POLITICS: Peace with the Moros, Part 1
The history of various tribes and cultures and their organizational structures, practices and beliefs need to be studied closely to really grasp their practicality and applicability; it is believed by some scholars that the understanding of the pagan practices of the culture of the residents of the Mindanao hills can show some governments the torch of enlightenment.
The history of various tribes and cultures of the Mindanao region and their cultures follow the organizational structures, practices and beliefs that need to be studied closely and emulated since, it is the belief of some learned scholars that they can show the torch to some governments. The Moro problem as it exists today, makes interesting reading while pointing out some weaknesses in strategies which led to the imbroglio.
Two positive developments in the current situation of stalemate are worth mentioning; the first vital occurrence is the election of Duterte as President of the Philippines, while the other one is the change of guard in the leadership of the other party, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
These developments might have not mattered too much under the prevailing conditions which have not seen any encouraging movement but the change of guard both in the government and in the MILF has put the matters in the hands of the people who are having a mindset of reconciliation and accommodating the point of view of the other side.
But, it still remains to be seen whether the good intentions will translate to actual long-lasting peace on the ground; the scenario of the global war on terror and the desire of the suffering populace are the catalysts to the whole episode and the aim of the process is to normalize relations and usher in an era that is conducive to the establishment of a lasting peace.
The stage is now set for exploiting this changed climate to ensure that the violent secessionist rebellion that has been ongoing becomes a fading memory of the past; thus, all observers are of the opinion that if it cannot be done now, it will never be done anytime.
The expectations of the common man from these talks are so high that the negotiators will be under immense pressure to hammer out a solution; hence, it is almost a foregone conclusion that there is a big possibility of a truce.
But, under such a scenario the question is not if there will be a truce but, whether it will be a long-lasting one that holds itself against all testing situations and gifts the people of the south the benefit of peaceful nights of undisturbed, carefree sleep.
The bitterness of the long armed struggle has had the effect of creating deep-rooted rifts and it has become a point for the settlement of hate amongst the warring parties; moreover, the many futile attempts which flopped on their faces did not do anything to lessen the antagonism between the Islamic rebels and the futility of the exercise that has seen repeated failures.
Much is expected when the talks of the two sides resume since they have come to the negotiating table to give it their best shot; the need is to take it step by step and carve out a viable and widely acceptable roadmap so that the frayed nerves and the deep-seated mistrust gives place to optimistic acceptance of each other’s viewpoint.
The pagans and their systems are not those of an uncultured tribal; a sincere attempt to at least attempt to explore and understand their form of local government may be one of the pillars for this roadmap.
Everyone deserves a chance, so why not the Moros.
In case the learned experts find that the particular system is not feasible, it should not be summarily discarded, an attempt should then be made to explain its shortcomings to the other party and convince them in a methodical manner before adopting some other system.
Here too, the superiority of the selected system should first be discussed threadbare, its efficacy established, the other side to the dispute convinced and then take steps to install it. Wherever the wounds are deep better care has to be taken.
Hence, a lot of understanding and care has to be exercised in assuaging the hurt and anger of the minority Muslims which has taken a hold of the Muslim heartland in the south; in fact, I would go so far as to say that a roadmap that favors the Muslims more than it does the government.
End of part 1
Umrao Singh umraoz.wordpress.com
Written for: Lars-Magnus Carlsson www.thephilippinepride.com
