‘Federal government plus autonomous region?’
IN spite of all the different discussions and opinions whether a federal system of government is better than a central government system and other additional proposals referring to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao. I have not seen how the Bangsamoro will fit into a federal system. Hopefully in due time the proponents of said idea would come up with more public proposals so that we can look into it, react and make suggestions as to how this new “fangled” idea would fit into a federal system.
The classic definition of a state reveals that it is a definite territory with a number of people who are sovereign and have their own government. What is the difference between an autonomous government and a state? What’s the difference between the Autonomous Moro Bangsa? Will a federal system of government really ensure peace and order in the areas that want their own Bangsamoro type of government? Frankly, I cannot foretell the future only time will tell.
However, we have to bear in mind that there have been several violent confrontations between government forces and the Moro outlaws. We could still remember the overrunning of Philippine Constabulary (PC) units spread throughout most of Cotabato early after martial law was declared. Of course there were other incidents like the fight that razed Jolo, Sulo to the ground. Going into the current times, the Mamasapano massacre and before that – the Zamboanga battle between the MNLF forces and the AFP. Well, we just saw the end of the capture by ISIS forces of parts of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. I’d like to hear the reasons why some “Moros” “act” in that manner... They say that the said Islamists have been brainwashed to practice the radical form of Islam – I ask the question, is this true? And what causes the said radicals to act in that manner? In some parts of Africa and the Middle East, the ISIS have with maximum cruelty beheaded not only the captured Christians but also other fellow Muslims of different sects. Tell me does anyone have the answer? Will extending them the benefits of a democratic government change the attitude of ISIS members?
How will future Bangsamoro policemen act to neutralize the future ISIS who happened to sprout right at the very heart of the Bangsamoro area like Marawi City?
All peaceful loving Filipinos regardless of their religious beliefs are looking for a solution… but how does one come up with a solution? Some say, more autonomy and federalism. What is the guarantee that it will work against the radical Islamic movement which has sprouted all over the world. From Africa, the Middle East like Iraq and Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and very recently was trying to establish an ISIS caliphate in Marawi, Lanao del Sur in the Maranao lake area.
Considering all the incidents and what had happened and what is happening from Libya to Muslim states, in Africa, Syria and the never ending fight in Pakistan and Afghanistan by the Taliban against their own governments – shouldn’t we go step by step with that extra caution to introduce proposed solutions to stop the radical Islamic movement from spreading in our Muslim area? Why not start with autonomy – much later perhaps we can consider federalism. According to a close friend, Chief Justice Hilario D. Federalism is like dropping into hell… I leave the matter to my readers.