Failure to pass autonomy bill a result of hatred and prejudice, says Cardinal Orlando Quevedo
Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato. He blames "hatred, prejudice and bias against Muslims" for the “death of the peace process” in Mindanao. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
A prominent vocal advocate for peace in the southern Philippines has blamed "hatred, prejudice and bias against Muslims" for the “death of the peace process” in Mindanao.
Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, also warned against the possible rise of Islamic radicalism in the region and a growing number of Christians arming themselves to defend their communities.
"There will be a continuing rise of militias.… It's a very difficult situation," Cardinal Quevedo told ucanews.com on Jan. 29.
"The most likely target for radicalism [in Southeast Asia] now is the Philippines because of the rejection of the [Bangsamoro Basic Law]," said Quevedo.
The Philippine Congress, which goes into recess next week in preparation for the May national elections, failed to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law for lack of a quorum on Jan. 28.
If passed, the proposed law, a result of 18 years of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front, would have established a new autonomous political entity known as the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.
Cardinal Quevedo warned that with a "dead" law the peace process will also die, the rebels will not cooperate with the government, and radicalism among Muslims will grow.
"The whole thing demoralizes the Bangsamoro," said Cardinal Quevedo, adding that the demoralization will lead young people to radicalism.
Oblate Father Roberto Layson said the killing of 44 police commandos in a botched anti-terrorism operation last year "further fueled hatred and deep seated bias against the Moro people."
The death of the policemen at the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters in January 2015 sparked public outrage causing the withdrawal of support by some legislators for the proposed law.
"It's a bit disappointing because the Bangsamoro Basic Law was the product of 18 years of negotiations," said Father Layson, parish priest of conflict-riddled Mary Immaculate parish in Cotabato’s Pikit town.
Pikit has seen several clashes between government troops and Moro front fighters during the decades long insurgency.
"People on the ground" are very supportive of the peace process and the passage of the law, but the killing of policemen was the turning point that stalled it.
"We are still addressing the hatred of people with each other," Father Layson told ucanews.com.
Representative Pangalian Balindong, deputy speaker for Mindanao in the Philippine Congress, said the incident last year labeled the Moro people once again as "terrorists, extremists, enemies, traitors and murderers."
The failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law took away the recognition of the Moro people's "distinct identity and the opportunity to exercise self-determination," he said.
"The ignorance of legislators on the real causes of the Bangsamoro people's struggle killed the Bangsamoro Basic Law," said Zaynab Ampatuan, a Muslim community organizer in the town of Kabacan.
"We are challenging peace advocates to help find ways in peace building and uniting Filipinos without prejudice," Ampatuan said.
http://www.ucanews.com/news/church-leader-decries-death-of-mindanao-peace-process/75094
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