Mindanao Conflict: In Search of Peace and Human Rights: The current armed conflict in Mindanao reflects the recurring call for the fulfillment of the right to self-determination of the Muslim population in the Philippines in order to obtain sustainable peace. With almost forty years of on and off fighting between Muslim armed opposition groups and the Philippine military forces, and the resulting high toll on human lives, the search for sustainable peace and full respect for human rights remains a big challenge. The current armed conflict started in late 1960s, when a Muslim armed group (Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF) started to advocate for a “Moro homeland.” The Philippine government responded through military means, resulting in numerous deaths among, and displacement of, the civilian population (Muslims as well as Christians). In the 1970s, the Philippine government initiated peace talks and obtained a peace agreement with the then main Muslim armed opposition group (MNLF) to stop the conflict and address the problems. But armed confrontations broke out every now and then, between the Philippine military and the MNLF and also with another Muslim armed opposition group (Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF). For every break out of armed hostilities, thousands of non- combatants are caught in the crossfire, and suffer displacement and other human rights violations. To emphasize their deep sense of independence as a people, many Muslims in Mindanao collectively call themselves “Moro,” the word used by the colonial Spanish government to refer to the Muslim people. This extends to the use of the word “Bangsamoro” (Moro Nation) to indicate a people separate from the rest of the Philippine population. Roots of the conflict The 2005 Philippine Human Development Report (2005 PHDR) lists the following major historical and contemporary roots of the conflict in Mindanao:[1] The forcible/illegal annexation of Moroland to the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris in 1898;[2] Military pacification by the American colonial government; Imposition of confiscatory land laws; “Indionization” (or Filipinization) of public administration in Moroland and the destruction of traditional political institutions; Government financed/induced land settlement and migration to Moroland;[3] Land-grabbing/conflicts; Cultural inroads against the Moros; The Jabidah Massacre in 1968 (killing of Muslim army recruits by their superiors);[4] Ilaga (Christian vigilante) and military atrocities in 1970-72; and Government neglect and inaction on Moro protests and grievances. The 2005 PHDR states that the declaration of martial law on 21 September 1972 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos was a triggering event of the contemporary Moro armed struggle. The migration of Filipinos from the northern and central regions of the Philippines to Mindanao led to conflicts. As the 2005 PHDR explains: The Muslims resented the loss of their lands, including those idle but which formed part of their traditional community. This resentment grew as Muslims witnessed the usurpation by Christian settlers of vast tract of prime lands. This ignited disputes between them and the Christian settlers. The question on land ownership and land disputes between Muslims and Christians was crucial during the post-war period. [5]
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:48:29 +0000
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