Know the TRUTH and please don't fan the flames

by Kahlil Urmila Virola Gardiola

Kahlil Urmila Virola Gardiola*

For the past two days, this status has been gaining popularity: I condemn the ABS CBN TV Patrol POLL dated October 20, 2011 for irresponsibly asking a complex question: "Papayag ba kayo na itigil na peace talks at mag ALL OUT WAR na laban sa MILF?" While 97% voted for YES, does this follow that 97% wants to stop the peace talks AND at the same time launch an ALL OUT WAR against the MILF? Let us not allow a question to compromise the peace talks. NO to sensationalizing of news and complex question. YES to fairness and accuracy of news! MEDIA, KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!! [Please post this in your status until it reaches the mainstream]. It still riddles me as to the orginal source of the post, but it spread like wildfire over FB, specially among Mindanawons; Manilenyos; people from Luzon, Visayas and Pinoys based in other countries who are aware of what's really happening.

I am really saddened by the question AND result of the TV PATROL poll last October 20. Yes, there are lots of unfortunate things happening again here in the South. The majority of Filipinos are again prone to being drawn to confusion, irritation, anger, hatred, and worst--apathy. These flames are fanned further with misinformation; one-sided information; and people in positions who can greatly influence perception and sentiments. 

As your sister and fellow Filipino in our life journey, all I ask is for each of us to stay vigilant and always check and double check the information we are "handed" and most of all, not be influenced by black propaganda. For most people outside the conflict areas, especially those who don't know the real deal behind the issues, it all just seems confusing and pathetic, but for people here in Mindanao; specially those working on the ground; working for peace and trying to uphold the ceasefire and peace process (THIS ALSO INCLUDES mechanisms inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front such as the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities; Local Monitoring Teams; their subordinates, as well as International and Local representatives of the International Monitoring Team (IMT)--which I am also a part of). For these people working on the ground, and ESPECIALLY for people who LIVE WITHIN the conflict areas... every prejudiced word uttered, every wrong information, every decision made by people in high positions (mostly people in Manila and some who wants to protect their personal interests here in Mindanao), spells possible agitation, panic, violent conflict and displacement of thousands of families. 

In truth, if you don't already know, there are still hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced People (evacuees) living in temporary shelters (because of the wars and some skirmishes before and after 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008 etc) up until now. The last thing we would want to happen again is an ALL OUT WAR like the one declared by Estrada in 2000. THAT WAR ALONE displaced almost a Million civilians. Yes, there are also internal conflicts such as RIDO, and some breakaway groups, but this only shows how complex the situation is, and how we are treading on fragile ground. Hence, it would be best if we leave the work to the authorities whose mandate is dealing with these particular issues--let them investigate and serve justice for those who deserve justice. Another unknown fact, for the past 10 years, since the the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the communities are replete with success stories and life-saving experiences that are yet to be told and shared to a wider audience. Official records of the government and the MILF show 608 incidents of confrontation in 2002, which dropped to 10 in 2005 and only three in 2010. To add, when the government and MILF went back to negotiations, Mindanao experienced growth from 2005-2007, until clashes resumed in 2008 due to the controversies surrounding the now defunct MOA-AD.

 For those who are calling for an All Out War, DO NOT call for something out of emotional outrage, especially without even hearing the other side of the story; and without considering the huge implications of what you are suggesting. It has been a long arduous and painful journey towards peace... please do not compromise these efforts just 'cause you are feeling perplexed about things you see on mainstream media. Besides, let's not forget, that in the first place, all this struggle is rooted on the injustices done unto the Bangsamoro people. Justice for the Bangsamoro has long been overdue, and we are not making things better by spreading hatred against the Moros with misinformed and prejudiced declarations.

So, as your sister, I ask of you to please, please, stay cautious, get to know the real stories, don't spread the hatred and prejudice, help us achieve a lasting political settlement (to finally end all these), pray for us, whitelight, and just spread your love... ♥ Thanks and God Bless us all.

Ayyi "My TRUTH Empowers"

Read it at Facebook.com

*Photo from facebook.

PCEC Statement on the Recent Basilan Incident

We grieve and condole from the depth of our hearts with the families and friends of those who were killed from both sides in Sitio Bakisung, Barangay Cambug, Municipality of Al Barka in Basilan last Tuesday, October 18, 2011. In a battle that went from 5:30 AM up to 4:00 PM, about 31 government forces, and 6 of the Bangsamoro mujahideens, lost their lives in a clash that could have been avoided.

We hear the rage of our people as they cry for justice. A few of our politicians are even calling for an all-out-war. We are also deeply saddened as some of our media personalities have drumbeated war escalation perhaps borne out of their passionate response to the bloody and gruesome graphic images they have captured.

However, this is the time when we need to heed the exhortation of James, the brother of Jesus Christ, when he said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20 ESV) An all-out-war is not the answer to this crisis. We need to listen, find out the truth, implement justice, and seek the peace of all and not just of some.

The Mindanao armed conflict, from the 1970s up to 2000, cost us 120,000 deaths and US$2-3 billion in direct economic losses. The 2000 all-out-war under President Estrada displaced 2 million people. It is not wise to go back to the old ways and lose the gains of the peace negotiations in the past 14 years.

We need to move on. All the forces on the ground, including our government and military leaders and the MILF are moving on to a new era of dealing with conflicts through peaceful means. We praise God for the principled-leadership of His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III for upholding the primacy of the peace talks in the midst of calls for an all-out-war. We laud his standing order to the AFP to "Pursue peace, not Moro rebels."

We salute Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta, the Armed Forces Deputy Chief for Operations, as he resonates with the instruction of his Commander-In-Chief that there is no such a plan for an all-out-war, and that winning the peace is the top priority of our military. 

We respect the position of Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) who is strongly seeking justice for his soldiers within the existing peace mechanisms—like filing complaints before the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).3 Such intention is within the GPH doctrine on the primacy of the peace talks. This, in our opinion, is strategic thinking par excellence!

We also support the move of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for requesting immediately the International Monitoring Team (IMT)—peacekeeping officers from the European Union, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, Brunei, and other respected countries—to conduct quickly an investigation on this clash and other ensuing armed resurgence.

We affirm the stance of MILF CCCH Chairman Said Shiek who keeps in continuous direct contact with his government counterpart to avert any further armed escalation. We call on those who profess to follow Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to listen to these words: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Mt. 5:9)

"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (Js. 3:18)

May God's peace, blessings and wisdom be upon our government and military leaders, the MILF and all significant players on the ground as they navigate the nation through this crisis. May God’s peace embrace our land, our people, and our culture—now, and in the years to come.#

Bishop Efraim M. Tendero, D.D., D.L.
National Director, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches
October 24, 2011

 Read it at OPAPP.

Let Not Fr. Fausto Tentorio Die in Vain (Media Statement - Peace Advocates Zamboanga)

WE condemn in the strongest terms the murder and killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, a religious of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), who was treacherously shot dead in the premises of his Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato last Monday, October 17, 2011. We grieve over the tragic loss to God and mankind of another faithful worker in the mission to build the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Tentorio served and helped the people of Central Mindanao, especially the much-marginalized indigenous peoples of the region, for some 30 years. His death is an irreparable loss to the people of his community. But with him all people who believe in what he struggled and worked for – justice, love, freedom, truth, and peace - partly die, too.

His killing is an indictment not just of those who executed him, but of the society that produced the killer/s and the motive behind the evil and barbaric act. Fr. Tentorio pursued his pastoral duties with an uncommon zeal and courage because he daily witnessed the unjust and unjustifiable sufferings of the people around him. Their sufferings have been the results of the greed, betrayals, violence and corruption committed by others, perhaps by a nameless many day in and day out. This is the real culture of impunity that is said to be rife hereabouts.

The President has reflexively ordered the investigation and arrest of the perpetrator/s. But even in the rare event that the killer/s is caught, that would not be enough. Government has a constitutional, political and moral duty to wipe out the culture of impunity afflicting our society and people. It is a spreading cancer that results in rising insurgency, terrorism, criminality, and poverty.

We hope and pray that the killing of Fr.Tentorio will arouse local people and communities from apathy, indifference and cynicism - and so to inspire and energize us all to carry on his work and mission wherever we may be. By so doing, we shall affirm to God and ourselves that there is hope in our dreams for peace and better life, and that Fr. Tentorio did not live and die in vain.

Read it at Mindanao Examiner.

October 20, 2011 07:28:01 PM

Gov’t soldiers continue to attack MILF forces in Zamboanga Sibugay

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

MILF claims responsibility for killing of 8 gov't security troopers in Mindanao

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

7 soldiers killed, 8 others wounded in Zamboanga Sibugay ambush incidents

This is another sad story. The ambushes conducted by the MILF should be put to a stop. Every death in either camp escalates the tension and jeopardizes the peace process.

Condolences to the families of the seven soldiers. It's interesting to know also the casualties of the mortar attacks conducted by the AFP in the area.

The MILF also said that it's not organizational, which means the Central Committee did not authorize it. If so, is this a violation on the internal rules of the MILF? What are the disciplinary actions? As part of their accountability, a directive should be issued to put to halt any attacks or any plans of counter-attacks to the MILF community. But until now, an official statement couldn't be found from the luwaran website.

Read it at inquirer.net

October 21, 2011 8:37pm

Fr. Jun Mercado's Statement

A Call for Sobriety and Peace!

Folks,
Peace!

The tragedy that happened in Basilan, specifically the battle in al Barka that left 19 AFP young officers and men killed came as a shock to all. 

Everybody holds on the ceasefire agreement notwithstanding the ambiguity in the present talks. 

This tragedy poses a strong temptation for retaliation... and we are beginning to hear rumblings that demand blood for blood or an eye for an eye. 

But it also in these times that all people of goodwill NEED to rise from the grief brought by the tragedy albeit difficult and painful and proclaim anew our commitment to the peace process. 

It may not be popular to call for peace in these times... but peace making is NEVER a popularity contest. 

We do understand the pains as well as the bitterness brought by the recent losses in al Barka... Yet, in the midst of these pains and losses, we have to proclaim our faith in the peace process. 

Paz y Bien!

Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI
Institute for Autonomy and Governance
19 October 2011




Read it at Bapa's Space

Peacebuilders Community Statements

On Marvic Leonen's statement


PeaceBuilders Community appreciates the statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Marvic Leonen: "This armed confrontation was not intended by both government and MILF." 

Let us all pray that this won't be used by the 'hawks' and the spoilers of peace to escalate the armed conflict. We pray that those individuals and groups with political and financial interests in the perpetuation of armed conflict would be transformed in their hearts and minds and embrace genuine just-peace as they live their lives and as they go about their businesses.




On Biazon calls for Peace Talks suspension


PeaceBuilders Community strongly disagrees with Defense Committee Chairman Rodolfo Biazon's call to suspend the peace talks with the MILF. It is so reactive rather than proactive. We'd rather support a long-term approach to the issue of justice--both on behalf of the brave AFP soldiers and their families, and also on behalf of the killed Moro rebels and their families. Let's not go back to the old 'all-out-war' ways. Let's continue to be creative as we pursue the GPH-MILF Peace Talks!




On Gen. Ferrer's Statement


PeaceBuilders Community laud the statement of Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom): “Since the MILF has already claimed responsibility for engaging our soldiers, we shall not only file ceasefire violations against them but also murder and frustrated murder charges against their members who are responsible for the killing and wounding of our soldiers.”


On Anthony Taberna's Punto por Punto


The title, in itself, insinuates war escalation!

PeaceBuilders Community calls on Mr. Anthony Taberna to apply more of the principles of Peace Journalism as an expression of ethical media responsibility. The Filipinos are already angry about the death of our beloved soldiers. But fueling anger with insinuation of war escalation is irresponsible broadcasting.

We suggest that Mr. Taberna personally visit the evacuation camps and live among the suffering civilians affected by the war in Mindanao for at least a month; perhaps his emotionalism will be properly placed.




On Pnoy's dismissal of all-out war approach


PeaceBuilders Community lauds the wisdom and leadership of His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for upholding the primacy of the peace talks in the midst of sadness, anger, and cries for justice for our beloved soldiers killed in Basilan. An all-out-war will not improve the situation. There are institutions in place to respond intelligently to this situation, like the Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH). Proactive, rational, and long-term strategic thinking is needed in this kind of crisis. And that is exactly what we are seeing in the action of the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mabuhay po kayo, mahal na Pangulo!




Read it at Peacebuilders Community.
October 21, 2o11

MILF usually surrenders a member who committed a crime

There's a mechanism in place in dealing with the fugitive Dan Laksaw Asnawi. It should be exhausted in dealing with this Basilan incident. While we continue with the peace process, we should also seek justice on the death of the 19 soldiers. 

Read it at inquirer.net

October 20, 2011 7:12pm

Good Wednesday Group for Peace

Organizations like this should be highlighted in the media to give hope to the Filipinos that peace in Mindanao is possible with the united efforts of the men in uniform and the civilians. Rina-Jimenez David considers this as one of the "best kept secrets in Maguindanao". It was organized after the infamous Maguindao massacre. The GWGP was proven effective as it became one of the mechanisms to reduce the violent incidences last 2010 elections.

Thanks to Miss David for writing peace stories like this. Kudos to the the GWGP.

Read it at inquirer.net. 

October 20, 2011 9:54pm.

Condolences

Armed Forces of the Philippines

1. 1Lt Colt Alsiyao, PA
2. 1Lt Frank Junder P. Caminos, PA
3. 1Lt Vladimer A. Maninang, PA
4. 2Lt Jose Delfin E. Khe, PA
5. Sgt Ronald G. Sta. Rita, PA
6. Sgt Bonifacio R. Mabalot, PA
7. Cpl Roderick Cabanua, PA
8. Pfc Mark Ted Quiban, PA
9. Pfc Reny Arciaga, PA
10. Pfc Romel Ondovilla, PA
11. Pfc Roberto Ricafranca, PA
12. Pfc Jones Regor, PA
13. Pfc Jobert Miguel, PA
14. Pfc Jordan Olivar, PA
15. Pfc Emerson Tugas, PA
16. Pfc Ervin Dequito, PA
17. Pfc Jordan Magno, PA
18. Pfc Dennis Bolan, PA
19. Pvt Garry Colonia, PA

Moro Islamic Liberation Front

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I fully agree with this statement of Mr. Sadain:

The death of the soldiers in Al Barka, Basilan is just the recent manifestation of the war in Mindanao. Make no mistake about it, atrocities have been committed on both sides. For every soldier killed, a corresponding number, if not more, rebels and civilians have been killed, but our media do not report most of these. For every grieving family of soldiers, there are also grieving families of rebels and non-combatants who suffer the same fate. This is the reality of war, and it is a reality that must be avoided.-Mehol K. Sadain

Statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Marvic Leonen on the Basilan Incident

We are saddened to receive news from Basilan about an encounter that started at 5:30 a.m. yesterday, October 18, 2011 at Sitio Bakisong, Cambug Village, Al-Barka town. We are also informed that the incident has caused some casualties. Some civilians have also been evacuated as a result of the incident. They are already being attended to by the relevant government units. The fighting has already stopped. We are certain that this is an isolated incident. This armed confrontation was not intended by both government and MILF.

We are confident that the current mechanisms for monitoring violations of the ceasefire agreement are in place and are effectively working. With the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the ceasefire committees, we hope to be able to get a clearer picture of the causes of this incident.

In the meantime, the government panel in talks with the MILF is preparing for a meeting with its counterparts next month.#

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/statement-gph-peace-panel-chair-marvic-leonen-basilan-incident

What other people are saying about Fr. Fausto's death

I have no hesitation to call Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, as a martyr for justice and peace.-Abp. Orlando Quevedo (mindanews.com)

“All our peace efforts will be in vain if we cannot give justice to his death. He committed himself to work with the people in North Cotabato,” – North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou  Mendoza (mindanews.com)

“Napakabait na pari yan. He really cooperated here during our meetings or any activities. Pero sa pagpatay sa kanya, malaking issue ito dito,”  - Police Chief Inspector Benjamin Rioflorido

“Justice should be immediately rendered for Fr. Tentorio and all victims of summary executions. Such climate of impunity exists to this day, thus victimizing anti-mining advocates such as Fr. Tentorio because of the non-prosecution of those accountable for the previous cases of human rights violations and the existing counter-insurgency plan Oplan Bayanihan of the Aquino administration.” - Cristina Palabay, End Impunity Alliance Convenor (mindanaoexaminer.com)

“For a fellow missionary who selflessly worked to help the Indigenous Peoples and the poor farmers of Arakan Valley in North Cotabato to die in such a manner, we are saddened by the fact that there are sectors in our society who are against our work to help bring about peace in Mindanao,” Fr. Lauro de Guia, OMI provincial superior said in a statement. (newslinktv.blogspot.com, interaksyon.com)

Needless waste of compassionate & dedicated people. –Danilo Reyes on Twitter

Fr. Tentorio was a man of few words and few of his writings remain. But the love that the natives had for him, alive and now dead, remains strong.-Bernardo Cervellera, www.asianews.it

“This is a very sad incident… this is very painful for us because all the while we thought Kidapawan is already a peaceful place,” he said.- Kidapawan Bishop Romulo dela Cruz , cbcpnews.com

Martyr for Justice and Peace

By Abp. Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, DD | Monday| October 17, 2011 | Filed under: Mindaviews
source:http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2011/10/17/commentary-martyr-for-justice-and-peace/

BANGKOK — I have no hesitation to call Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, as a martyr for justice and peace. He is a worthy member of that noble line of martyrs in the Church in Mindanao who in their lives advocated causes that would help create a more just, a more peaceful, a more loving society. Such causes are for the poor like the indigenous peoples as well as for the integrity of creation.

That line of martyrs includes Fr. Alingal, S.J., and Fr. Nerylito Satur (diocesan priest) in the Diocese of Malaybalay, Fr. Tullio Favali, PIME, in the Diocese of Kidapawan, Fr. Carzedda PIME in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, Bishop Ben de Jesus, OMI, Fr. Benjie Inocencio, OMI, and Fr. Rey Roda, OMI, all three from the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.

Fr. Fausto was a young missionary priest when he was assigned to the Diocese of Kidapawan which I led as its Bishop (from 1980 to 1986). He learned Ilonggo quickly and spoke it almost all the time. Like all the PIME in the Diocese of Kidapawan, he was very close to the people, and his convento in Arakan or in Columbio was open to the people. It was always a great joy for me to see him at the Bishop’s Residence in Kidapawan taking his day off and watching a VHS movie or two after a long week of trekking up the mountains of Arakan or visiting the villages of Columbio. Like Fr. Tullio, he had a soft easy smile and a voice that invited conversation. The only enemies he could make are those who wanted to silence his voice appealing for justice and peace for the indigenous peoples and for God’s creation.

I cannot fathom the minds of people who would be so evil as to plot the killing of a justice and peace loving missionary like Fr. Fausto. His assassination creates profound sadness and brings tears to the people who know of his kindness as well as his courage in the face of hazards to his life.

His death is pure murder. I totally condemn it as a crime that cries out to heaven. If the perpetrators think that his murder would silence priests, religious sisters and brothers, and bishops from proclaiming the justice of God’s kingdom, they are wrong. The blood of martyrs like Fr. Fausto fans the daring and courage of those who care about peace and justice enough to sacrifice themselves while travelling the road of active non-violence. I strongly appeal to the authorities to search for the perpetrators and bring to justice.

My prayers to the loving Lord for my friend, Fr. Fausto, PIME. (Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, of the Archdiocese of Cotabato was Bishop of Kidapawan from 1980 to 1986. One of his priests then, Fr. Tullio Favali, was gunned down by a group of paramilitary elements on April 11, 1985 in Tulunan, North Cotabato.  Quevedo learned about Fr. Tentorio’s murder only when he opened his mobile phone upon arrival in Bangkok for a conference of Asian bishops Monday afternoon. “This sad news affected me greatly and my mind went back to my six years in Kidapawan (1980-86) and my experiences with the young Fausto.”)

Coffee Break for Peace

Not much can be heard lately about the GPH-MILF Peace Talks. So let's have a coffee break, but not just an ordinary coffee break.

I've come across this website: coffeeforpeace.com.  Making use of coffee in promoting peace? Wow!

They are "a community of conscientious individuals who are passionate about business-for-profit, addressing social issues that concerns our farmers, our environment, and the peace situation in our land by advocating Fair Trade in the coffee industry."

Coffee for Peace reminds us that peace should be in our consciousness as ordinary (if you’re a coffee drinker like me) as we drink coffee.

So every time you drink coffee, say peace! I hope many coffee shops will promote this advocacy.

"Not's just another coffee. It's JUST coffee"

Newsbits:

Umbra Kato is totally out from the MILF. Can his group be another "MILF"? We'll see within a year or two. We should be reminded that MILF was once a breakaway group from the MNLF. If Umbra Kato has the education, ideology, and leadership of Hashim Salamat, he could gather more supporters, otherwise it will slowly fade. Also, one MSU Professor, in a forum few years ago, observed that every time a Moro group lowers its original demand from independence e.g. autonomy, there always emerges a new group (or a faction) demanding for independence. 

Congratulations to the success of the OPAPP celebration of Peace Month. It culminates with Rock for Peace. Let's celebrate peace in our hearts daily.

Opening Salvo?

There's a call for the GPH and MILF to declassify their proposals. As the third party facilitator tries to reconnect and bring back the two panels to the negotiating table, would opening these documents help build or break the talks?

One of the reasons why the proposals are kept in confidentiality is to give both panels flexibility to negotiate based on the issues and substance of the problem as to how they understand it, and not be influenced by the perceptions of the masses. Why involve people who may not be directly affected? Do the people from Batanes need to know the content of the substate and 3-for-1 proposals?

MOA-AD was declared unconstitutional due to the lack of consultation, and the negative perception of the Filipinos including those who are in Manila.. The negative perception is not based on the substance of the memorandum but on the pronouncements of the politicians and different interpretations of those opinion-makers.

Would declassifying these documents help the peace talks move forward? Since one of the proposals involve constitutional amendments, which to be decided by the Filipino people as a whole, perhaps it's time to declassify these documents. The Filipino people will be fully on-board on the process and not keep on guessing as to the content. This would also test the water whether the Filipino people are open for the substate concept. The fear of "independence" attached on the substate concept will be thoroughly evaluated by the people themselves. Should the 3-for-1 proposal of the Leonen panel be acceptable to the majority of the Bangsamoro people, then there might be reconsideration in the side of the MILF.

After having a talk with one peacemaker, I realized that the end-product of the negotiation should have one quality: "acceptability" to the Bangsamoro people. Whether its substate, 3-for-1, or [autonomy], since this includes a national issue (charter amendment) it should also add another quality: "acceptability" to the majority of the Filipinos as a whole, which requires a massive information campaign. Declassifying the documents could be a good start.

There was a raging storm after the MOA-AD initials, I hope this time the storm will be before the settlement signing.

Peace awareness in Kapeacetahan

Awareness is the starting point where change of behavior could take place. Positive awareness could motivate people to positively respond.

Before I didn't care about the Mindanao conflict as long as we were not affected directly. I live in one peaceful community in the province of Sarangani. We got no Muslim neighbors, which prevented me to understand how they live and behave.

By attending various forums  initiated by the UNYPAD, MUSA, and Young Moro Professionals in the University, I slowly learned what is their struggle all about.

That's why I find the peace awareness campaign of the OPAPP, the KAPEACETAHAN as equally important to the peace talks of the GPH and MILF. Massive awareness and education campaign is needed to augment and complement the talks. At the end, it will be the people who will decide, should there be a plebiscite on Constitutional Amendments. It will be the people, informed or not informed, will influence the actions of the politicians.

More programs like these are needed in the grassroots. There are many who are not yet aware of the conflict, and are deprived of an informed judgment.

Teach Peace

About 2800 Catholic educators gather in Davao to talk about peace. This is a good initiative as the church plays a major role in pursuing the peace process.

These people of influence will multiply as they share their insights on the current Peace Talks. One good result of this gathering is for each educator and clergy to reconsider and rethink their present perspective with regards to the Moros and the Bangsamoro struggle.

The Peacemakers: MILF Peace Panel

The MILF Peace Panel

Chairman: Mohagher Iqbal

photosource:dl.voanews.cn

Mohaqher Iqbal, 62, is Information Chief Officer of the MILF Central Committee. He is also known by another name, as Salah Jubair, author of the book, Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny and the 2006 book, The Long Road to Peace. Iqbal was panel chair from July 9, 2003 until the last agreement signed under the Arroyo administration on June 3, 2010. He was reappointed panel chair in early 2010.

Datu Michael O. Mastura

photos credit: cenpeg.org

Datu Michael O. Mastura, 69, is a lawyer and historian. He is also founding president of the Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. A delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1971, he later served as Deputy Minister of Muslim Affairs. He has written several books on the Bangsamoro Struggle, among them “Muslim in the Philippines”, The Muslim Filipino Experience: A Collection of Essays (1984), Islam and Development (1980) and has recently completed a new book “Bangsamoro Quest: The Birth of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front” which will be off the press soon.

Mastura served as representative of the first district of Maguindanao. He is now referred to as “senior panel member”. He has been a panel member since 2001.

Maulana Alonto

Maulana Robert Alonto, writer and activist, has been a panel member since 2003. He used to edit a community newspaper. He is based in Lanao del Sur. In the early 1970s, Alonto was with the Northern Mindanao Revolutionary Committee of the Moro National Liberation Front tasked to handle propaganda and “like the other brothers had to fight in the Moro war of Liberation and defense against the Marcos dictatorship.

Abhoud Syed Lingga

Prof. Abhoud Syed Linga, 61, Executive Director of Institute of Bangsamoro Studies in Cotabato City, and Chair of the Bangsamoro People’s Consultative Assembly, is a new member of the peace panel. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College. Like Iqbal and Mastura, Lingga has written several papers on the Bangsamoro Struggle, published in the Philippines and abroad.

Abdulla U. Camlian

Abdulla U. Camlian, a Tausug-Sama Bangui-ngui from Zamboanga City and Basilan, is a former head of the MILF peace panel’s technical committee. A graduate of the Cairo Military Academy in 1965, Camlian founded that year the Green Guards, “an associate idealist Muslim youth…which eventually formed the nucleus of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Western Mindanao.” He served the Southern Philippines Development Authority for several years and in 1989 was Deputy Executive Director with the rank of Assistant Secretary, of the Office on Muslim Affairs under the first Aquino Administration.

In 1990, he was named as member of the Philippine Lobby Mission to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Baghdad, Iraq, in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, in Morocco and in Kuwait. He had been assigned also to head the Philippines delegation to the International Qur’an reading competitions in some ASEAN countries.

Datu Antonio Kinoc, a Blaan, is alternate member of the MILF peace panel.

Source: Page 11, Our Mindanao, Volume 1 Issue 1, December 2010.

This was distributed on the 2^nd National Solidarity Conference on Mindanao.

The Peacemakers: GPH Peace Panel*

Chair: Dean Marvic MVF Leonen

source:opapp.gov.ph

Panel Chair Dean Marvic MVF Leonen is the Dean of the University of the Philippines-College of Law. Last July 19, 2010, Dean Leonen was designated by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as the panel chair for the Government Negotiating Panels for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Dean Leonen is expert in the fields of Constitutional Law, Agrarian Reform Law, Philippines Indigenous Law and Civil Procedure. He served as a regular faculty of the UP College of Law since 1989. His advocacy extends to areas of human rights, agrarian reform, ancestral domain and health. Apart from his active engagements in the field of law, he also served as the Vice-President for Legal Affairs and University General Counsel of the UP System.

He obtained his AB Economics (magna cumlaude) and Law Degree from UP and his Master of Laws from the College of Law of Columbia University in New York.

E-mail address: chairgrpmilftalks@gmail.com

Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer

source:up.edu.ph

The sole woman in the panel is professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Her areas of specialization are peace and conflict studies, human rights, and international humanitarian law, and comparative politics of Southeast Asia. Professor Ferrer was one of the 27 Filipina nominees to the 1000 Women for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominations. She has written several books, and journal articles on peace process, civil society, and regional autonomy. Before joining the government panel, Ferrer was involved in various national and global peace campaigns and had served as visiting professor in several Asian universities.

E-mail address: mcf178@yahoo.com

Secretary Senen Bacani

bridgingleadership.aim.edu

Senen Bacani served as the Agriculture Secretary from 1990-1992, during the administration of Corazon Aquino. During his term, he was hailed as the Most Outstanding Cabinet Member by the Philippine Senate. Among his notable awards are the Benedictine Centennial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture (1995), Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2006), La Sallian Achievement Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2008) and the 1^st Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Award for Nation Building.

E-mail Address: scbacani@ultex.com.ph

Mayor Ramon Piang Sr.

photo source: synergeia.org.ph

Mayor Ramon Piang belongs to the Teduray tribe and has been active in the advancement of the rights of the indigenous peoples. He has served as the Mayor of Upi for three terms and has served as the Vice Mayor of the same town in June 2010. In April 2011, he again became the Mayor of Upi.

Mayor Piang was one of the Ten Outstanding Mayors in 2003 and was named the Most Exemplary Individual by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation 3^rd Triennial Award in 2006. He has likewise paved the way for Upi to receive the following accolades: Kaagapay Seal of Excellence in Local Governments (2004), Gawad Galing Pook Award for Tri-people Way of Conflict Resolution (2004), Most Outstanding LGU for Bantugan (2010).

E-mail address: rap_upians@yahoo.com

* The profile was distributed during the 2nd National Solidarity Conference on Mindanao 2011.

The 2nd National Solidarity Conference on Mindanao Statement

FINDING THE COMMON GROUND IN THE GPH-MILF PEACE TALKS:

A View from the Stakeholders and Grassroots

We, the delegates of the 2nd National Solidarity Conference on Mindanao (NSCM II), representing religious leaders, business community, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, women, youth, internally displaced persons and academe, gathered in Davao City on September 8-9, 2011 to tackle the theme, “The GPH-MILF Peace Talks: Finding the Common Ground;”

DEEPLY ENCOURAGED by the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that 8 out of 10 Filipinos are hopeful that the GPH-MILF Peace Talks will result in a signing of a peace agreement; 

SERIOUSLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s pronouncement that the strong political capital and public support that he now enjoys will be most effective up to 2013;  

STRONGLY AGREE with the statement of MILF Chairman Al Haj MuradEbrahim that “contentious and divisive issues in the peace negotiations can be resolved if both government and the MILF panels treat each other as partners instead of adversaries.”

With the unequivocal mandate from their principals to fast-track the negotiations, we believe that this is not the time for the parties to show off posturing or compete with each other’s intellectual prowess and superiority in terms of strategies and tactics in negotiation. This is the time to lay down the cards on the table, roll the sleeves up and start the work of honest, discerning and determined negotiations mindful of the following

PEACE OUTCOMES:

• Address the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for self-governance in accordance with their distinct identity, culture, religion and way of life;
• Correct the imbalance of totality of relationship between Filipinos and Moros.
• Give due recognition and justice to the ancestral homeland of the Moros.
• Deliver good and effective governance, social services and foster economic development as soon as possible.
• Recognize the Moro aspiration for separate national identity while retaining their Filipino citizenship.
• Demilitarize, rehabilitate and normalize the situation in the conflict-affected areas.
• Filipinos and Moros share the fruits of peace and become partners in development.

MINDFUL of the long years of negotiations that have spanned four administrations -- Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and now under President Aquino - it is prudent and wise that the peace panels build and harness the gains of the negotiations by closely working on the consensus points as building blocks for a negotiated political settlement.  We are confident that both parties will not squander the long years of past negotiations by starting from scratch. 

LISTENING to the presentation of the GPH panel, and at the same time paying attention to those that have not been said, we feel that the GPH panel has not yet fully laid down its cards. While it was quick to state that this is part of the negotiation process, it will save a lot of time and energies if the GPH panel, which is in the position to give in this negotiation, will be able to respond squarely to the proposals of the MILF.  Having described its proposal as the starting point, it will be more productive and honestly different, if GPH lays down its proposal not only from the starting point but also up to the ending point in order to spare the parties from what could be an unnecessary guessing game;

HEARING also from the MILF Peace Panel, we feel that the act of rejecting outright the proposal of the government was not faithful to the mutual understanding of the principals to fast-track the negotiations.  We urge the MILF to return to the negotiating table without pre-condition, extend the hand of dialogue and move heaven and earth in order to fulfill the political aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.  It is by talking and negotiating that we are able to narrow the gaps of the two proposals at hand;

FINDING the common ground to move forward has not been an easy task for the NSCM2 considering the fact that the official proposals of both parties up to now remain confidential and inaccessible to ordinary stakeholders.   From the little knowledge that we have gathered and given the limited access to official documents actually exchanged in the formal talks, we believe that in order to find the common ground, it is imperative for both parties to address some procedural, psychological and substantive issues that impede the way towards the common ground, such as:

Psychological

• At this critical stage in the negotiation, it is important for the parties to increase confidence-building measures and cultivate the real essence of partnership that both the GPH and the MILF are proposing.  Accusations and counter-accusations will not help the seeming deadlock of positions.  “Talk to each other instead of talking about each other in the media” is the call of the day as suggested by the Bangsamoro civil society leaders.  This applies also to statements posted on social networking sites which spread like virus and are prone to misinterpretation and agitation.

• Pounding the rido problem on the MILF like it is a conditio sine qua non to negotiated political settlement does not improve the call to develop genuine partnership.  We believe that the peace mechanisms on the ground such as the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the International Monitoring Team are much more effective and competent to deal with the ground issues while the peace panels focus their attention on bridging the substantive gaps of the proposals at hand.

Procedural

• The issue on which draft will be used as a working draft is for us irrelevant and counter-productive.  Why not use both drafts and from there develop the working draft together?  What is lacking in one draft can be filled in by the contents of the other draft and vice-versa.  This may sound too simplistic but as it stands now, there are two proposals on the table and both are not diametrically opposed but could actually feed on some gaps that each proposal may be found wanting.  For instance, as the two proposals stand, it cannot simply be a choice between  political solution or socio-economic development.  Both proposals can go together and will be mutually beneficial.  

• At this stage in the negotiation, we also remind the GPH panel to activate its Advisory Team especially those coming from the House of Congress and Senate and the Judiciary, so that the other branches of government will already be on board and will hopefully cooperate in the eventual legitimatization process of the peace agreement.

Substantive

• The Bangsamoro Commission as proposed by the GPH panel may be further developed and negotiated to address the task of “legalizing the peace agreement.”  Admittedly, there are proposals on the table that cannot pass the test of constitutionality, thus requiring possible amendments of the present constitution.  Representation in the Bangsamoro Commission as proposed by the GPH can be improved by ensuring that it will be led and determined by the Bangsamoro people taking into account participation in terms of gender, ethnic nationalities within Bangsamoro nation and sectoral interests.

Along these lines, the NSCM2 puts forward the following recommendations:

1.         For the parties to immediately return to the negotiating table and tackle the Draft MILF Comprehensive Compact and the GPH Three-for-One Solution with the end in view of bringing together provisions of the two proposals that are mutually acceptable to the parties.   We urge the parties to continue the efforts until they arrive at a mutually acceptable working draft. 

2.         Instead of debating what will be the name of the governing political entity – whether it will be a substate or a new, improved and reformed ARMM or “autonomy  in brackets” as described by the GPH panel – we recommend that the parties focus putting flesh and substance to the governance structure that will be suitable and acceptable to the Bangsamoro people.  The parties do not have to start from scratch here because the Draft Comprehensive Compact of the MILF has a very concrete proposal which can be further enhanced and reframed in a manner that can be easily understood by the layman.  Acknowledging the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro and indigenous peoples in Mindanao, as proposed by the GPH, is a very important element for healing and reconciliation.

This clearly resonates with the statement of President Aquino that "From the very beginning, the devil is in the details. Bakaiyong enhanced autonomy namin at sakaiyong sub-state nila, sapangalanmagkalayo, perosadetalye, bakamagkalapit. So, talagangitututoknatindoonsadetalye, ide-define ngbawatisangpanig, anobatalagaangposisyonnila, anobaiyongmgadetalye at palagaykomaramiangmakikitadoonnamagkakaparehas."

3.         To prevent a repeat of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA-AD) of 2008,  we take the risk of being repetitious by reiterating the NSCM standing recommendation for the setting-up of a regular feedback mechanism and public consultations that should be institutionalized in the local government units, national government agencies, including the legislative and judicial branches of government.

FINALLY, for the GPH and MILF peace panels we pray that God will bestow upon you good health, wisdom, patience and creativity to become effective peacemakers.  We hope that your efforts will lead you to the common ground for a negotiated political settlement which will finally realize our shared aspirations for peace, justice, and social progress.  After doing everything that is humanly possible, we entrust everything to our Almighty God and seek out divine intervention that we may experience the joys of heaven, here on earth. 

Once again, we commit our skills, time, talents, energies, patience and creativity in order to fulfill the hopes of the majority of our people; that a peace agreement will not only be signed but also implemented during the term of President Aquino.  This is the best legacy that the son of Cory and Ninoy, our President, can give to the peoples in Mindanao.  

September 9, 2011, Davao City.

source:http://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-peoples-caucus/the-2nd-national-solidarity-conference-on-mindanao-statement/157288234360199