Friday, January 1, 2010

Moro Self-Determination and the Internet



The Internet is slowly becoming a potent tool for repressed social and political communities. In the Philippines, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), now one of the longest insurgencies, has official websites too. Its websites are http://www.luwaran.net and luwaran.com.

Whenever you view luwaran you get an alternative take on official acts of the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). From the stalled signing of the Memorandum Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) up to long term policy issues involving the Moro struggle for their right to self-determination, the luwaran websites provide illuminating views on the peace process. Interestingly, when Datu Unsay Ampatuan accused the MILF as the perpetrator of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre, the MILF media wrote several articles on warlordism and the Ampatuans in Maguindanao.

Gone are the days when government has the monopoly of authoritative information on security concerns. After the junking of the MOA-AD, I am hoping that both the Government and the MILF had learned their lesson. There can be no peace in negotiations without consultation.

In the Supreme Court Case of Province of North Cotabato vs. GRP Panel (October 14, 2008), the Supreme Court held that consultation is a condition sine qua non to any peace agreement. The SC however, did not say how consultation should be done.

In my view however, the use the official websites of both peace panels to give the people an opportunity to participate in the Mindanao peace process, is a step in the right direction. A final peace agreement must be the result not only of a transparent negotiation but also a negotiation with genuine opportunities for participation.

My friends here in General Santos City are not so optimistic of the peace process in 2010 in light of the upcoming Presidential elections and for many other reasons. I cant blame them since they, like many other stakeholders, have been alienated from the peace process.

Amid developments in communication and technology, I do not see any reason why stakeholders should still feel alienated. The government and the MILF can resolve to open up opportunities for participation of every stakeholder in the peace process.


Bryan A. San Juan
7th Entry
(last entry from General Santos City)
**the picture shows some consultations conducted by the MILF in Muslim communities. but again, broader consultation is key. (luwaran.com)

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