter wannabe as I may appear, I claim my right to exercise freedom of speech. This is still a free country, right?</p> <p>So, since I'm not a pundit for any and all measures, I think that gives you more reason to read on because this is a take from an average Filipino which means you can only expect me to discuss this in plain "lay" English -- in the manner that the average Filipino will understand. [<i>Others may protest, "why not discuss it in Filipino instead?" -- well, I'd love to, but my blog's default language is English and in adherence to my policy, I cannot break that rule, even if I wanted to.</i>]� No mind-bending political jargons or paragraph-long sentences that loses it's strength and coherence as it progresses into a lull. Boring stuff. I'm not a fan of out-of-this-world terms that do nothing but gloss the speaker's solicitation for praise. Sure, you sound all fine and classy, but does pompous words help your readers any more than it helps yourself? It's frustrating that while researching for information on <b>BJE</b>, I get results that point to sites that make understanding this issue more difficult than it already is. This immense desire to understand this and have a simple, easy to understand explanation gave rise to this post. I initially wanted to make a simple commentary but frustration has led to me do a thorough look at it, thus I beg you to bear with me if this post would end up being longer than expected. I think that the beginning of wisdom is the acknowledgment of ineptitude and the need for acquiring information. Information is relevant to this issue because information is power. Information gives us the power to make informed decisions. And that is not one power we should underestimate.<br /> NOTE: Items enclosed in quotes and italicized were taken from the GRP-MILF draft pact on Bangsamoro homeland.</p> <p>First off, let's examine parts of the <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080804-152469/GRP-MILF-draft-pact-on-Bangsamoro-homeland" mce_href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080804-152469/GRP-MILF-draft-pact-on-Bangsamoro-homeland" target="_blank"><b>GRP-MILF draft pact on Bangsamoro homeland</b></a>.</p> <p><b>What is this Bangsamoro Juridical Entity Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain usually referred to as BJE MOA-AD?</b></p> <p>In plain terms, this <b>MOA</b> lays out the terms that will give exclusive and almost irrevocable right to the <b>Bangsamoros</b> through <b>MILF </b>(<b>Moro Islamic Liberation Front</b>) to claim, use, exploit, earn from and control <b>ancestral domains</b> in specified provinces in Mindanao as an extension of the <b>ARMM</b> (<b>Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao</b>) should these provinces/barangays approve of it through a plebiscite (elections). Control is both economic and political. So basically, autonomy. Almost Federalism-style.</p> <p><b>What are Bangsamoros?</b></p> <p>"<i>The Bangsamoro people refers to those who are natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and the Sulu archipelago at the time of conquest or colonization of its descendants whether mixed or of full blood. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro</i>."</p> <p><b>What is "ancestral domain"?</b></p> <p>"<i>Ancestral domain and ancestral land refer to those held under claim of ownership, occupied or possessed, by themselves or through the ancestors of the Bangsamoro people, communally or individually since time immemorial continuously to the present, except when prevented by war, civil disturbance, force majeure, or other forms of possible usurpation or displacement by force, deceit, stealth, or as a consequence of government project or any other voluntary dealings entered into by the government and private individuals, corporate entities or institutions.</i>"</p> <p><b>What is the basis of this claim of "ancestral domain" and why is this recognized?</b></p> <p>"<i>Ownership of the homeland is vested exclusively in them by virtue of their prior rights of occupation that had inhered in them as sizeable bodies of people, delimited by their ancestors since time immemorial, and being the first politically organized dominant occupants</i>."</p> <p><b>What is the connection of this claim of "ancestral domain" in relation to their desire to be "autonomous" politically and economically?</b></p> <p>"<i>The right to self-governance of the Bangsamoro people is rooted on ancestral territoriality exercised originally under the suzerain authority of their sultanates and the Pat a Pangampong ku Ranaw. The Moro sultanates were states or karajaan/kadatuan resembling a body politic endowed with all the elements of nation-state in the modern sense. As a domestic community distinct from the rest of the national communities, they have a definite historic homeland. They are the �First Nation� with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations.</i>"</p> <p>[..]"<i>The ultimate objective of entrenching the Bangsamoro homeland as a territorial space is to secure their identity and posterity, to protect their property rights and resources as well as to establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as distinct dominant people</i>."</p> <p><b>Who are the parties negotiating this?</b></p> <p><b>GRP</b> and <b>MILF</b> (<b>Moro Islamic Liberation Front</b>)</p> <p><b>What is GRP?</b></p> <p><b>GRP</b> is an acronym for <b>Government of the Republic of the Philippines </b>as referred to in the BJE Agreement.</p> <p><b>What will comprise the BJE after this agreement?</b></p> <p>[..]"<i>The core of the BJE shall constitute the present geographic area of the ARMM, including the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite" </i>[..]</p> <p><b>What are the succeeding steps after signing the MOA?</b></p> <p>A plebiscite within 6 months after signing in all 700 barangays included in the list.</p> <p><b>What are the implications/effects?</b></p> <p><b>Resources:</b></p> <p>"<i>Consistent with paragraphs 5 and 6 of the provisions on Resources, all potential sources of energy, petroleum in situ, hydrocarbon, natural gas and other minerals, including deposits or fields found within the territorial waters, shall be shared between the Central Government and the BJE in favor of the latter through production sharing agreement or economic cooperative agreement</i>."</p> <p><b>Economic: </b></p> <p>"<i>The Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, and the Central Government agree on wealth-sharing based on a mutually agreed percentage ratio in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity through an economic cooperation agreement or arrangement over the income and revenues that are derived from the exploration, exploitation, use and development of any resources for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people</i>.[..]"</p> <p>"<i>The Bangsamoro juridical entity is free to enter into any economic cooperation and trade relations with foreign countries: provided, however, that such relationships and understandings do not include aggression against the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; provided, further that it shall remain the duty and obligation of the Central Government to take charge of external defense</i>."</p> <p>"<i>The Bangsamoro government-take or profit split from total production shall be shared with the Central Government on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. All royalties, bonuses, taxes, charges, custom duties or imposts on natural resources and mineral resources shall be shared by the Parties on a percentage ratio of 75%/25% in favor of the Bangsamoro juridical entity</i>."</p> <p><b>Socio-Political:</b></p> <p>"<i>The parties agree that the BJE shall be empowered to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of, civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, and police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions, necessary for developing a progressive Bangsamoro society the details of which shall be discussed in the negotiation of the comprehensive compact.</i>"</p> <p><b>What's all the fuss about this?</b></p> <p>It does not take a genius to see that we are clearly "giving parts of the country away". To Filipinos still, yes. But it's like the government's implied acceptance of the fact that "<b>if you can't beat them, join them</b>" -- in this case, it can be rephrased as "<b>if you can't beat them, just give them what they want</b>." Peace achieved, thank you. Have a nice day!</p> <p>There are three sides to a story. In this case, the <b>PRO-BJE side</b>, the <b>ANTI-BJE side</b> and the <b>PEACE side</b>. So, as not to be accused of being one-sided, I'll briefly mention each side's argument.</p> <p><i><b>For the PRO-BJE, they say:</b></i></p> <ul> <li>This is not "unconstitutional".  *Although clearly, if this is to come into fruition, an amendment to the constitution is necessary -- that's an undeniable fact.*</li> <li>Although binding, the MOA is just the first step, within six (6) months after signing the agreement, a plebiscite will determine whether barangays included in the list will join the BJE or not. They will determine their own future. It's not something imposed to them. This is democracy at work.</li> <li>The TRO issued by the Supreme Court (SC) was somewhat an embarassment on the side of government. But they acknowledge the fact that they should have included the judiciary in the loop, and that if they had done that, this may have been prevented. <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080805-152876/Aborted-MOA-signing-no-cause-for-embarrassment----Kenney" mce_href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080805-152876/Aborted-MOA-signing-no-cause-for-embarrassment----Kenney" target="_blank"><i><b>Although US Ambassador Kristie Kenney doesn't find all this embarassing for the government</b></i></a>. Also, this is something that the executive handles, not the judiciary. *But check and balance should work, too, right?*</li> <li>This is a process that will take years. It is therefore premature to judge whether it will do the country good or not.</li> </ul> <p><i><b>For the ANTI-BJE, they say:</b></i></p> <ul> <li>Why are we negotiating with bandits? MILF does not and should not represent the whole of Mindanao or at the very least, parts of Mindanao and its people.</li> <li>ARMM has not been effective nor successful. Now, you want another project doomed for failure in the form of BJE? Make ARMM work first, if it passes by a certain set of standards, then we can talk BJE in the future.</li> <li>It's unconstitutional.</li> <li>ARMM or BJE, it's the same thing -- peace in Mindanao cannot be achieved through this.</li> <li>JBE will only cause more bloodshed.</li> <li>We are one republic. Everyone should answer to one governent and one government alone.</li> </ul> <p><i><b>For the PEACE side? </b></i>Anyone? Okay, let's leave this for a while and save this part for later.</p> <p><b>Does this affect you and me?</b></p> <p>Are you Filipino? Is the Pope Catholic? Yes, it affects us all.</p> <p><b>Do I have a "say" in this or am I forced spectator?</b></p> <p>You have your say. Moro or not, we are all Filipinos. And I'd like to think that we all want the same thing -- that overly-abused word they call "peace". You can write about this and inform everyone you know. Because as it turns out, the government is now being criticized for engaging in a somewhat "secretive" negotiation. While it might be true that it's an honest mistake not to disseminate information prior to scheduling a signing (which is so lame an excuse if you ask me...and for all we know, they intently rushed this so they can include this good news in the SONA), prudence is one trait a government must not do without. Poor dissemination of information whether intended or not is a major factor in protests coming from various sectors. And is also precisely why, the <b>Supreme Court</b> ordered a <b>TRO</b> (Temporary Restraining Order) by complaints filed by the local governments of <b>Iligan City</b>, <b>North Cotabato</b>, and <b>Zamboanga City</b> who claim that they weren't informed of their inclusion in the<b> BJE</b> list. Now, even <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080805-152852/Mindanao-bishops-score-govt-MILF-for-secrecy" mce_href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080805-152852/Mindanao-bishops-score-govt-MILF-for-secrecy" target="_blank"><b>Mindanao bishops question the MOA's supposed secrecy</b></a>.</p> <p><b>What can I do to help?</b></p> <p>If you want to help, pray. Pray that everything turns out well. Disseminate information. Increase awareness of this issue in your family, circle of friends and colleagues. Let them read, or better yet, explain to them what's on the MOA. The government is obligated to observe public disclosure. The people have the right to correct information. This is the only way we can make informed decisions. And informed decisions are powerful decisions. We are talking about the country's future here. Our strength as a nation is being put to the test. To give in or not to give in. To fight for peace or to sit down and sign MOA's.</p> <p><b>My Final Thoughts and the Peace Side:<br /> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;" mce_style="text-align: left;">In the same way that I don't feel deserving to write about this, I feel that I don't have the right to talk about "peace". I've always leaned towards total annihilation of extremists. And I don't deny that. You've probably felt it somehow as I write this post. It's so easy to loathe them. They cause trouble. They kill people. They sabotage the economy. They create a horrific image of Mindanao locally and internationally.But yesterday, I have come to a realization. Who am I to know what's good for Mindanao? In fact, let's move it up a notch: who are we, people of Luzon and Visayas to know what's good for Mindanao? I've never been there. I've never heard gunfire before. I've never been that close to war or death. It's so easy for me to say let's not give in to their demands. Let's force them into "integrating" themselves to our form of government, to our system, to our "values", to our standards. Let's unite as a people. We are all Filipinos after all. Easier said than done. Four decades seem to shout how different they are from us. And that's not a bad thing. Diversity is good. It is what makes us who we are. It is what makes us Filipinos. And I guess it's about time we recognize that although Filipino, they are "indigenous" and have remained "indigenous" up until now for a reason. Unlike us in Manila and farther north, they are less tolerant. It takes more than mere persuasion to make them embrace something new, something different. Instead of fighting that, why won't we embrace that fact and take it as it is. If they were so easy to persuade and sway into our "colonized" thinking, this problem would not have persisted for this long. Four decades is a long time. Time that should have been used to cultivate land, form economic relations, create and improve infrastructures and create jobs. It is true, when a friend of mine said that without peace, Mindanao cannot move forward. I guess what's important now is we allow the rule of law to do its work. Open up details of this talks to the public. Let everyone be informed. No more "cloak and dagger" negotiations. This issue concerns us all so since it's been open for debate now, let's check it out and be objective about it. Just because we dislike PGMA doesn't mean we should dismiss anything and everything that has to do with her administration as bad, wrong and evil. I don't like her. That's for sure. But face it people, we're stuck with her until 2010. There are people who think we should wait for the next President (which, of course they assume would be a more credible one) to take care of the peace process in Mindanao. What's so wrong with taking steps now? If the next President would be so smart to instantly know exactly what to do the day he/she sits in office, then let it be. Let that President have it his/her way. But two years is a long time and peace is Mindanao is an urgent and important issue. Why wait when we can undertake measures/steps now? It might be very difficult for us this time to accept that fact. I myself can't accept this. I always say that there must be some other way. But what is that other way? Many of us are still waiting for the ultimate peace resolution -- a magic potion to resolve our problem that will probably not come. But peace doesn't come for free. There's always a trade-off. Could it be that this is what it will take to finally achieve peace? Do we have the courage to let go? Let's give peace a chance. Would it be so bad if we give it a try now? I say let's do it. Let's try it. For all we know, this may be our only chance. Or do you have a better idea? If you do, let us know.</p>

Suggested Further Reading:

• Deferred Peace is Expedited War
• Where Do We Go From Here?
• Actually, We’ve Been Dancing the ChaCha re: BJE MOA
• A Change of Pace on the BJE MOA: Other Avenues of Peace
• Live and Let Live: The Non-Negotiable Solution

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