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| MAMA MOA, WHAT's ALL THE FUSS? |
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| Written by Samira Gutoc | ||||
| Monday, 04 August 2008 | ||||
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As
fears of a divided Mindanao loom over a document called MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING (MOA) ON THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN to be signed tomorrow in KL
between government and MILF (witnessed by a pageant of Malacanang and
Muslim leaders - MNLF, traditional leaders, MILF etc), here's a
timeline of how it all came to be. Media will certainly play a bridging role in making historic events understood by the public and hopefully will contribute to peace journalism's goal of tackling facts conscious of CONTEXT, CONSEQUENCE AND CHANGE. MAMA MOA, WHAT's ALL THE FUSS? Highlights of Bangsamoro HISTORY Compiled
by ALTIFAHNY LAGUINDAB, REY TRILLANA, ABDULRAHMAN ISMAEL, SAMIRA GUTOC 1450
AD - A Johore-born Arab adventurer, Shari'ful Hashem Syed Abu Bakr, arrived in
Sulu from Melaka; He married Param Isuli, daughter of Raja Baguinda, and
founded The Royal Sultanate of Sulu in 1457; He declared himself H.R.H. Paduka
Maulana Mahasari Sharif Sultan Hashem Abu Bakr, Sultan of Sulu, of the Saudi
House of Hashemite in Hadramaut, where most Tausug and Yakan believe Prophet
Mohammad's genealogy is traced. 1638-1640
- Records had it that Sulu Sultan Wasits many heroic battles during this period
at Bud Datu in Jolo island against the Manila Spaniards were never lucidly
recorded; It was Wasit who named this hill to honor the bravery and
unconditional loyalty of his datus. 1718-1772 - Fifth Stage of Moro Wars (Majul) December
21,1751 - A furious Manila governor-general F. Valdez y Tamon issued a decree
that ordered: (1) The extermination of all Moros with fire and sword; (2) The
destruction of all their crops and desolate their lands; (3) Make Moro
captives; (4) Recover Christian slaves; and (5) Exempt all Christians from
payment of any taxes and tributes while engaged in the termination of these
Moros. March.1877
- The Sulu Protocol was signed between Spain, England, and Germany that
recognized Spain’s rights over Sulu and, in consideration for the said lease of
North Borneo, ended European hostilities in the area
July
22, 1878 - Sultan Jamal ul-Alam signed a treaty with the Spanish Crown making
whole of Sulu a protectorate of Spain yet retained her autonomy and the
privilege to fly own flag thus saved Jolo from further destruction. [Majul,
Muslim in the Philippines/ Kho] August 20, 1899 Sultan Jamalul Kiram II hesitatingly signed the
treaty with Gen. J.C. Bates. (Bates Treaty or Senate Document No. 136, 56th
Congress, lst Session, Serial 3851). A very critical error of translation
exists in this treaty. The Tausug version states "The support, aid, and
protection of the Jolo Island and Archipelago are in the American nation,
"whereas the English version read: "The sovereignty of the United States
over the whole Archipelago of Jolo and its dependencies is declared and
acknowledged. The word "sovereignty" was not used anywhere in the
Tausug version. (Peter Gowing, Mandate in Moroland. The American Government of
Muslim Filipinos 1899-1920, p. 122). 1) Non-interference with religion, social and domestic customs or internal economic or political affairs of Moros unless requested to do so 2) The U.S. was not to give or sell Sulu or anypart
of it to any other nations November 7,
1900
President William McKinley’s Instruction to the First Philippine Commission of 1900 treated the Moro Nation initially as a Dependent Nation.
March 2,
1904
1968-1971 Constabulary elements took control of Muslim communities. Christian paramilitary groups staged an attack at a Mosque killing 65 men, women and children, which gained international attention.
Before the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was organized, Datu Udtog Matalam, led the first salvo by leading the Mindanao Independent Movement (MIM) declaring the whole of Lanao, Cotabato “Empire”, Davao Sur, all of Zamboanga Peninsula , Sulu (including Tawi-tawi), Basilan and Palawan as independent. These were the same areas identified in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
March 1968 Government forces massacred 28 Moro army recruits with one survivor on Corregidor Island in what was dubbed the Jabidah massacre, triggering publicity and widespread indignation across the country.
September 21, 1972 Marcos declared martial law. One month later, the first organized Moro counter-offensive took place in Marawi. The MNLF declared secessionist war against the government.
November 14, 1972 The MNLF, headed by University of the Philippinese Professor Nur Misuari, Salamat Hashim and others, was formally announced. Fighting escalated between Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and MNLF forces.
January 1975 MNLF Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari and government representatives held its first meeting in Jeddah , Saudi Arabia . Autonomy was the first exploratory option, after the 6th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) supported it as basis for negotiations. The definition of autonomy was culled from the Working Paper of the Committee of Four ( Senegal , Libya , Saudi Arabia and Somalia ) which provides for self-government within the framework of Philippine national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
December 23, 1976 MNLF Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari and GRP Defense Undersecretary Carmelo Barbero signed the Tripoli Agreement. The Agreement provides for autonomy in 13 provinces and nine cities in Southern Philippines .
March 25, 1977 Pres. Marcos issued Proclamation 1628 declaring autonomy in 13 provinces. On 17 April, a plebiscite was called despite MNLF objections. Only 10 to 13 provinces voted for autonomy. Talks broke down.
May-December 1977 A group led by Salamat Hashim broke away from the Misuari-led MNLF leadership. Hashim went to Cairo , Egypt declaring a New MNLF.
1978 Negotiations between the MNLF and GRP resumed. However, Marcos chose to negotiate with Hashim instead of Misuari. The 9th ICFM declared Misuari as chairman and spokesman for the MNLF.
1979 Misuari reverted to his original position for secession, which was supported only by Iran . Surrendered MNLF founding member Abul Khayr Alonto joinsed government panel.
1980 Malaysia and Indonesia offered to serve as peace brokers. The 11th ICFM in Pakistan requested GRP to implement the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
1981 Misuari failed to convince Arab states summit in Saudi Arabia to support secession. Marcos meanwhile, visited Saudi Arabia and OIC Habib Chatti. The 13th ICFM called on GRP to immediately expedite the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement. CPP-NPA formed the Moro Revolutionary Organization.
1984 The 15th ICFM reaffirmed its commitment to recognize the territorial integrity of the Philippines and called for MNLF to close ranks. Hashim meanwhile officially declared the establishment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
February 26, 1986 Marcos ousted by a people-led revolt. Newly-installed President Aquino tasked the Constitutional Commission to include provisions for autonomy in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras .
March-September, 1986 MILF sent feelers to GRP Pres. Aquino for peace talks. Through the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Muslim World League mediation, both MILF and MNLF agreed in principle to negotiate jointly in an expanded panel. In September, Aquino visited an MNLF camp which Misuari seizes to gain an initiative and recognition for the MNLF from the government as its negotiating panel.
August 1, 1989 Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 6734, which creates the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and signed by Aquino into law on 1 August 1989. On November 10, a plebiscite was called, boycotted by MILF and MNLF. Only four provinces— Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi— chose autonomy.
July-October 1992 The 20th ICFM in Istanbul called for the resumption of the peace talks between the MNLF and GRP. In July 1992, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos appointed a National Unification Commission (NUC) to formulate an amnesty program for MNLF rebels. On October 1992, the first round of peace talks were held.
1993 Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas hosted the second round of GRP-MNLF exploratory talks which led to the signing of Executive Order 125 defining the approach and administrative structure for government peace effforts.
1994-1995 Ramos issued Proclamation 347 granting amnesty to Moro rebels and creating a government-MNLF Joint Ceasefire Committee. In September, the second round of formal talks began. An Interim Agreement was signed, containing 81 points of consensus in defense, education, economic and financial systems, mines and minerals, Shariah courts, functions of a Legislative Assembly and Executive Council and representation in the national government and administrative system .
1996 A meeting of the GRP-MNLF Mixed Committee resulted in the establishment of the Southern Philippines Zone of Peace and Development (SZOPAD).
1996 September to December The Final Peace Agreement is signed on 2 September. The MILF distances itself from the Agreement, but commits not to stand in the way of peace. In the ARMM elections, Misuari runs for governor and wins, and six MNLF leaders are elected to the Regional Legislative Assembly. Ramos issues Executive Order 371, which departs from the Agreement on some significant points. The government forms a new negotiating panel for talks with the MILF in October. The MILF, in a display of strength, holds a huge assembly near Cotabato City from 3-5 December, and reaffirms commitment to independence. Misuari wins the election as first ARMM Governor. Ramos issued Executive Order 371, a slight departure from the FPA on some significant points. GRP started negotiations with MILF.
1997 MILF and the GRP issued a joint statement for peace. However, heavy fighting between MILF and AFP forces in Buldon which killed hundreds, marred the negotiations. In March, an Interim Ceasefire Monitoring Committee was formed but in June, AFP launches biggest offensive against MILF.
1999 Congress filed three bills amending the Organic Act on the ARMM, expanding it in accordance with the FPA. MILF-GRP formal peace talks began at the Dawah Center , Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. On December 17, GRP-MILF panels agreed on the rules and procedures for the conduct of formal peace talks.
2000
All out war policy by Erap Administration invites international attention to massive evacuations .
July 9, 2000 Government forces overran MILF camps. On July 12, MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim declared jihad against the Philippine government. On August 21, MILF disbanded its peace panels after GRP issues warrants of arrest against its leaders. On September 22-24, the MILF 16th General Assembly reaffirmed Salamat Hashim’s declaration of jihad against GRP.
February 7, 2001 Philippine Congress approved House Bill 7883 and Senate Bill 2129 as Republic Act 9054, supplanting RA 6734 or the ARMM Organic Act. On February 20, President Gloria Arroyo declared the suspension of offensive military action (SOMO).
March 13, 2001 President Arroyo named Misuari as Special Envoy to the OIC. On March 24, GRP and MILF signed a General Framework of Agreement of Intent in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia . March 24, 2001 The “Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks” was signed in Kuala Lumpur by then Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Eduardo Ermita and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, then MILF vice chair for military affairs. Ebrahim would be named MILF peace panel chair until he assumed the post of MILF chair Salamat Hashim in late July 2003 after Hashim succumbed to a lingering illness in Lanao. MILF information chief Iqbal took over the chairmanship of the peace panel. The
March 24, 2001 agreement was hailed a “breakthrough” especially with both parties
agreeing to resume the talks “immediately” after the signing of the March 24,
2001 agreement “and continue the same from where it had stopped The
parties also agreed to “commit to honor, respect and implement all past agreements
signed by them” and to “negotiate with sincerity and mutual trust, justice and
freedom, and respect for the identity, culture and aspirations of
March 30,2001 Philippine Congress approved RA 9054, An Act to Strengthen and Expand the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act 7634, Entitled "An Act Providing for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as Amended"
April 2001 The 15-Man Executive Council was formed in defiance to the leadership of Nur Misuari and chose MNLF Vice Chairman Hatimil Hassan as Chairman of the Executive Council. Misuari, however, remained ARMM governor.
June 19-22, 2001 GRP and MILF panel chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim signed an Agreement on Peace.
August 7, 2001 MILF and MNLF signed an Agreement on the General Framework for Unity and a Joint Communique and Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace in 2001.
November 19, 2001 Former MNLF Chair Misuari was accused of rebellion and on November 24, Misuari was arrested in Malaysia .
November 26, 2001 MNLF Executive Council member Parouk Hussin was elected ARMM Governor. On December 20, the GRP and MNLF signed a Joint Communique to recognize the progress in the implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement and the need to sustain its progress.
2002 January Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza takes Misuari from Subang Jaya, Royal Malaysian Air Force Base on 7 January and brings him to the detention bungalow in Sta. Rosa Laguna. The CCCH, tasked with supervising the implementation of the ceasefire, meets for the first time on 12 January. February Skirmishes resume in various parts of central Mindanao . March . President Arroyo suspends formal peace talks with the MILF. April . Geneva Call persuades the MILF to sign a deed of commitment against use of landmines after a meeting at a MILF camp in Maguindanao. May . The GRP and MILF sign a Joint Communiqué on the isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicates and kidnap-for-ransom groups operating in Mindanao, on 6 May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The next day Implementing Guidelines on the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 are signed in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur . The MNLF and MILF hold a first meeting of the Joint Coordinating Council of the Bangsamoro Solidarity Conference (BSC) on 8-9 May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and agree to send a joint delegation to the 29th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers of the organization of the Islamic Conference on 27 June in Sudan. June . The MILF’s project implementing body, the Bangsamoro Development Agency, is set up to “lead, manage and determine” rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict-affected areas. July .President Arroyo announces on 2 July that the MILF’s former headquarters Camp Abubakar will become an army base named Camp Datu Sinsuat. From July to September, members of LMTs are appointed as per the GRP-MILF agreements in 2001, and a series of local workshops are held in various parts of central and western Mindanao . The Bangsamoro Development Agency also conducts a series of planning workshops. November . On 6 November Jesus Dureza denies that the USA is to list the MILF as a terrorist group, after reports to the contrary following a meeting between Philippine and US government officials. December . Government peace chairman Jesus Dureza and panel member Irene Santiago admit during a meeting with the members of Mindanao media on 28 December that a peace agreement is expected to be forged within the first quarter of 2003 to avoid “politicization” of the peace process. 2003 On 20 January 2003, MILF Chairman Hashim Salamat writes George W. Bush, President of the United States , seeking support for the “ Moro Nation. “We are therefore appealing to the basic principle of American fairness and sense of justice to use your good offices in rectifying the error that (sic) continuous to negate and derogate the Bangsamoro People’s fundamental right to seek decolonization under the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960. For this purpose, we are amenable to inviting and giving you the opportunity to assist in resolving this predicament of the Bangsamoro People.” On February 10, the government peace panel presents the draft final peace agreement with the MILF to congressional leaders. Philippine government forces storm the Buliok Complex in the town of Pikit, in Cotabato Province on 11 February (the day of the Eid’ul Adha). Efforts to get the ceasefire committees to meet on 12 February fail as the MILF declines to attend the meeting before government troops move out. President Arroyo approves a draft peace proposal on 19 February. March . A bomb explodes at the waiting shed of Davao International Airport on 4 March, killing 22 people and injuring at least a hundred others. Hashim reportedly condemns the act. Charges of multiple murder and frustrated multiple murder are filed against Hashim, Vice-Chair for military affairs Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (also MILF peace panel chair), Vice-Chair for political affairs Ghazaali Jaafar, and spokesperson Eid Kabalu. On 27-28 March, the government and MILF peace panel representatives meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jesus Dureza (GRP) and Lanang Ali (MILF) sign a Joint Statement on 28 March, reiterating their commitment to resume formal peace negotiations and to honor and implement past agreements. April . A bomb explodes at Sasa Wharf in Davao City on 2 April, killing 16 and wounding 55 others. MILF fighters attack the town of Maigo, Lanao del Norte on 24 April, leaving 13 people dead. May . Twenty-two people die in a MILF bomb attack in Siocon on 4 May, prompting the Philippine government to call off the 9-11 May exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur. On 5 May, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issues an open letter to both Arroyo and Hashim urging for a ceasefire and return to negotiations. Days later the Bishops Ulama Conference issues a statement offering to mediate between the MILF and the GRP. On 9 May, GRP peace panel Chair Jesus Dureza resigns, claiming he wants to focus his efforts on development in Mindanao . A market place in Koronadal City , South Cotabato is bombed on 10 May. Fifteen people are killed and 31 are wounded. The government blames the MILF. On 13 May , President Arroyo warns the MILF that she will recommend the USA puts them on their list of terrorist organizations if they do not end attacks on civilians by 1 June. On 14 May, the OIC officially recognizes ARMM governor Parouk Hussin as chair of the MNLF. Arroyo declares a war of “will and vision” against the MILF on 17 May, and orders “selective attacks” on “embedded terrorist lairs” in central and western Mindanao . In the evening of the same day, Arroyo departs for a state visit to the US , and returns a week later having secured US$356m in defence and counter-terrorism aid. On 28 May, the MILF announces a unilateral 10 day ceasefire beginning 2 June, welcomed by President Arroyo. The next day the MILF is involved in an attack on Carmen town, North Cotabato , in which five civilians are killed. June . The MILF extends its ceasefire for another 10 days on 12 June. Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process Eduardo Ermita, named as chair of the government peace panel on 10 June, announces that the government will withdraw its offer to resume peace talks if MILF chair Salamat Hashim does not act as chief negotiator for the MILF. On 22 June, the MILF extends its ceasefire indefinitely and requests a matching gesture from the military. Hashim issues a policy statement dated 20 June “rejecting terror as a means to resolve differences”. The government welcomes the move but urges Hashim to declare a permanent ceasefire and reiterates its call for him to personally head the MILF peace panel. The government announces on 24 June that following meetings of the peace panels GRP-MILF talks will resume in Malaysia and Hashim will lead the MILF negotiators and sign any resulting agreements. 2004 In December 2004, the discussions on ancestral domain, the last of the three major agenda items aside from security and rehabilitation, were divided into four strands – concept, territory, resources and governance. 2005 Iqbal told MindaNews the MILF was considering four governance possibilities in the negotiated political settlement: federal, commonwealth, association of free states and independence. 2006 The impasse of the peace talks started on September 6-7, during the 13th exploratory talks over the issue of territory when the GRP’s recognition of the 613 Muslim-dominated barangays is conditioned on undergoing a constitutional process . 2007
Nov. 14 Joint Statement - Among the consensus points on ancestral domain that the two panels agreed upon were: the “joint determination of the scope of the Bangsamoro homeland based on the technical maps and data submitted by both sides; measures to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people arising from their unjust dispossession and/or marginalization; Bangsamoro people’s right to utilize and develop their ancestral domain and ancestral lands; and economic cooperation arrangements for the benefit of the entire Bangsamoro people.” 2008 April Makati Regional Trial Court allows MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to post bail. May 10 29 Malaysian members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) including Major General Datuk Mat Yasin Bin Mat Daud, the head of mission left in a phased withdrawal of troops. This draws statements from civil society groups on possible resumption of hostilities between government and the MILF.
July 2008
July 22 PGMA in a visit in Maguindanao, announces she supports a call to postpone the ARMM elections scheduled on August 11, 2008. Dureza said the "Cabinet consensus" to postpone the regional polls was reached after Arroyo met with Cabinet members and ARMM officials in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Shariff Kabunsuan .
July 24, 2008 Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., presidential adviser on the peace process would meet the MILF in Malaysia for the final date on the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on ancestral domain. In the days to come, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, who has objected to calls for some parts of the city to be under the Bangsamoro territory, said he is backing North Cotabato Vice-Governor Emmanuel F. Piñol, who will file a case with the Supreme Court demanding public disclosure of the contents of the ancestral domain draft pact.
July 24, 2008 5 Muslim lawmakers filed House Bill 4832 which proposes to amend Section 1 of Republic Act 9333 - the law that sets the August 11 ARMM elections - by replacing the date of the ARMM polls to coincide with the May 2010 national elections. Those who authored the House Bill 4832 are representatives Faysah Dumarpa of Lanao del Sur, Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao, Munir Arbison of Sulu, Mujiv Hataman of party-list Anak Mindanao, and Pangalian Balindong of Lanao del Sur. Senator Miguel Zubiri backs out on filing a similar bill. July 26, 2008 Saturday headlines bannered GRP-MILF talks collapse after an impasse Friday night in KL . Government had reportedly changed its position and wanted to delay the plebiscite until after the signing of a final peace pact, instead of after the agreement on ancestral domain as they had agreed upon. July 28 – 14th Congress opens session with the State of the Nation Address by PGMA which mentions support for the peace process. July
31 - The House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms approved on July 31,
the bill that seeks to postpone the elections in the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (Armm). Radio dzXL said those opposed to proposals to postpone the
ARMM elections are:
August 5, 2008 Scheduled signing in Kuala Lumpur of the MOA on Ancestral Domain providing for a plebiscite on November 2009. This is merely a part of The Comprehensive Compact, as the MILF proposes the peace agreement would be called, which will be a consolidation of the talks’ three agenda items: security, rehabilitation and development, and ancestral domain.
References: MORO TIMES, Manila Times, August, 2006 Orosa,
Sixto Y. The Sulu Archipelago and Its People, NY: World Book Co., 1970 Tregoning, K.B. A History of Modern Sabah, 1881-1963 Hurley, Vic. Swish of the Kris, 1997 http://www.bakbakan .comH.R.H. Sultan Jamal ul-Kiram I (1823-1844)
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