The ancient people in Mainland Mindanao were calledIraanunof the costal area of Illana bay (Ilian in M’ranao) and Iranaonof the people in Bembaran (Bukidnon) and Kiaranda a Ragat (Lanao or Ranao) Area.
TheIraanunis the people of the constant flow of rivers and creeks from the mountains to the coastal areas, and volcanic eruptions little-by-little a flat land surface developed. Modern science described and illustrated as a result of sedimentary formation and residual remains forms the low and flat land surface in the coastal areas. The M’ranao vernacular called it “IRA” which means remains. Thus the name of the people in the costal area of Illana bay was derived from the root word “IRA” IRAANUN which means people living the residual remains in the coastal areas. The people of Ranao called them “IMRAGATEN tao sa RAGAT” at this present day they are “IRANUN”
TheIranaonare people from the lake (Ranao in M’ranao), the history narrated that on 1074 Ranao area was lived by the monsters animals “Makaogis and Omakaan” this destructive animals controled the lake was plenty of fishes reason for them to owned the area. The people of the lake were forced to leave the area and migrated to Malabang, but the princess of Ranao was brought in Sabah Borneo for her safety and security. this princess was married to Sultan Nabi Bacaraman of Komara Mantapoli and got only Radia Indarapatra, Radia Solaiman is a half brother of Indarapatra,
Radia indarapatra was the first Malay Datu arrived in Mindanao on 1130 to visit Ranao and toke revenged against these monsters; he first landed in Uranen kingdom now “Malabang” The first seat of goverment of the Uranen Kingdom was in Tbok, a barangay of Malabang, Lanao del sur along coastal area of the municipality.
Rajah Indarapatra proceeded to upland in the area of Lake Lanao, in a short period, he retake the area from Omakaan.after having destroyed all these noxious animals, and having restored peace and safety to the land. Radia Indarapatra married to Raina laot of Mimbalay in Maganding now” Masiu” bigoted a twin brother, Ayadiwata mokom of Kaadiong a Lupa (Rinamuntao) and Ayadiwata mokom of kialonod a ig (Rinayong)
M'ranao salsila start from the twin, Sharief Aulia arrived to the decendats of Diwata mokom in Bembaran and Ranao to introduced Islam, Thus the people of Lanao (Ranao) claim descent from Rajah Indarapatra, the first Malay Datu and native in Lanao who arrived on 1130 A.D.
I beg to disagree, that M’ranao tribe come from only at Iranun tribe, the truth isIranaonpeople intermarriages with theIraanunpeople and that is now the M’ranao, Irayan Buayan, Ilud Maguindanao and Iranun at this present days. Bilaaan, bagobo, manobo, kalagan and sangil were from this Mother tribe,
Iranaon are people of Ranao who migrated to Ragat area, Costal of illana bay,M'ranao or Maranaoare people who dwelled around the lake Lanao, they belong to same genealogy, lineages, culture and history, based on the language used in the area, they are called Maranao in general.
Botawanen kalinan of Bembaran and his 4 brothers evacuated to Ranao when the Kingdom of Magalindai Bembaran was submerged, they first reach the gamut river along Lumba Bayabao, Botawanen married to Anginonen Darasa of Batangan, the couple settles in the area and named the place Dagudob, later changed to Bayabao during the time of Datu Popawan, grand son of Botawanen, Bayabao is one of the 4 genealogical division of Ranao and sub divived into three districts, Mala Bayabao, Lumba Bayabao, and Poona Bayabao, every district, sub divided into Inged (township) with a ruler Sultan,
The concept of Islamic resurgence invites differences of outlook among people. Such differences can be attributed to the different situations and experiences in diverse settings. I would appreciate objectivity and discourage subjectivity to evade controversy and misunderstanding. If the nature and concept of Islamic resurgence is a phenomenon, it must be subjected to research work in a given society. The main purpose is to re-examine, reinvestigate or understand in-deep the overall context of Islamic resurgence.
For purposes of this article, the concept could be understood with the Islamic reform, awakening, revivalism and revolution that has taken place in different regional communities of the Muslim ummah after the Muslim society and civilization have gradually drifted away from the ideal order founded by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). It can be defined as a description of the vision to rebuild Islamic values, practices, institutions and laws in the lives of Muslims everywhere.
The concept of resurgence can also be referred to the course of action intended to bring back the old glory of Islamic society and to recreate an Islamic social order being guided by the Qur’an and the Sunnah in reaction to the arrogance of Western values and socialist materialism that have contributed to the evolution of social ills in many Muslim countries.
Islamic resurgence has been largely triggered by the crises affecting the regional communities of the Muslim ummah. This resurgence goes through a volatile process indicative of the instabilities existing around the Muslim communities today. Because there has been no single worldwide Islamic resurgence under a unified leadership, a controversy exists regarding the concept of Islamic resurgence.
Islamic resurgence, therefore, has been influenced by the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, when he said: “there will come in every century a reformer who will revive my faith in my people.” This Prophetic saying portrays the advent of a reformer to check the spiritual condition of the Muslims in a particular century. It further implies that Muslims should always be conscious of their faith and religious activities otherwise they are deviating from the direction of the Prophet.
The reformer may take a look at the past, present and future of Muslim ummah. The past experiences shall be taken as lessons for today and for future enterprise; the way of Prophet Muhammad and his sahabah (companions) is a significant background of Islamic awareness and consciousness. The existing realities today around the Muslim ummah must be examined deeply to ensure relevant approaches in dealing with environments. The future is the most significant area that must be given more attention by the Muslim reformists.
The on-going more than 300 FocusGroup Discussions across Mindanao and other places spearheaded by the Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC) have crafted a merged reactions from the Bangsamoro people being a government sponsored program as its “paradigm shift” from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiations to a new strategy by consulting the communities itself about the resolution of the Moro problem making use of the BUC as its front.
The word "charter" originally meant simply a written document, and it was often applied to deeds for the transfer of real estate. It is a legally binding document incorporating an organization or institution and specifying its purpose, remit or bylaws.
MarawiCity was a municipality named Dansalan, capital of the defunct undivided Lanao province in the Philippines from 1907 to 1940, first under the government of the MoroProvince, the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes, the Commonwealth, and finally the Republic.
According to one of the late well-known Meranao scholar Dr. Mamitua Saber, MarawiCity got its charter in 1940. The granting of a charter to the old DansalanMunicipality was jointly conceived by Commonwealth President, Manuel L. Quezon and Assemblyman, later Senator Tomas L. Cabili. The changing of the official name from Dansalan to Marawi was through Congressional amendment of the Charter in 1956 sponsored by Senator Domocao Alonto.” This is embodied in Republic Act No. 1552 dated June 16,1956.
Under the impact of Islamic awareness and consciousness, the renaming of MarawiCity into Islamic City of Marawi was proposed in Parliamentary Bill No. 261 by former Assemblyman Dianalan, brother of former late Mayor Omar Dianalan.
Professor Talib Benito in his thesis work entitled:, “the Renaming of Marawi City into Islamic City of Marawi: An Attitudinal Study Among City Residents in 1983,” revealed that the bill was read before the Batasan floor during its second session on July 24,1979 and was transmitted to and received by the Committee on Local Government and Community Development on August 2,1979. The bill is expected to be finally deliberated and adopted in the Congress.
Republic Act No. 6734- “An Act Providing for an Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” as amended by Republic Act No. 9054 “An Act to strengthen and expand the Organic Act for the ARMM ” and the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Acts. During the 1990 plebescite, the people of MarawiCity voted against the inclusion of the City in the ARMM. Therefore, Executive Order No. 429 dated October 12,1990 provides the transfer of the City to Region 1X.
Another plebiscite was scheduled toward the end of 2002. Despite government campaigning for a yes vote in many provinces in Southern Mindanao, only one more province (Basilan) and one city (Marawi) voted to be included in the expanded ARMM.
MarawiCity is thickly populated by a Muslim Meranaos. The 69 years city is expected to be one of the progressive cities in the Philippines.
Having done with my early morning routine (praying and reading the Holy Qur’an), I went to my bed and decided to take a little nap. It’s still too early! I couldn’t sleep a bit.I keep thinking of Suzy’s story (An Undying Spirit) I read last night. I only read two paragraphs and it was like so bitin. I have to finish reading. I took the Reader’s Digest and continued. I was touched by the love and courage Suzy showed during her father’s last days. I envy the way she showed her affection to him. I reflected. I thought of my relationship with my dad.Nothing has changed. We talk but we never really had a conversation. I see him yet I never felt his presence. Many times I tried to reach out and work things out but I always failed.Maybe I was doing the wrong move.I barely knew him. Rather ask me about Honey’s dad (my neighbor) than querying of Liclic’s (my dad) favorite color and other stuff about him. Neither of us is curious enough about the people we once called family.
Too lazy to ask questions of the love we have for each other or more often too afraid to listen to realized that love was not there. I bet my two Kuyas felt the same way too before they each had their own families. They’ve moved on. But me, I’m still here bearing.
My Tita always says I am a female version of my dad. I didn’t believe her or better say I don’t want to believe her. I don’t want to make the same mistakes as mom and dad did. My father never knew how to be a parent. When his first son Mark was born, my dad was still enjoying his teenage years. Still very immature to handle responsibilities. When Kuya Taffy followed, dad was pre-occupied with his work. And then I came out. Dad tried but when he failed, he immediately gave up. Years passed and I never saw him trying until mom finally decided to leave. I was the youngest child, which meant I bear most of the hurt.
My dad is not getting any younger and so am I. Sooner or later what happened to Suzy’s father will eventually happen to mine, as I’ve heard from a relative that dad was really sick. Am I prepared? Surely not! But I am just as stubborn as he is. I wished away time then, now I want it back. I wanted to have good memories with my dad. Memories that I can be proud of and share to my future kids.I wanted dad to love me and take me seriously. So many things I wanted to do with my dad. I realized I had to do something before it’s too late.
I tried again one day, I visited him in our old house. Everything was still in place as I remembered it was. The furnitures which used to be glossy and smooth were now decrepit. The faded paint shows it was forsaken for years. My dad has resigned from his work because of his illness. And now his back with this old house. I could not say a word when I saw him. Same old daddy I thought, cold and stiff. Except for the white hairs grown all over his head, he’s still good looking with his age. But I notice the emptiness that reflects in his eyes.
“I have to break the ice. It’s now or never.”
Instead of saying anything, I reached for him and hugged him tightly. Then I unconsciously uttered, “I miss you Papa!” It’s been so long since I called him that. I can’t even remember when was the last time I did. It’s a great relief. Tears fell into my eyes when he hugged me too and patted my back. Almost sobbing, I felt like a child in need of comfort and there he was, my daddy, protecting me. There was a silence for a moment. All the pain I’ve been keeping for years seemed to disappear.
Now I felt my dad. I felt his presence.I felt his care. I felt his love. I never thought that that simple motion could ease all the hurts and misunderstanding we had. He kissed my forehead and said,
”What took you so, long to come home?”
Yes, I’m home. Dad is my home, my family.It’s saddening that it took me years to know that my father loves me so much. Today I couldn’t let any moment pass without showing how much daddy means to me. All the hurts and discomforts remain distant memory when I see him now. I realized that I didn’t have to turn back the hands of time to have a good memory with the people dear to me. Everyday is a chance that God has given us to do the things we ought to do.
We just have to make the most of it, as what me and my dad is doing right now, creating a good memory to save for a lifetime.
Economic motivation can be a phenomenal problem when people are economically backward or living in the state of poverty. This problem is happening when the government through its established institutions failed to perform their mandated task. Concerned people have to emerge and actively participate in various activities and processes in order to survive and stand as significant witnesses in various modes so the government can pay attention and thus provide sustainable solution.
Poor economic conditions is among the factors which actually motivated among Meranaos to participate in various activities. It is observable that: 1) Some Meranaos participated in the elections in order to assume the leadership and become rich out of the government funds allocated for the improvement of their area of responsibility; 2) Civil and criminal cases in their area are rooted in economic disputes/conflicts; 3) Cooperation and unity of some Meranaos broke-up due to poor economic conditions; and 4) The prevalence of vote selling and buying; killings and kidnappings, borrowing money or any kind by the poor from the rich with fixed interest and of some Meranao children who cannot go to school to study are all directly related to poverty.
These observations imply that almost all the problems are caused by poor economic conditions. However, this does not mean that all the Meranaos are poor. But it is generally accepted that majority are economically unstable or belong to the poverty line.
Poverty, I think, does not just stem from economic factor per se. Rather, they might arise from certain psycho-social and political constraints as illiteracy and ignorance due to poor education, , poor health, lack of technology and means for productivity and gainful pursuits plus other factors as unemployment. This means that poverty emerges out of problems obtaining and affecting people in a given locality. On the other hand, economic motivation refers to the economic factors (i.e., financial problems, underdevelopment.) This is a universal phenomenon which eventually influenced concerned people to emerge to make reforms.
With this problem, the Philippine government can urge its line agencies, including the MindanaoStateUniversity to do their task in the effective delivery of basic services. This University in particular should seriously perform its mandated instruction, research and community services.
Two American servicemen stationed in the Campo Ranao up the Signal Hill, Marawi were guest speakers at a recent International Relations Forum at the Mindanao State University (MSU), overlooking the majestic Lake Lanao . But the cool air might have turned warm for the two guests who were asked all sorts of controversial issues ranging from the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to US President Barrack Obama’s agenda in the Southern Philippines . Many students were curiously asking why were American troops around Marawi, a conservative Islamic city , with barely a handful of foreigners staying because of fears of insecurity.
One officer replied the American troops were here to conduct humanitarian work and help train our local military. They tried to be diplomatic and avoided answering the more politically-loaded questions such as a future withdrawal of troops here like that of Iraq . “As long as the Philippines requests us to be here (in the Philippines ), we would stay,” one of them said.
American troops have been around Moro areas supposedly training our local enforcement authorities in intelligence and security work. What’s curious is that with the three-month kidnapping ordeal of the Red Cross personnel in Sulu , have our local forces been better trained in tracking down so-called terrorists?
Setting aside the military relationship the Moro areas have with Americans, American presence in Marawi, I told the MSU students, was a thing borne from the past, as part of a colonial legacy. During their Philippine occupation, the Americans did not just try to put up military camps in Lanao but they also became service-providers. The first hospital here, even the first secular schools were built by the Americans, even manned by them as administrators, teachers and medical workers.
In the 1970s, the Peace Corps were very visible around Marawi, particularly in the Mindanao State University . Norkaya Muhammad, a women leader here, recalls that she used to await toys and chocolate gifts from her American friends every time they arrived from the US . The gifts are reminiscent of a past where datus were supposedly granted tokens and positions in exchange for territorial space of colonizers.
The Moro – US relationship was reiterated in a conference recently held in Davao during the International Solidarity Conference on Mindanao organized by the Mindanao People’s Caucus. MILF panelist Maulana Alonto said the US knew that the Moros in the South had not given any plebiscitary consent to forming part of the Filipinas Islands during the signing of the Treaty of Paris with Spain granting colonial rights over the Philippine islands to the US . Alonto reiterated the independence of Sultanate governments during the pre- Spanish period wherein Mindanao was named as such even before the Philippines was named after King Philip.
The Moros and Americans have had a love-hate relationship. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is the biggest recipient region of US donor funding running by the billions annually. Yet the ARMM also hosted pockets of resistance to American presence in the past during the Bud Daho, Sulu and Bayang, Lanao massacres of sword-wielding datus, chieftains and their followers.
While Moros are fans of American pop culture , they are deeply committed to Islamic ideals of virtue, shunning pork, alcohol and nudity. They can listen to Madonna but they would condemn American invasion of Iraq .
While Moros would question the ultimate agenda of the US in the South, some Moro intellectuals are looking to the US to provide recognition to the Moro claim for self-determination (RSD) or governance. The US on the other hand would acknowledge the injustice of the past colonization of Moro areas and yet cannot act on any political claims of Moros.
I recall one USIP fellow tell a forum of young Moro leaders, Moros need the outside world, they need allies to champion the Moro RSD . They need to tell their stories and with the American public relations and media grinding our airwaves and webspace everyday.
Look, Bangsamoro day last March 18 is major in Moro areas but look at its practical absence in the major channels and newspapers. Hello, no coverage means nada in the agenda. You’re of zero importance.
With a stalemate in the GRP-MILF peacetalks, it is not uncanny to look for other windows of conflict-resolution. Maybe the facilitator Malaysia needs to become more creative, and techy, savvy in its approach , involving the communities affected so that there is popular participation after a botched MOA-AD in August 2008. Maybe we need to rethink American participation with its strength on public relations, where the major media networks are based – CNN and Fox.
A lot of maybe’s but really, thinking out of the box can uplift the stalemate and probably make peace nearer soon.
Freedom of thought, speech, press and printing should be guaranteed within the perimeter of law through numerous rights instruments. But such freedom may not be abused in any way which is contrary to public interest, public order, public safety, and public morals. Everyone should be allowed to express in his or her private transactions or cultural matters or in the press or any other publications or in public meetings.
This freedom of speech is also guaranteed under international law, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, although implementation remains lacking in many countries.
In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country, although the degree of freedom varies greatly in many countries. Article 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Sudan provides that “every citizen has the right to seek any knowledge or adopt any faith, in opinion or thought, without being coerced by the authorities. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression, to receive information, to publish and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to restrictions necessary to security, public order, public safety, public morals and in accordance with law.”
Article 39 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia states that “information, publication, and all other media shall employ courteous language and the state's regulations, and they shall contribute to the education of the nation and the bolstering of its unity. All acts that foster sedition or division or harm the state's security and its public relations or detract from man's dignity and rights shall be prohibited.”
Article 23 of the Bahrain Constitution reveals that “freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to express his opinion and publish it by word of mouth, in writing or otherwise under the rules and conditions laid down by law, provided that the fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine are not infringed, the unity of the people is not prejudiced, and discord or sectarianism is not aroused. To be more specific, freedom of expression is also guaranteed by the Philippine constitution.
In Islam, a person is free to express against evils and mal-practices and even if it is contrary to his personal will. It is among the indicators of people’s empowerment. The heightening of such expression is obtainable in Islamic-democratic society. It is a significant factor for the success of any political leadership.
It is obvious that in Ranao, Lanao del Sur and MarawiCity in the Philippines, people are now free to express their thought and ideas through different channels of information. Experienced and knowledgeable persons can now share their insights and comments leading towards socio-economic development.
This development paves the smooth operation of radio talk programs and other channel information. The Tarompong sa Ranao Radio Forum, Inc. serves as channel of information of the general public with tact and prudence. It serves as a: reliable information to the general public using VHF two-way radios and other available communication facilities; venue of interaction and in-deep discussion on the prevailing issues and problems affecting the well being of the general public; mediator in conducting, sponsoring, implementing and coordinating in the implementation of programs, projects and activities geared towards sustainable development; and means in time of emergencies in close coordination with the duly authorities in the area.
Subject to the rules of slander, anyone who can say something on any issue, no matter how true or irrelevant it may be, can do so. In some places, only those information which can satisfy the desires of those who are in authority could be freely spoken in public.
In the different masajid (mosques), khatib (one who delivers Islamic sermons) can freely express the knowledge of Islam even if it against the desires of individuals or people in authority so long as it is for the good of the Muslim society.
Demonstration and rallies become more and more evident in many countries of the world. I remember the series of demonstration and rallies across the world against the controversial novel “SatanicVerses”. This demonstration was participated by the different sectors of the Muslim Ummah
This bearded cosmopolitan Muslim leader is at home in Rome and has had several encounters with the Pope. He counts among his friends - US AmbassadorKristie Kenney, Loren Legarda and Robin Padilla, rubbing shoulders with Manila's elite bigwigs and yet feels at home with the urban center's poorest communities.
Only TAHA BASMAN of Lanao del Sur holds this unique stature. Like Barrack, he dreamt of a society where all, regardless of race and creed , were treated equally. Wasn't it just a few years back when the US Government refused him entry in the US because of his beard? Proving the government wrong, Taha remained undaunted and wrote heavily and spoke on religious tolerance . Recognized for his work, he became a constant US visitor after he became a US-funded scholar later.
Philanthrophist, interfaith advocate, publisher, school administrator, UNESCOCommissioner, Taha Basman, in his late 50s, is a tough act to follow. He lived peace to the end of his life. Just this 4 pm, he succumbed to a disease in his home in Maharlika Village, Taguig, just a week after convening the biggest gathering of Muslim leaders in January this year, the Philippine Muslim Conference in Dusit Hotel, Makati City.
Basman made home in Manila, among Christians, even married one civic-minded lady like him . Together , Taha and Anne, had a lovely brood of nine children, all bemedalled in school, and proud of their North and South identity.
Basman founded the Philippine Islamic Council and the Mindanao Research Institute. He also founded an Islamic integrated pre-school that and vocational school in Muslim-dominated Maharlika Village that has produced thousands of jobs for unemployed residents here.
He is an active co-convenor of the Ortigas-based Peacemaker's Circle along with popular interfaith advocates of the country. His wake will be at his home in Maharlika Village, Taguig.
The world would not have been so advance in technology had it not been of Islam and the early Muslims whose theory and knowledge became the source of great modern discoveries.
The Encyclopedia a comprehensive reference work said that one Arab Muslim, Muhammad Al-khwarizmi, who was a great scientist and mathematician is the founder of Al-jabr, or Algebra, algorithm, arithmetic and decimal notation a concepts of great importance in modern computing.
History tells us that there were only two numerals being used in modern computation, one is Arabic Numerals, and the other is Roman Numerals.
The west and the Europe, especially the Americans, who ventured on advance technology, had to adopt the Arabic numeral because it was easy to apply than the Roman Numerals.
The Americans and the Europeans, however, made some modifications. This resulted to mathematics which gave birth to technology.
Technology such as Mobile phones, computers, digitals and other hi-tech discoveries are functioning with the use of numbers (Arabic numerals).
Therefore, without the Arabic numeral which is a Muslim Arab discovery and adopted by scientists and mathematicians, high technology would not be as advance as today, modern times.
This is one knowledge among others which the Muslims have contributed for the benefits of mankind.
Therefore, I am inviting everybody to learn Islam, the complete way of life. The religion of Peace, Justice, Science.
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