Mulat

Release Ces Drilon Now!

2008-06-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Assalamu alaikum!
Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

We praise Allah Subhanu wa ta'Alah for giving us the strength to write this entry. There is an impending turmoil in the land of the Slaves of Allah and it is but imperative that we write about this now.

We, members of the Muslims United for Law & Truth ask our fellow Muslims in Jolo to immediately cause the release of ABS-CBN correspondent Ces Drilon. Reports say that Drilon was abducted by armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

We do not believe that the leadership of the Abu Sayyaf Group allowed this incident to happen at this propitious time when most of Allah's Slaves are reeling in hunger and poverty and where most are expectant of peace in the land of the Bangsamoro People.

Whoever did this thing, let them be accountable to Allah Subhana wa Ta'Alah. Ces Drilon is a non-combatant. She's not a part nor should be made a part of the Bangsamoro struggle.

As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) enjoin us to treat the People of the Book with utmost respect, let us reason together and allow Ces Drilon and her crew safe passage in the land of the Bangsamoro.

No harm shall befall those whose hands are not stained with the blood of the Pious. May Allah SWT treat those who will cause harm to this lady an equal and just punishment.

The cause of the Bangsamoro struggle is a cause of the Just and Pious amongst us. Let us not involve a woman of integrity and honesty. It is to Allah SWT that we owe the success or failure of our struggle as a People.

May Allah SWT judge those who wrongly decided to abduct Ms. Ces Drilon and her crew. She is to be released unharmed so that we earn the respect of the whole world.

Inevitable War in Mindanao

2008-05-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

Former chairman Professor Nur Misuari yesterday faced thousands of his supporters in Davao City. Unlike his previous stance, Misuari cautioned his supporters and called for peace, instead of continuing the Bangsamoro struggle for independence. This is a stark departure from the professor's stance way back in early 2000 when he, together with the rest of the remaining MNLF fighters, nearly declared independence from Manila.

Misuari's pronouncement betrays the real reason behind his metamorphosis--he now serves as a de facto government agent. After the much-publicized declaration of independence by Bangsamoro groups in Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi a few months back, government tried to defuse the situation by relying on Misuari's equity among the people. Gloria wants Misuari to parrot the government line, ergo, prostituting the clean name of Misuari and using this as bait to appease the Bangsamoro people.

However, it would take more than a Misuari to cure the infirmities brought by government inaction to the Bangsamoro problem. The MILF, in a previous statement, said that war is inevitable should the GRP continue to dilly-dally on the proposed peace pact. The infirmity is palpable, since both sides can't move forward because the pact needs congressional approval of one contentious issue--the grant of ancestral domain.

With the entry of Libya and the withdrawal of Malaysia into the picture, what good purpose will this do? Libya served as the bridge between the MNLF and the government before, while Malaysia did a very good job in mediating both parties. Government invitation to Libya belies its real intention. It would try to delay the proceedings. The MILF knows that. That's why it issued a statement saying that the GRP is only interested in perpetual truce, instead of going to the peace table with clean hands.

Likewise, the appointment of former AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon as peace adviser shows the insincerity of government to talk peace. Esperon is one of the hawks within Arroyo's government. Being a soldier, he views rebels with disdain and this will show during the talks. He has a different mindset, unlike Jesus Dureza or Fr. Mercado. He might talk peace just to enable the AFP to prepare for war.

If the stalemate continues, there's no more time for both sides to continue talking peace. And should war breaks out, that would be the triumph of the Jemaah Islamiya.

Implications in the Delay in GRP-MILF Peace Talks

2008-04-09T16:50:00.001-07:00

In the news report below, the MILF warned that a war in Mindanao would break out should the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) continue employing dilatory tactics in the peace negotiation table. The MILF through Khaled Musa says that the continued delaying tactics by the GRP panel led by Peace Negotiator Rod Garcia is a direct affront to efforts of both sides to resolve the Bangsamoro question.

Analysts say that both sides already agreed on giving the Bangsamoro People pieces of land declared as ancestral domain in Mindanao. However, the GRP backtracked since various sectors oppose the granting of ancestral domain to the Bangsamoro People since it effectively dismembered RP and is violative of the Constitution.

Many quarters in the rebel secessionist group is said to be wary of the government under Arroyo. That explains why the MILF invited US Ambassador Kenney to their camp, an obvious sign of the sincerity of the rebel group to negotiate peace.

Kenney's visit is seen as a deft diplomatic move aimed at increasing US involvement in the peace talks. Quarters believe that the MILF Central Committee leadership is looking at US intervention to speed up the peace negotiations.

However, it seems that the peace process is doomed due to these dilatory moves being employed by the GRP. Malacanang is said to have been receiving enormous political pressures from various interest groups in Mindanao against the signing of the peace agreement.

Hawks within the palace is egging for another outbreak of hostilities for two (2) reasons: one, it would beef up the coffers of the AFP and allow arms dealers to get huge war profits and two, it would divert attention from the rice crisis.

Should war break out in Mindanao, analysts see it as a triumph by the Al Qaeda-backed Jemaah Islamiyah in Mindanao. A war would definitely strengthen the linkages and network of the terrorist group in Mindanao. It would also be seen as an opportunity by JI to test its fighters so to speak. This early, there are reports indicating a rise of JI fighters training in the hinderlands of Mindanao. It seems that JI is preparing for a major battle in the region. This is bad news for the US and the rest of the region since this will increase security risks and could open more cities in Asia for terrorist attacks.

The best move, therefore, is for the GRP to continue the peace talks and sign the agreement. It is in the best interests of all stakeholders in regional security for GRP to decisively end the conflict in Mindanao. Mindanao continues to be the weakest link in the regional fight against terror. A peace pact could delay or even end JI's presence in the land of plenty.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Delay in peace talks deliberate, says MILF

The Muslim separatist group earlier warned that hostilities might erupt in Mindanao if the negotiations fail

By Al Jacinto, Correspondent

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim separatist rebel group in the country, accused Manila on Wednesday of delaying the peace talks.

Manila is negotiating peace with the MILF, an army of about 12,000 rebels with millions of Muslim supporters. Peace talks were stalled after both sides failed to sign an agreement on the Muslim ancestral domain.

A senior MILF leader, Khaled Musa, accused Manila of deliberately delaying the signing of the agreement on ancestral domain, which he said had been approved by rebel and government peace negotiators last February.

“The peace talks could have resumed immediately after the Holy week but the government introduced another delaying tactic by creating a legal team to study the draft document on ancestral domain,” he said.

“The only purpose of this is to make a mockery of the peace talks and delay its resumption while the government works to secure as much funding for the rehabilitation of Mindanao, which, however, fall mainly into the pockets of corrupt government men.”

Musa said the delay in the peace talks is a government strategy to pass the Muslim insurgency problems to the next president of the Philippines. “It is a practice consistently pursued by all changing presidents in this country,” Musa said.

He also criticized President Gloria Arroyo’s peace advisor, Jesus Dureza, over a statement he made during the recent 4th Asia-Pacific Dialogue in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Musa said Dureza’s statement about the peace talks with the MILF in Cambodia was an empty rhetoric that has no meaning at all, except to deceive the international community and to create false hope.

Dureza, who previously headed the peace panel negotiating with the MILF, was quoted as saying that the Philippine government’s commitment has remained strong in upholding the primacy of the peace process, particularly in Mindanao.

“As a long-term strategy to sustain the gains of the peace process, our government has embarked on various programs and initiatives involving the participation of civil society groups, including schools and the media,” Musa, quoting Dureza, said.

“What primacy of the peace process is Dureza referring to?” Musa asked.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF peace negotiator, said the Philippine panel agreed late last year on the scope of the ancestral domain, but later reneged on the accord that will constitute a separate homeland for more than 4 million Muslims and indigenous tribes in Mindanao.

Iqbal said the MILF is consistent with its demand for a Muslim homeland. He said the government peace panel must honor its commitment and previous agreement so the talks could resume.

The MILF said government peace negotiators headed by Rodolfo Garcia completely disregarded the agreement on the Muslim ancestral domain and insisted once again that the granting of homeland to Muslims in Mindanao would solely be through a Constitutional process that the rebel group previously opposed.

The Philippine charter prohibits the dismembering of the country. But Dureza previously said there is a proposal to amend the Constitution and introduce a federal system of government.

It is also what many opposition politicians fear because Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives might use the peace talks with the MILF as an excuse to amend the Constitution to change the system of government from presidential to parliamentary or federalism to allow the MILF to have a separate state and eventually prolong her stay in power beyond 2010.

Under the presidential form of government, Arroyo, who deposed President Joseph Estrada in a people power revolution in 2001, is allowed only one six-year term.

In the charter change proposal suggested by her political allies who dominate Congress, she can be elected as prime minister should Congress approve a proposal to dissolve the Senate and change the system of government to parliamentary.

The MILF earlier warned that hostilities might erupt in Mindanao if the peace talks fail. The Philippine military previously demanded MILF rebels to lay down their weapons before peace talks could resume.

Malaysia, which is brokering the seven-year-old peace talks, warned it would pull out its truce observers deployed in Mindanao if there is no progress in the slow pace of the negotiations.

Trouble in the Land of Plenty

2008-04-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

MNLF being pacified

Muslimin Sema has just been elected chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Sema, a close associate of Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to pursue the peace process with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). The MNLF, which entered into a peace pact with the GRP sometime in the 90's, has reportedly regrouped. Allegedly, some elements of the MNLF has coalesced with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu. Fearing a repeat of the bloody war that erupted in Sulu, government allies in the Muslim community tried to neutralize the growing disillusionment of the peoples of Sulu in the peace process. Analysts say the election of Sema was an attempt aimed at weakening the Misuari faction of the MNLF.

MILF fighters want to continue fighting

In the other movement, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is waiting for the resumption of peace talks with the GRP. Some quarters say talks were suspended after the GRP panel decided to forego signing the peace pact which contained a contentious provision on ancestral domain. Hawks inside Malacanang says this provision should not be allowed since Christian interests in Mindanao would be severely affected.

Another problem that the MILF faces is the prospect of groups breaking away from the secessionist movement. This early, the younger generation of MILF fighters have intimated their disgusts against MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad. Most fighters want to continue the war against GRP. Observers note that the MILF Central leadership is losing its grip among its followers. Many grassroots commanders are shifting away from the centre leadership, leading some quarters to believe that even with a peace agreement, many MILF commanders will continue to fight and resist the GRP.

Rise of Fundamentalist Thought

Despite the appearance of many so-called Muslim NGOs in Mindanao which claims to control the majority of Islamic scholars and Ulamas, there is a noticeable rise in fundamentalism in Muslim communities. Attempts by CIA-funded organisations, such as the Philippine Council for Islamic Democracy (PCID) and other groups to make ulamas "toe the democratic line" has not been effective. The lack of credibility and integrity of personalities behind these groups have made the situation worse. They are a liability to efforts at counteracting Islamic fundamentalist thought in Mindanao. Muslims are wiser now than before. they see these groups as puppets by foreign powers to influence Muslim affairs in Mindanao.Allegedly, some sources say these groups are just after multi-million dollar funds from foreign embassies, such as the British, US, Australia and European Union (EU).

Sources say it will not be long before hundreds of new Islamic fighters emerge from training camps in Mindanao. Many of these fighters have been immersed in serious military and doctrinal trainings. It will not be long before they conduct their missions in parts of Asia.

With this grim scenario, analysts believe the situation could be averted with the serious intervention of the US in Mindanao. The GRP should continue negotiations with the aim of granting independence to the Bangsamoro people. Self-rule must be granted. Otherwise, the entire security of the region is at risk.

Impending Hunger in Mindanao

2008-03-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

UN suspends food aid

The United Nations (UN) has suspended its food aid in Mindanao. A source in the international community told MULAT that the reason is graft and corruption. Those lording it over Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the region are manipulating the aid stocks and selling it into the open market. Some might say, this is different from the official version of the international aid agency, but this is not shocking since donor countries and other international aid giving bodies have noted the sharp rise of corruption in the Philippines.

Mindanao-based kids to be hit hardest

Analysts and news reports say, the hardest hit would be the children of Mindanao. Mindanao, that land of plenty, is the poorest region in the Philippines. Its per capita income is the lowest in the country. Despite its rich natural resources, majority of Mindanaoans are poor.

Government funds to be poured in infra projects not food

Speaker Nograles announced just last week that he's glad that Congress will give more funds for the development of Mindanao. But, where will these funds go? Obviously, it will go to infrastructure projects. Yeah, right. Why is government prioritizing infra projects? Because that's where the bulk of the kita will go.

Government should prioritize its feeding and poverty-alleviation programs to help the peoples of Mindanao.

Hunger not an alien concept in Mindanao

Hunger is not an alien concept in Mindanao. The prospect of extreme hunger is. The scenario of hunger getting worse in that part of the Philippines is a stark reminder that obviously the present system of governance is a bankrupt one. Since resources are being manipulated to favor those living near the center of power, imperialism seems to afflict those who are living in Mindanao.

This also buttress our belief that, indeed, the time for the establishment of a Bangsamoro Islamic State is forthcoming. The Muslims in Mindanao should recognize this. The present structure of governance should be abolished and federalism should instead, be established. However, the main question is this--are the Muslims in Mindanao ready for such an eventuality?

Present Muslim Mindanao societal structure should be abolished

The present societal power structure in Muslim Mindanao remains traditionally feudal. It is problematic. There must be an internal purging of Muslim society. It must abolish the present structure and in its place, a truly Islamic and democratic form which adheres to the basic and fundamental Islamic beliefs than Western or Sunni concepts of governance.

Effects of Hunger in the Peace process in Mindanao

Furthermore, this looming food crisis in Mindanao will definitely affect the ongoing peace process. It will add to the fodder to secessionist and independence calls since obviously, a truly democratic and independent Muslim Mindanao will fare far better than a subservient one. Food problems will never occur in an independent Bangsamoro Islamic State since the governing power of the state will definitely not share its resources with other regions or the central governing power. No. Food security is assured in an independent Bangsamoro nation.

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY 29 FEBRUARY 2008

2008-02-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

PRESS STATEMENT
MUSLIMS UNION FOR LIBERTY AND TRUTH
29 FEBRUARY 2008

Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

“And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth (i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him is Allah’s Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) while you know (the truth)”
( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 42)

THE TRUTH

As admitted by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the anomalous ZTE deal was fraught with graft and corruption. She knew this days or even weeks before she went to the Boao Forum in China in April 2007.

That a witness to her most foul deed came forward and risked his life for the truth is Allah’s Way of telling the Filipino People and the Ummah that now is the time to act. That this administration has been using government resources to conceal the Truth and oppress the People and commits acts of aggression and injustice just for self-preservation.

That this administration has perpetuated Total War not only against its political enemies but to the peaceful peoples of the Bangsamoro Homeland, killing scores in its military operations in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi just to conceal the Truth about the Conjugal Greed in its governance.

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.
( An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 135)

JUSTICE

After much prayer and reflection, we, the members of the Muslims Union for Liberty and Truth (MULAT) and the UMMAT stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in the call for the resignation of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As Muslims, we will not stand idly by and allow this perpetuation of graft and corruption in government. It is our duty and responsibility to fight evil wherever and whatever form it manifest in our midst.

We urge all Muslims living in the Philippines to rise up and fight for the rights of the poor, the orphans and the widows in their affliction who stand as living victims of the viciousness and the immorality of the Arroyo administration. Now is the time for all the peoples of the Philippines to be counted and fight for the restoration of Truth, Justice and Peace.

GLORIA RESIGN!

CONVENORS COUNCIL OF THE MUSLIMS UNION FOR LIBERTY AND TRUTH

Cosain Naga
P. Mangundatu
Abdulrahman Ismail

State of War

2008-01-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

Assalamu alaikum!
Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

I praise Allah SWT, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful! Allah is the One Who Gave Us Everything that we have and Allah is also the One who'll take everything away. In Allah's bountiful mercies, we remain in our present lot, ever mindful of the things which Allah has created. Let Allah SWT be praised!

A few days ago, GRP Chief Presidential Counsel Sergio Apostol justified the extension of AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon's term. Apostol said, Esperon's term was extended because "we are in the state of war". The additional three months was used because it is not good to change leaders when the campaign against the Muslim insurgency is in mid stream.

So, the GRP has declared war? We don't know about it. We think they are talking with us in the peace table. Now, we know how insensitive and insincere the GRP is in the issue of peace.

The question that everybody is asking--what is the plan of Arroyo in the succeeding 3 months?

Government will create scenarios of chaos and anarchy. This is the ultimate plan--justify cha-cha by waging war against the Bangsamoro People.

Let the Bangsamoro People be forewarned against this devious plan of the hawks inside the palace walls. This is an issue of real estate. Those who want our lands, be warned. The true slaves of Allah will fight those who steal our lands and oppress our widows and orphans.

Statement of the Bangsamoro Caucus

2008-01-13T03:46:00.001-08:00

PRESS STATEMENT

We are deeply appalled by the sudden collapse of the GRP-MILF Peace Talk. At a time when the Bangsamoro has almost seen light at the end of the tunnel, it is highly unacceptable to bring the negotiation table to the field of war.

We denounce as unacceptable the statement of AFP Vice Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero in imposing a condition that peace talk will not continue without MILF’s disarmament.

This irresponsible pronouncement shows military desires for war and has no interest in the Peace Talk. But this is not surprising as there are 95 clashes between AFP and MILF in 2007 alone despite the ceasefire agreement.

The rhetoric in amending the Constitution to accommodate MILF demands are empty words without any concrete policy and action, seemingly being advanced to further personal political ambition while using the Bangsamoro as excuse.

The issue of ancestral domain should NOT be the subject of constitutional process. The Bangsamoro were forcedly excluded from their land by the very same constitutional process that legitimized plunder and land grabbing of our ancestral domain. We cannot expect justice under the constitutional process.

The Bangsamoro since time immemorial have been deceived by agreements. The Tripoli Agreement as well as the 1997 GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement are just the deceptive peace agreements that have never been fulfilled. Good faith in the peace process will guarantee peace but with the historical experience of the Bangsamoro, we cannot help but cast our doubt although we remain hopeful for we seek lasting and sustainable peace.

But this December 2007, our doubt was sustained when the GRP presented to the MILF a Memorandum of Agreement beyond the consensus points that led to the breakdown of the Peace Talk. This is truly unacceptable. The sincerity and confidence of the GRP in the attainment of lasting and sustainable peace in Mindanao is now more questionable than it has ever been before.

We do not intend to beg for our right in our Ancestral Domain because we own them even before any constitution has been promulgated in the Philippines- -our ancestral domain rightfully belong to us.

The indications of excuses for breaking the peace process is evident. There is every reason to push for peace which is indeed the sole solution but it is disturbing that the GRP is apparently leaning towards the road to war.

What the Bangsamoro is asking for is equal economic opportunities, empowerment and genuine governance reflective of the interest of the Moro masses. We push and demand for peace with justice. We want our sons and daughters to enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity.

We hope for a place where we do not simply co-exist but more importantly live as truly human persons.

Peace Now !
Sincerity Not Rhetoric!
Ancestral Domain Not Empty Words!
Peace with Justice Not War!
Respect the Moro Right to Self-Determination, Respect the Rights of the Minority People!

Bangsamoro Caucus
Manila, Philippines
>Jolly Lais - Lead Convenor,
jollylais@yahoo.com
>Cosain Naga Jr.- Convenor,
cosainnaga@yahoo.com
>AbdulHamid Alawi Jr.- Convenor
gaddi_alawi@yahoo.com

Civil War

2008-01-12T20:36:00.001-08:00

We read a paper which discusses about the GRP-MILF peace talks. It says that should the talks be successful between the MILF and the GRP, terms of the agreement will be hard to implement because there is an emerging group within the MILF who still consider a military solution to the current Bangsamoro Question.

We feel that this is NOT the real situation. A military solution is definitely NOT the form of struggle that the Bangsamoro needs at this time.

The Bangsamoro needs to tend his land. He needs to work. Work for the Bangsamoro is prayer. It is only when all means have been exhausted that he turns his ploughshares into M-16's.

Civil war is also a far-fetched idea at this point. We believe that it will only happen when the external struggle has ended. Unity is needed at this point.

Time for Unity

2008-01-12T20:21:00.001-08:00

Assalamu alaikum!
Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

Just recently, a Bangsamoro Caucus was held in Manila. Groups from all over the Philippines attended this event. The main issue was the alleged breakdown of the peace talks. Some action plans, we guess, were propounded, ostensibly to address this issue.

We propose that the Bangsamoro Caucus be a viable venue for all Muslim groups to unite against the evil plan of government to use the Bangsamoro problem as a pretense for charter change. Government must know that the fate of the Bangsamoro lies in Allah's and the slaves, as Allah wants to use them. Whatever will happen will be the expression of the Will of Allah.

There must be a unity of purposes under the Banner of Allah. All means should be exhausted after consulting with Allah. In the Noble Qu'ran, the martyrs under the able tutelage of the Prophet (PBUH) exhausted all legal and parliamentary means before undertaking other forms of struggle. Unity is one form of struggle.

We are waiting for the statement of the Bangsamoro Caucus. Members of the Caucus could send their statement at mulat1497@gmail.com. We will be glad to publish it in this site.

Salam!

Will the Bangsamoro be a threat to US strategic interests?

2008-01-12T01:26:00.000-08:00

Prior to the death of Salamat Hashim (May Grace Be Upon Him), it was told that he wrote a letter to US President George Bush, asking for US intervention in the current struggle of the Bangsamoro people for independence. We don't know what happened to that letter, but it was a letter asking for the US to consider the MILF as a potential ally of the US.

Studying the history of the Bangsamoro struggle, we believe that a grant of independence to the Bangsamoro People will not hurt US interests in the region. In fact, it could help turn the tide of the global war on terror. Why?

First, the interest of the Bangsamoro republic will be economic in nature. Decades of war have left the Bangsamoro lands underdeveloped. The first order of business should be economic growth and development. For it to be achieved, the new Bangsamoro state should concern itself with stabilizing the peace and order situation. First on the agenda would be the eradication of armed groups. Armed groups mean those groups under the tutelage of traditional Moro families and outlaws. They should be convinced to desist from their criminal activities or risk death.

Second, the Bangsamoro Republic will never allow itself to be influenced by JI for as long as it establishes a state adhering strictly to the Sunnah and the Noble Qu'ran.

An able ally in the fight against terrorism in the form of the Bangsamoro state will be good news for the US. Without a Bangsamoro Republic in Mindanao, extremism and terrorism will increase and will infect the entire region.

On the Bangsamoro Question, Part 2

2008-01-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

Muslims are expected to defend their property rights. This is a mandate given by Allah SWT under the Noble Qu'ran. For the Muslims, land is considered a blessing and an inheritance from Allah SWT.

When the Spaniards came to colonize these lands, they encountered stiff competition from the Muslims. History has shown that these lands, from the North up to the South, are lands owned and administered by Muslims. Sheer strength and advanced military technology pushed back the pre-Colonial inhabitants of these lands to the mountains and to areas we now recognize as Mindanao. These lands which the Muslims occupied were never really governed by the Spaniards but were considered a part of Philippine territory and included in the Treaty of Paris.

After an aborted independence try by Tagalogs, Mindanao was ceded together with the rest of the country by the Spaniards to the Americans. Effective governance was effected only in the 1920's when again, these foreign devils used advanced military power to "conquer" the Moros.

In 1946, the Americans gave the Filipinos their independence. Under the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay, non-Muslims were uprooted from Luzon and sent to Mindanao. They have remained until this day.

The question that many would like to answer is this--what will happen to those areas occupied by non-Muslims? If these areas will be included in the Bangsamoro territory, what will be their status? Will they be treated as foreigners? Will they be given permissions to continually live in the Bangsamoro land?

What kind of government will be established there? If its a federal setup which apologists and pseudo-Islamists want, will it be a government similar to other federal states under RP?

And if the Bangsamoro People win this struggle and establish a separate Bangsamoro Republic, what form of government will then be established? Will it follow the Sunni or the Shia type? Will it be a truly Islamic state, the kind mandated by the Sunnah and the Noble Qu'ran? Or will it follow the traditional type which traditional Moro families want?

This is my take--it is still premature for the Bangsamoro People to have their own independent state. Why? Because they need to restructure its society first to conform with Islam. The present Bangsamoro society is feudal. Even if the Bangsamoro succeeds in its struggle for independence, they will be faced by another war, this time, a civil one.

The Bangsamoro needs an internal and external struggle. It must first win its external struggle then immediately wage an internal struggle this time, against these traditional Moro families who may definitely want to assert themselves as rulers in the new Bangsamoro Republic. True Muslims should spearhead this struggle.

On the Bangsamoro Question, Part 1

2008-01-12T00:39:00.000-08:00

The issue behind the Bangsamoro struggle is this--who's the RIGHT administrator to hundreds of hectares of real estate property in Mindanao. Who owns those lands being occupied by millions of Muslims in some areas in Southern Philippines? Is it the Government of the Republic of the Philippines or GRP? Or the Bangsamoro people?

Under the principles of the state and international law, Mindanao is an organic part of the Philippines. Since the Treaty of Paris, Mindanao has been internationally recognized as a portion of the Philippines. This right has been enforced by the US when it established its military presence in the area during the American colonial period. When the Republic was established in 1946, the central government continued to govern Mindanao which continued even up to the present.

It was only in 1972 that Mindanao again came into the limelight when Nur Misuari, a former UP professor, led the Bangsamoro rebellion. This rebellion has lasted up to this day. Thousands of Moros have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their families' ownership of this piece of real estate.

In a nutshell, this is the primary issue--power and real estate.

Many Filipinos empathize on the Bangsamoro rebellion. The question, however, that remains unresolved is this--does the Bangsamoro truly deserve the land which they claim to be theirs? Is it right and proper for the international community and the GRP to grant them their own state?

There are four issues which pro-secession use to justify secession. First, government's inability to effectively govern the area where the Bangsamoro People occupy. Inspite of the ARMM, which was proven to be a failed experiment, Mindanao continues to lag behind other regions in terms of economic growth and development. By giving the Bangsamoro the power to govern themselves, says these groups, they will be able to develop their own place.

The second issue is culture. The Bangsamoro People is a unique and separate people. It is a nation within a nation, they say. It has a totally different culture rooted in Islam. Hence, like the Palestinians, they should be given their own state.

The third issue is religion. Under the precepts of international law, the Bangsamoro People has every right to be granted their own state to freely practice its own religion, which is Islam. Lastly, it is tradition. These lands being occupied are ancestral lands which the present Bangsamoro families occupy even prior to colonization.

There are other issues, but these four are the most popular issues being used to justify the call for a separate Bangsamoro Republic.

2008-01-10T16:09:00.001-08:00

MUSLIMS UNITED FOR LAW AND TRUTH

STATEMENT ON THE BANGSAMORO QUESTION
10 JANUARY 2008

Assalamu alaikum!
Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

HONOR THE PEACE TALKS WITHOUT CHA-CHA

Since the resumption of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2001, both groups have achieved significant gains. Issues on security and rehabilitation have been addressed. It is only the issue of ancestral domain that the two camps remained at a deadlock.

Last October 2006, the two camps broke their 13-month impasse on the issue of ancestral domain. Resuming the peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, both the MILF and the GRP issued a Joint Declaration last November 15, agreeing on the points on ancestral domain and setting a date for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement early 2008. However, late December 2007, GRP announced a “failure” of the talks because of one monumental snag—the 1987 Constitution.

MULAT recognizes the necessity of changing the charter to end the issue on ancestral domain. However, it does not agree on government suggestions for change now because of its societal implications.

Our Filipino brothers should be advised that the Bangsamoro will not be a party to another round of cha-cha. The Bangsamoro People have been waging its struggle for decades. Muslims are a very patient race. We can wait even beyond 2010 for as long as the Government of the Republic of the Philippines shows its sincerity in concluding the peace talks.

What is Mulat?

2008-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

Assalamu alaikum!

Bismillahi rahmanir raheem!

MULAT or the Muslims United for Law and Truth is an aggrupation of various Muslim groups with one common goal--pursue the peaceful conclusion of the Bangsamoro Question.

Islam is its ruling and pervasive ideology.

The establishment of a truly Islamic federal state is its mission.

Its vision is a Truly Just and Humane Bangsamoro homeland living under the precepts of Islam.

For centuries, the Bangsamoro People have been waging a struggle for independence. Wars have antedated its history. The sacred blood of mujaheddins have been spilt so many times in the land promised by Allah SWT. It is now time for the Bangsamoro to develop the land Allah SWT has granted them as their own, prosper and work for growth and development.

MULAT welcomes all the support from its Islamic brothers worldwide. If you are a Bangsamoro, please support this site by sharing your thoughts and concerns. You can also reach us at mulat1497@gmail.com