Mindanao: doubts emerge over deal between Muslim rebels and government
Manila (AsiaNews) - "Peace in the Mindanao is still from a done deal. The idea of an autonomous state in Mindanao is only an expedient the government is using to gain support among leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and stop rebel groups," said local sources as they spoke to AsiaNews about negotiations between the Filipino government and the MILF that are front-page news in local and international media.
Backed by public opinion, the two sides met on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). They discussed a deal that would lead to the creation of a new autonomous political entity with the powers of a state in a federal system in lieu of the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao whose powers are limited. For MILF leaders, the meeting was a first step towards total autonomy. However, nothing has been agreed to yet; another meeting has been scheduled for next month.
Great Britain congratulated Aquino's government for the progress made in the peace process. In 2008, Aquino's processor, President Gloria Arroyo, had launched an offensive against Muslim fighters breaking a 16-year truce. In the 2010 elections, Aquino used Arroyo's failure to defeat the rebels to be elected. During the campaign, he promised to fight corruption, which had become widespread under Aquino, and reach a peace deal with Mindanao Muslim rebels.
However, Aquino and his administration are only negotiating with MILF, leaving out dozens of other armed Muslim groups that have emerged in the recent past, sources told AsiaNews. These groups include the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of Ameril Umbra Kato, who broke away from MILF in 2011. "He is the most dangerous," sources said about Kato. "We will hear from him pretty soon as he tries to derail the agreement."
The idea of setting up a semi-autonomous state in the region should improve the situation, but ties with MILF are too strong. Rebels will accept the government's proposal if they can take over. However, many people do not share MILF's positions on radical Islam. "Without a final signature, there is a danger that matters will go back to the starting block."
Mindanao is a predominantly Muslim region. For the past 40 years, it has been the scene of fighting between the Filipino military and Muslim extremist groups who seek the island's independence and the establishment of an Islamic state based on Sharia.
Despite negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, one of the oldest Muslim separatist movements, other groups like Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah continue to abduct people and attack Christian and government buildings.
In recent years, Catholic communities in Jolo and Basilan have become the targets of violence. The worst example took place on 7 July 2009 when a bomb exploded inside Jolo cathedral, killing six and wounding another 40. (S.C.)
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