Ex-MILF fighter hopes to come home

From Rappler (Nov 3): Ex-MILF fighter hopes to come home

30 minutes from Cotabato City in the south, Darapanan is the main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. With the signing of the peace framework, MILF combatants and civilians there face great change ahead. This report from Paterno Esmaquel. (Watch video)



A Davao taxi driver who introduces himself as Ali is a former soldier of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The 38-year-old left the rebel group's Maguindanao home base four years ago.

“ALI,” FORMER MILF FIGHTER: Nakakasawa na rin ang giyera eh, kasi walang nangyayari. Ikaw nagugutom ka. Lahat, takot, kaba, hindi mo alam kung mabubuhay ka pa o hindi na...Tapos malalaman mo,'yung mga nag-utos sa 'yo, nasa aircon, may sasakyan, magaganda...

 

(War can be exhausting. It doesn't achieve anything. You go hungry. You live in fear, uncertain if you will survive. Then you'll find our your commanders stay in air-conditioned rooms, ride fancy cars...)

 

But he sees a spark of hope in the the initial peace agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government. The deal aims for an end to the Muslim rebellion, as well as a vibrant economy that will hopefully lead to peace.

ALI: Maganda ang ginawa ng gobyerno ngayon. Gumawa ng paraan itong si Noynoy na ma-kuwan, ang gulo ba, magawan niya ng paraan na matigil, kasi para ano, makabalik na rin kami sa mga lupa namin.

 

(The government did a commendable thing. Noynoy found a way to put an end to conflict, so that we can return to our homeland.).....



 

.... Ali says he lives a comfortable life in Davao. But he keeps an eye on the future Muslim region.

ALI: Kahit papa'no, nandoon ang kabuhayan namin, lupa namin, hayop namin, nando'n. 'Yung ibang mga kamag-anak ko, nandoon. Siyempre doon ka na rin lumaki...

 

(At least our livelihood is there, our land, our livestock, and even some of our relatives. Of course I was also raised there...)

 

For now, people like Ali will have to wait for a truly peaceful region they can call home.


 http://www.rappler.com/nation/15372-ex-milf-fighter-hopes-to-come-home