Healing The Wounds Of War In Bangsamoro, Philippines | CNA Correspondent

By CNA Insider

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Key Concepts:

  • Moro people, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), secessionist movement, peace process, decommissioning, clan feuds (rido), loose firearms, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), indigenous peoples (IPs), ancestral land, pintakasi (Filipino spirit of community action).

1. Historical Context and the Bangsamoro Peace Process:

  • The video discusses the historical marginalization and oppression of the Moro people in the Philippines, a Muslim minority in a predominantly Catholic country.
  • Decades of conflict fueled by massacres and displacement led to a separatist rebellion in the late 1960s and the rise of groups like the MILF.
  • In 2014, the Philippine government and the MILF signed a landmark peace deal aimed at establishing self-governance for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
  • BARMM is transitioning to its first parliamentary elections, with former rebels now involved in governance.
  • Despite the peace deal, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing challenges to stability.

2. Challenges to Peace and Security:

  • Attack on Humanitarian Workers: An incident in Basilan where Philippine military escorts were attacked by alleged MILF elements resulted in casualties and a firefight, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire.
  • Clan Feuds (Rido): The video emphasizes the persistence of clan feuds (rido) as a major source of conflict within the Bangsamoro region. A specific instance of infighting between two MILF factions due to a botched arranged marriage is detailed, leading to displacement and casualties.
  • Loose Firearms: The proliferation of loose firearms is identified as a significant problem. Despite decommissioning efforts, individuals often use cash incentives to purchase new weapons. Homemade or improvised firearms are common, indicating a deeply ingrained "gun culture" shaped by decades of war.
  • MILF Internal Conflicts: Infighting within the MILF, often rooted in clan feuds and revenge killings, poses a threat to the peace process. The MILF's limited police power hinders its ability to address these conflicts effectively.

3. The Role of Community and Tradition:

  • Pintakasi: The concept of "pintakasi," the Filipino spirit of community action, is highlighted as a response to crises, with communities coming together to help those affected by conflict.
  • Kinship Ties: Kinship ties among members of the MILF and other armed groups complicate conflict resolution efforts.
  • Ancestral Homes as Refuge: The video showcases how ancestral homes are used to shelter displaced families during times of conflict, emphasizing the importance of community support.

4. The Abu Sayyaf Group and Sulu's Perspective:

  • The video shifts focus to Sulu, where the Philippine military declared victory against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a notorious terrorist group known for kidnappings and beheadings.
  • Despite the victory, Sulu continues to grapple with the trauma of war, with communities still rebuilding after years of conflict and displacement.
  • Sulu's Governor asserts that the province is 50 years behind due to the war's impact.
  • Sulu opted out of joining BARMM during the 2019 plebiscite due to political, historical, and cultural differences. The Governor emphasizes that the benefits of autonomy have not adequately reached the island province.

5. Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Inclusion:

  • The video highlights the situation of non-Muslim indigenous peoples (IPs) within the Bangsamoro region, who often face marginalization and land conflicts.
  • Land disputes between MILF camps and IP ancestral lands are a recurring issue.
  • Many non-Muslim IPs have been killed due to land politics and other reasons.
  • The Teduray tribe's efforts to preserve their traditions are showcased, but they still lack secure titles to their ancestral lands.
  • The video emphasizes the need to include all indigenous peoples in the region's progress.

6. Key Arguments and Perspectives:

  • Muhar Iqbal (MILF Peace Negotiator): Stresses the need for coordination between state forces and MILF commanders during military operations in MILF communities. He emphasizes that everyone loses in conflict and that peace is the only viable option.
  • Francisco Lara Jr. (Peace Advisor): Raises concerns about the flow of weapons within Bangsamoro, despite decommissioning efforts.
  • Sulu Governor: Argues that Sulu has been left behind due to the war and that the benefits of autonomy have not reached the province.
  • Military General: Acknowledges that military means alone cannot achieve peace and that winning the hearts and minds of the people is crucial.

7. Notable Quotes:

  • Muhar Iqbal: "Everyone is a loser after all. We belong to the same country. Government forces die and die, we lost so that's why the only option is really to have peace."
  • Sulu Governor: "I had to play uh the game of uh those who were also in uh you know in uh uh positions of influence so I had to be like them but not exactly a warrior or a a warlord but uh I had to make them understand that I am not governor for just nothing to seek their support about being together and they look up to us uh since uh we are the leaders I want to maintain that dignity because as a father I carry the name of the Tausug."

8. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The video provides a nuanced and detailed look at the complex challenges facing the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines. While the peace process has made progress, ongoing issues such as clan feuds, loose firearms, internal conflicts within the MILF, and the inclusion of indigenous peoples threaten the long-term stability of the region. The video emphasizes the importance of community action, addressing historical grievances, and ensuring that the benefits of peace and autonomy reach all segments of society, including those in Sulu and non-Muslim indigenous communities. The path to lasting peace requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond military solutions and addresses the underlying social, economic, and political factors that fuel conflict.

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