SangyawMindanao

From Prison Walls to Places in Mindanao for Peace By Janet S. Braza           This month I met a gentleman in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. In his mid-50s, he is meek and an intellectual. Prof. Nur Misuari, a leader in the Bangsamoro and the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is advocating peace in Mindanao . Nur’s ancestor is Lapu-Lapu of the Baringi Tribe. Lapu-Lapu is a brave warrior in the Philippine Islands. After the conquest of Magellan, however, the Baringi tribesmen went up shore to the Sibugay Peninsula , settled in an island where Nur was nurtured to be the defender of the Muslim Tribes. Nur was imprisoned for six years. In jail he kept silent. Nobody in the 15 councils of the MNLF he created did not strive their best to at least save him from prison walls. For four years in jail the neighboring Muslim countries never know that Nur was imprisoned. There’s only one group that patiently requested the Organization of the...

The lawless MILF groups (LMGs) shifted from semi-conventional warfare to guerilla tactics as suggested by its ally in the CPP/NPA/NDF. This change only shows the weaknesses of the LMGs and confirms the reduction of its strength and capabilities as a result of the AFP law-enforcement operations. They could not sustain a prolonged engagement because they are running low in terms of resources. The use of guerilla tactics, however, endanger the lives of non-combatants because, in order to survive, guerillas, in many instances immerse themselves with civilians to avoid detection and elude arrest ,and in worst cases, as human shield to prevent annihilation.(CCCH)