A wolf in sheep's skin

The Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) is trying its best to push for an initiative that will unify the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

This after MNLF chair Prof. Nur Misuari has threatened to file a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after it was left out in the negotiations where the Philippine government panel agreed in principle to form the frameworks for the creation of the Bangsamoro governent, in place of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The MNLF rose up against the government during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos until the reign of power by former President Fidel V. Ramos who
successfully brought the MNLF leadership on the peace negotiating table, which led to the establishment of the ARMM. Miisuari said the abolition of the ARMM would mean violation of the Tripoli Agreement.

Prof. Nur Misuari

Some political observers interpreted the government's accommodation to the Bangsamoro proposal as a way of giving special threatment to the wishes of the MILF, leaving the MNLF on the sidelines.

Now, the question is: Which Muslim group is serious in its dealing for the creation of a real Bangsamoro State? Does the creation of the ARMM not a real solution to the positive wishes of the Muslim people in Mindanao? Whatever is the answer the truth is that the proposed creation of the Bangsamoro government in Mindanao could be interpreted as a wolf wearing a sheep's skin.

No matter what kind of autonomous government is introduced for the Muslim people is not important at all. For me, it is a question of leadership and effective governance. If the ARMM leadership has failed to come up to the real expectations of the people during the many years of its existence, what is the assurance that the creation of the Bangsamoro government will solve the economic, social and political problems in Mindanao?

If the MILF or MNLF is really serious in paving a way that will allow the government to listen to its woes, either one can always seek to form its own political party to make proper representation in Congress. Instead, the MILF wanted to insist in forming an autonomous government that is, more or less, similar to ARMM.

Even after the approval of the frameworks that will establish the Bangsamoro State, there is no guarantee that it will become the real answer to the clamor designed to improve the lives of the Muslim minority. Otherwise, the MILF's intention for a Bangsamoro State can be suspected as another way of protecting its hidden agenda in the years to come. The public must remember that the creation of the Bangsamoro government will allow them to have its own security forces, which can used either way for good or bad motives.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda has assured the MNLF that it will not be marginalized in the formation of the proposed Muslim transition government in Mindanao. He said the MNLF is also a stakeholder in peace efforts in Mindanao.

This early, there is no assurance yet that MILF will agree to the OIC's idea to unite with the MNLF as a means to achieving a lasting peace in Mindanao.

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