There is a need for a hard second look at what is happening in Mindanao after the first 100 days of PNoy at the helm of government. PNoy’s new government shows that there is really nothing new in the horizon, except for some sound bytes at the outset of his administration.
Well, we can easily point to a new GRP Peace Panel negotiating with MILF. But this change goes with the change of government. In fact, the substance is seen not by the change of panel members but by the stature of the members of the said panel. The new panel is replacing an all-Mindanawons Peace Panel under the previous Arroyo Administration. This fact alone is met with great disbelief, though Panel Chair Dean Marvic Leonen is acceptable to the MILF. At present, the panel is perceived to be heavily dominated by ‘outsiders’. This raises the issue of sustainability of any agreement when Mindanawons are marginalized in the panel that seeks to find a solution or formula or mode of ‘convivenza’ between and among the peoples of Mindanao. After all ‘negotiators’ come and go while the Mindanawons are there to stay. It is their lives and future that are at stake.
Then there is the controversial National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). The ‘turfing’ war lies on who is the rightful head of the said commission. On the one hand, there is the Dianalan-Lucman clan that is seemingly backed by a great number of Muslim members of the House, and on the other hand, there is Dr. Hamid Barra (who is also a Maranao) who is seemingly backed by PAPP Sec. Ging Deles. In fact, many see that the call for Sec. Deles’ resignation is rooted in this controversy within the NCMF. This fiasco could have been avoided had there been more sensitivity on the ‘maratabat’ (honor/dignity) of the protagonists in the controversy. NCMF involves not only the issue of the so-called midnight appointment but also of the ‘maratabat’ of the persons and actors within the NCMF, in particular, and the Bangsamoro in general.
So now, we have a confused NCMF with two heads and two offices. The intervention of said Agency is claimed to be crucial in drawing a road map for Muslim Mindanao and for the Muslim Affairs, especially the annual hajj (pilgrimage).
The other most important body in Mindanao is the Mindanao Development Authority or MindA. This body is designed to be at the helm of all the peace and development activities for the entire Mindanao. In the previous administration, MindA under the leadership of Sec. Dureza enjoyed a priority hearing by the President. NEDA had to tow the line of Malacanang that gave high premium to MindA.
Under PNoy administration, this does not seem to be the case. MindA’s very existence as a planning body for the island-wide Mindanao is being questioned by NEDA that is threatened by any other body, particularly MindA, encroaching on the NEDA turf! The turf war between NEDA and MindA lies on the issue of who plans for Mindanao - Mindanawons or NCR? Mindanawons assert their rights to determine their future and destiny, particularly in the peace and development affairs. Moreso, when Mindanawons look at wider and broader perspective of security and development with the view of ‘collapsing’ borders among the four littoral states – Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Southern Philippines.
Then there is the issue of ‘perception’. Sec. Lou Antonino, rightly or wrongly, is being perceived as not friendly to ARMM or to any possible set up ensuing peace talks (the case often cited is the MNLF-led ‘abandoned’ Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development or SPCPD and the Special Zone of Peace and Development). With this handicapped, it will be difficult to position MindA into the on-going peace process. Yet, MindA, to be relevant, has to engage in the peace process being the ‘AGENCY’ in charge of Mindanao with cabinet rank.
To Mindanawons, the real question is where does PNoy’s ‘wind’ blows. This early, his position vis-a-vis MindA needs to be defined clearly. This is not ‘a life and death’ issue, especially so that nothing much has happened in MindA YET except for Sec. Antonino’s appointment. But it matters how the Mindanawons perceive the present dispensation.
In the previous administration, Mindanawons felt they were participants at the table when Mindanao issues and challenges, including problems, were being discussed.
But, now they are NOT sure anymore. Mindanawons are very wary for any change in the direction of the wind. In the simple turf war of peace and development plan, they watch whether the wind will blow the NEDA way or the MindA way? They want also to see a clearer policy of PNoy vis-a-vis Mindanao affairs including the peace process and the Indigenous Peoples’ agenda. Abangan!
Another brewing issue is about a road map for the status of the ARMM. Whatever the weakness of the ARMM, it is still the mechanism in place for the Bangsamoro autonomy and territory or domain. Until the ARMM is replaced with a new set up or mechanism (which may take some time), PNoy needs to address this issue head long. Post Maguindanao Massacre on November 23rd, the ARMM has been placed under the DILG. This act alone tells the lack of understanding of the complexed and nuanced issues involved in the ARMM establishment.
The ARMM is no ordinary LGU! It is a result of years of struggle for self-determination of the Bangsamoro. The very creation of it is seen as the fruit of peace negotiations (Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the GRP and the MNLF). ARMM is not an administrative region. It is a governance structure with its own legislature and executive department governed by its Basic Law.
The RA 6734 (subsequently RA 9054) is an ORGANIC ACT or the Basic Law of the ARMM. De facto, it is the ‘Constitution’ of the ARMM. The Organic Act, akin to the Constitution, is subjected to a referendum in the areas where it will be the LAW. It should prevail over all the ordinary laws within the ARMM. The only higher document than the Organic Act within the ARMM is the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
Then there is the other insurgency in Mindanao. Outside the ARMM, the insurgency issue is neither MILF nor MNLF but the NDF-CPP-NPA. Notwithstanding the contested claims and counter-claims, the NDF-CPP-NPA insurgency is still strongly felt in the countryside of Mindanao. While it is true that the armed presence of NDF-CPP-NPA is no longer strongly seen, their political work and influence are evident, especially during election period.
PNoy wind seems to blow in the direction of the possible resumption of the peace talks between the GRP and the NDF. The new Peace Panel has been reconstituted with Atty. Alexander Padilla as Chair. His appointment is hailed by the NDF as a new fresh wind and a big departure from the ideological bent that has so far characterized the talks from both sides.
Topping the 100 days is PNoy’s first visit to Mindanao. It is sad to note that his first visit is centred on a minor electric generation plant owned by a business group perceived to be close to the President. The visit, though may appear innocuous or ill-planned, is actually interpreted as ‘business as usual’’ meaning the business sector is the center of the President’s attention contrary to the articulated claim that the people ‘ang boss ko’. Who had organized the visit and why no place was given to an encounter with the ‘masa’ is a post mortem controversy following a presidential visit.
The ‘friendly’ yet critical yellow group would point to the visit as going to the opposite direction of what PNoy articulated policy during his inaugural that the people – ‘ang boss ko’. The visit shows, albeit un-intended that his true bosses are the usual bosses for years. Then very little has really changed! Tsk Tsk Tsk!
True, PNoy is new to the job. And truer still, he is new to Mindanao realities. People easily would make allowance for the first 100 days. The ambiguity and ambivalences are tolerable during the period. But from here on, the people will make demands!
If ‘amateurism’ has so far characterized his dealing with peoples of Mindanao, it is time to get the professionals and the experienced. While his ‘barkada’ incorporated may provide him cosy environment, government, after all, is not bed of roses and about cosy environment.
We still believe in the President and give him a passing grade in his first 100 days. But we also observe the fast eroding trust rating of his presidency. No one can quarrel with ‘matuwid na daan... Pero Saan patungo and matuwid na daan for peoples of Mindanao?
