MILF: Editorial--‘Bigger struggle ahead’

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Feb 8-14): ‘Bigger struggle ahead’

After emerging victorious from a decisive battle that greatly brought great peace and stability in the whole of Arabia, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had addressed his companions: “We have come from a lesser battle and we are heading towards the bigger one.” His companions were greatly amazed by such uttering, and in chorus they asked: “Why, Messenger of God?”

The Prophet explained that fighting an external enemy with swords and lances may kill some, injures others, and destroys settlements but in the end they remain your adversary. They are not part of you. But fighting your own self, your urge, the love of what glitters, and everything that tempts all of which attack the hearts and minds from all sides, is more difficult. Many people succumb on the process and become casualties.

The MILF is facing this now and if it is not made up of a better stuff ideologically and organizationally, they will see the side effects of this approach. The government is pouring millions of pesos to spur development in the Bangsamoro.

But why is the MILF agreeing to this socio-economic deal with the government? The answer is simple; it is part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Besides, it is to convey to our people and combatants, after signing of the FAB, that there is something that trickles to them as a way of peace dividends. More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination.

By the way, if the MILF agrees to this socio-economic deal, it is because it is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation.

Moreover, the MILF believes it is the right thing to do, after it bitterly engaged the government both in the battlefields and in negotiation, which did not end with the MILF at the losing side. This is the reason why the two Parties are now facing each other in the battle of the hearts and minds. Finally, we believe President Benigno Aquino III has no hidden agenda when he causes the implementation of these projects. Besides, our people, who have been ravaged and marginalized by 40 years of continuous war, need them to jumpstart their long journey to recovery.

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