Conflict vs. Peace and Security in Mindanao

It is all over the news — radio, television, and broadsheets — the conflict in Mindanao. Terrorism acts, bombings, kidnappings, and ambushes. These scare away investors. All these are hindrances to the full development of Mindanao. Even foreigners are strongly advised by their governments not to visit Mindanao because of the sad state it is in. Sad but true, this is the image of Mindanao. When will the fighting stop? When will lasting peace be finally attained?

One reason of the conflict in Mindanao is extreme poverty; another is religious differences; and another is the demand of autonomy of the Bangsamoro people being taken for granted. The conflict in Mindanao is a continuation of the long struggle of Moro people to live decent lives according to their values and customs — to be free from mainland Philippines.

Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao

Abu Sayyaf is a violent Muslim group engaged in terrorist acts like bombings, kidnap for ransom, beheadings, assassinations, and extortion. In the year 2001, the group made one of its most violent attacks when they kidnapped Filipinos and foreigners from a resort. Martin Burnham, a US missionary, was killed during the rescue operation while wife Gracia was wounded in the leg and freed. Abu Sayyaf is included in the US list of world terrorists. “President Gloria Arroyo has ordered the military to crush the Abu Sayyaf so the government can begin a massive development program in the restive region.” Other Muslim groups in Mindanao are the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chaired by former ARMM Governor Nur Misuari, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led by Hashim Salamat. Republic Act No. 6734 or the Organic Act led to the founding of ARMM.

An all-out war was declared at Camp Abubakar in 2000; it is the biggest MILF camp in Mindanao. Since then, peace talks between the government and MILF began, and hopefully this year, the peace deal will be signed.

The biggest military camp in Mindanao is located in Cagayan de Oro City. Camp Evangelista’s jurisdiction covers Northern Mindanao and the CARAGA region. Another one is the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ South Command Headquarters in Zamboanga City. The government and the military groups are true to their words in bringing real peace and progress in Mindanao. The military and the police have intensified their operations against terrorism. In addition, marine and army battalions are assigned in certain areas to take control. Checkpoints are established in national highways to conduct check-ups for security and peace maintenance.