(To) declare independence is very easy. It does not take the tongue to dry up. More importantly, it is not a violation of international law, as long as it is not backed up by violence. In this respect, MNLF chief Nur Misuari by his recent declaration of independence is still in the safety zone.
However, does his declaration change anything? The answer depends on who is making the answer. But one thing sure is that the government has to manage and contain the ill-effects of the declaration. It appears the government is quick on the draw and has already done and is doing something to stave-off the impact.
There are many requisites for real honest-to-goodness declaration of independence. First, one is serious and real preparation to meet the “mother entity” in whatever manner fitting. A mere rhetoric will not work. Second, one has the army ready to die for the cause of secession, a popular support, and enough resources to sustain the confrontation. And third, the support of the international community is crucial. At this juncture, one pertinent question is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) backing up this declaration? So far there is no clear indication to that effect. Even Indonesia, which chairs the OIC-MNLF-GPH Tripartite Review Body, has already said it opposes any plan to dismember the Philippines.
The truth is that seeking the support of the United Nations is something like asking for the moon to fall. The United Nations, while it is supposed to be independent, is not free to make any decision. There are five permanent members which have veto powers. Moreover, while it is true that the Philippines is struggling to adopt a third world policy, but nature has placed it within the sphere of influence (we will not use “control”) of the United States and it has no immediate means to shred off that situation. Therefore, a favorable action of the United Nations on Misuari’s declaration of independence cannot ignore the view of the United States on the matter, perhaps not tacitly.
Frankly, we are saddened by the turn of event on Misuari. He started advocating for independence but compromised to work on real autonomy within the Philippine state under the facilitation of the OIC and only to end his long revolutionary career by accepting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is merely an administrative region. Frustrated, sidelined, and aging, he now speaks of reverting back to independence. Is this the best way to end his career? What is in the offing for his followers? Will the declaration make any difference in the current status of the MNLF Misuari faction?
We are not here to decide on these questions. Instead, we assure our brothers in the MNLF that the MILF stands at all times ready to work together for the common good of the Bangsamoro. The Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB) is not designed for the MILF. It is for the Bangsamoro. The role of the MILF is good only for the transition, never beyond that. If we want to continue this role, we have to participate in elections and if we win the majority in the Bangsamoro assembly, then we form the government.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/482-easy-to-declare-independence
There are many requisites for real honest-to-goodness declaration of independence. First, one is serious and real preparation to meet the “mother entity” in whatever manner fitting. A mere rhetoric will not work. Second, one has the army ready to die for the cause of secession, a popular support, and enough resources to sustain the confrontation. And third, the support of the international community is crucial. At this juncture, one pertinent question is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) backing up this declaration? So far there is no clear indication to that effect. Even Indonesia, which chairs the OIC-MNLF-GPH Tripartite Review Body, has already said it opposes any plan to dismember the Philippines.
The truth is that seeking the support of the United Nations is something like asking for the moon to fall. The United Nations, while it is supposed to be independent, is not free to make any decision. There are five permanent members which have veto powers. Moreover, while it is true that the Philippines is struggling to adopt a third world policy, but nature has placed it within the sphere of influence (we will not use “control”) of the United States and it has no immediate means to shred off that situation. Therefore, a favorable action of the United Nations on Misuari’s declaration of independence cannot ignore the view of the United States on the matter, perhaps not tacitly.
Frankly, we are saddened by the turn of event on Misuari. He started advocating for independence but compromised to work on real autonomy within the Philippine state under the facilitation of the OIC and only to end his long revolutionary career by accepting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is merely an administrative region. Frustrated, sidelined, and aging, he now speaks of reverting back to independence. Is this the best way to end his career? What is in the offing for his followers? Will the declaration make any difference in the current status of the MNLF Misuari faction?
We are not here to decide on these questions. Instead, we assure our brothers in the MNLF that the MILF stands at all times ready to work together for the common good of the Bangsamoro. The Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB) is not designed for the MILF. It is for the Bangsamoro. The role of the MILF is good only for the transition, never beyond that. If we want to continue this role, we have to participate in elections and if we win the majority in the Bangsamoro assembly, then we form the government.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/482-easy-to-declare-independence
MILF editorial takes a quick jab at Nur Misuari and his recent machinations regarding the MNLF declaring independence from the Philippines.
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