Peace “Piece By Piece”

OIC FAILED—Even the earnest efforts of the Islamic countries through the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in trying to get the MNLF and the MILF to work together by convening a Davao meeting a few days ago failed. It’s another reality check.

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ATTACKING CONGRESS—Moreover, another MILF leader is not helping in lowering the temperature. Take the case of the public statements of MILF Vice Chair Ghadzali Jaafar who personally attacked Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, Jr, chairman of the House committee handling the BBL. Calling Cong Rufus as “grandstanding because he is running for senator” is not only unexpected from a high ranking MILF leader trying to win goodwill. It’s utterly reckless and unnecessary.

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HARD REALITIES—Let’s now stop deluding ourselves that we can get comprehensive peace with the whole bangsamoro by closing a deal with the MILF. It’s a pipe dream, although you can’t stop me from dreaming. But hey, let’s now all wake up to hard reality: there are ethnic, tribal, historical, even factional and geographical factors to reckon with. So let’s take things one at a time.

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PIECE BY PIECE—Since this is the sad reality, then reality also dictates that we work to achieve peace “piece by piece”. We gave it our best shot with the MNLF, well and good. And there are still unresolved implementation issues up to now. But the fact is, most of the MNLF elements have already significantly transitioned to peaceful lives. Why should we not give another shot with the MILF which has shown over the years its determination and willingness to find some peaceful settlement? Let me stress this again: except for Mamasapano, the peace protocols with the MILF worked. I saw this myself during my watch. Although there are indeed no perfect peace agreements, the deal with the MILF will mean one more problematic faction less on the ground. Then government can move on and deal with those who still want to continue fighting government and persist on creating trouble in our communities. Government, although admittedly bungling at times, is allowing all this from a high moral ground and from a position of strength. And yes, lest we forget, for the good not only of the bangsamoro but of the greater majority.

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ANOTHER SHOT—It is important to pass the implementing mechanism of our agreements signed with the MILF to test it on the ground. It’s an opportunity that we should not squander and waste. Of course Congress will have the final say in passing that implementing law. If it does not work, be sure that government is not left without other options. But let’s again give this one our best shot.