|
Saturday, 05 April 2008 |
By Yolanda Ortega Stern
Print media has been reporting about an impending rift within the MNLF. The story of the Council of 15 who bolted, returned, and re-bolted, is an old story. They did it again last week in Pagadian. They re-ousted Chairman Nur Misuari and installed Muslimin Sema in yet another bid to form their own “MNLF 2”. Their grievances are old grievances and we have all read them. The men involved are known to all of their former associates, for they were once fighting shoulder to shoulder for the Moslems’ right to self determination. Some fought in deeds, and some with words. No matter, their publicized goals are not too far from their former combatants, with one difference, some of them are now identified with government and indeed appear to have the support and encouragement of those in government. That puts them under the suspicious net relegated to those that have moved up into government positions.
At the sidelines watching, is the MNLF, with its Chairman Prof Nur Misuari still in detention after seven years, without trial. The OIC recognizes him as the legitimate Chairman of the MNLF. His representatives at the Dakar Summit of Sovereigns and Heads of States were the only recognized representatives. He was of course invited, as he was for the Jeddah meeting, but he was not allowed travel papers by the court. The position of the MNLF today has not changed much. Even from detention, Chairman Misuari continues the same struggle to move further and forward, the Moslems struggle for self determination, by demanding the full implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement. The OIC has called for the same. Despite misrepresentation or lack of representation in print media, the MNLF has grown in numbers, the women having joined in greater numbers for many initiatives and Lumads and Christians playing an ever greater role in determining the future. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Friday, 04 April 2008 |
by Yolanda Ortega Stern
The “Mindanao Factor” has hounded would-be conquistadores and colonizers as well as national and local governments in the Philippines for centuries. Every president in my lifetime has contended with it. Anyone growing up in the Philippine South particularly in Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga, and Basilan knew the familiar Christian refrain that went – “The only good Moro is a dead Moro.” It seemed that all policy, personal as well as conventional led to this end and all means were considered justified. It’s true that Moslems, Lumads and Christians co-existed for long periods of time in-between in the absence of conflict. But conflict re-visited us as if there was a re-visiting forces agreement that needed to be enforced from time to time. And so as I write, it is back again, and has stayed for quite sometime
What is to be done so that the “Mindanao Factor” ceases to become the Conflict du Jour? If all the Moslems left will the Philippines be peaceful? As a solution, this is not an option or even an experiment for consideration. Do we know what they want? Have we been listening closely? Have we really tried to work towards lasting solutions? In the compromise solution to achieve peace through ARMM, has the Philippine Government given careful study to the meaning of autonomy? Does ARMM have autonomy? Has the government made affirmative action mandatory in a territory where Christians outnumber Moslems or is it perpetuating an indispensable conflict to justify political and military interdictions? Have all government been under the mercy of special interest that it does not dare to think out of the box to bring this sad situation to and end? Can it even be done? |
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 April 2008 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
A Separate Peace for April’s Fools? |
|
Tuesday, 01 April 2008 |
By Yolanda Ortega Stern
A Separate Peace for April’s Fools?
How many “Peace Agreements” can the Philippine Government sign before it has to implement one of them seriously? And how long can the co-signers wait before it can reduce the burden that comes with the new pact?
In pre-marital counseling, a psychological and emotional evaluation comes first. Each side is allowed to assume the other’s shoes and given the chance to think as the assumed character. A compatibility chart is drawn and every area assumed incorrectly by the other side, is laid on the table and discussed. Then future expectations are thrown into the hat and the fantasies are sorted from the reality. Thus, a couple contemplating marriage knows what he/she is getting into while still engaged.
The Organization of Islamic Conference and Tripoli have acted as peace brokers in the Philippines for sometime now. In fact, Tripoli has done more than just brokering peace in the country. It suggests that the government and representatives of the “Mindanao Factor” are not capable of open discussion, therefore, the external broker. No one can recall the NPA and other “left-leaning” organizations needing a foreign broker for peace. But then it has been very helpful for the Moslems of the Philippines. It has given them a modicum of security, and a small claim that someone is listening and watching out for their interests. So far, they cannot claim the same about the Philippine Government.
There was the GRP MNLF Tripoli Agreement of 1976, followed by the implementing agenda called the 1996 Peace Agreement. Depending on which side you are on, much has happened or nothing has happened since the signing. The OIC is once again facilitating the review of the 1996 agreement and has called on the Philippine government and the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) to work towards a mutually beneficial conclusion. At the same time, it has also called for the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to unite. And to add media confusion for the masses, it is also brokering a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF to the consternation of the MNLF, the Lumads and the Christians. Afterall, they all populate this island called Mindanao today, and driving a few of them out of there by force is without question not an easy alternative. |
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 April 2008 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
| Results 29 - 32 of 37 |
