Photo Courtesy of PulitzerCenter.org
Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order on the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement that would create a larger Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that would be called the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This was a 'victory' for the opponents of this MOA. And as for me, we should not take steps on resolving the conflict by further dividing ourselves.
I also believe that to solve the problem of the MILF or the Abu Sayaf and the communist insurgency elsewhere is to provide the much needed basic social services of the people (e.g. education, health, housing). Mindanao had been long neglected as well as the far-flung communities which are heavily infested with communist insurgents. I believe that these 'revolutionaries' (not rebels, because in the first place, they are crying out genuine problems), would not have the guts to take up arms against the established government if they are receiving these services which are indeed, very basic and very simple. Yet why in all these years, the government had failed to give?
And another question? Why are they in a hurry? Well, one answer that I have thought of is that because solving the 'Moro rebellion' is one of the main policies of the Arroyo regime, they would want to solve it right away so that she can 'proudly claim' that she has 'solved' it. And well maybe help her approval ratings go up. But hey Mrs. Arroyo, you are not solving the problem. You are creating a new one by giving the MILF the reason to push through for an independent Bangsamoro State. Well, I would be one of the many Filipinos who would stand up for a united Philippines. Religion or ethnicity should not be a dividing factor in our country. And it should not be a reason for separation. Umayos ka nga Gloria.
Photo Courtesy of geoconger.wordpress.com
