MAJORITY of Filipinos are sympathetic to the families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers who were allegedly killed and slaughtered by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Since the massacre, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is undeniably in peril.
After 17 years of negotiations between Philippine government’s peace panel and the MILF, both parties agreed to craft BBL to give way to the creation of an autonomous Bangsamoro government to replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The almost two-decade long negotiations, however, might be watered down to the drain due to a “misencounter” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Though investigations have yet to be concluded, presented evidence point out that the Moros brutally killed the SAF members. In a video uploaded on Youtube, a man captured on film a supposed policeman lying on the ground, after being shot in the leg. Instead of helping the policeman, the one taking the video shot the SAF member in the head, ending the warrior’s life.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano declared that these men are clearly “terrorists.” He showed facts in the Senate inquiry linking MILF and BIFF to international terror groups. Apparently, the target of the operation in Mamasapano, Malaysian bomber Zulkifli “Marwan” bin Hir has been coddled within the territory of MILF.
Cayetano feared that passing the BBL would yield to bigger problems.
In pursuit of a fair trial, various probe teams are giving MILF a chance to explain itself. Both houses of Congress paused hearings for the BBL until investigations on the incident have concluded.
Despite calls for an all-out war instead of passing the BBL, the Aquino administration is choosing to stick to its original plan of providing Mindanao lasting peace.
In the General Appropriations Act, the government has allotted P2.69 billion for the Bangsamoro Peace Process and P7.25 billion for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA).
“We have to remember the national government’s options for conflict-resolution is not limited to reinforcing our military and police strength,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.
“Following the President Aquino’s message of leaving no one—especially the poor and the vulnerable—behind, we aim to transform the communities in the affected areas to become resilient and self-reliant,” he added.
The large amount intended to transform communities in Mindanao, including territories of alleged terrorists, only shows how much the Aquino administration wants to end the decades-long insurgency in the southern region.
The MILF, on the other hand, must prove its sincerity in wanting peace for Mindanao. Sugar-coated words and political rhetoric are not enough. For starters, surrendering Basit Usman would be a huge step. Firearms that might be used to kill more people must be kept out as well.
If the BBL will be junked, the government’s efforts, including billions worth of funds, will be wasted on bullets and bombs and may eventually cost the lives of more innocent people.
(AJPress)