PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSES TO ‘THE MINDANAO PROBLEM: PEACE FORMULAS/EXPERIMENTS FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO 1. Pres, MARCOS’ TRIPOLI AGREEMENT (December 23, 1976) ‘The TRIPOLI AGREEMENT was an agreement between the GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES and the MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT (MNLF) with the participation of the QUADRIPARTITE MINISTERIAL COMMISSION members of the ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE (OIC) and the Secretary General of the OIC which provided for the establishment of AUTONOMY (sclf-government/self-governing/control of one’s own affairs) or AUTONOMOUS REGION in the Southem Philippines comprising thirteen (13) pro Mindanao and Sulu, including all cities and villages, within the realm of sovereignty and territorial integrity lippines and subject to its constitutional processes. These thirteen (13) provinces 6.LANAO DELNORTE 11.SOUTH COTABATO 7. LANAO DEL SUR 12. DAVAO DEL SUR 3, TAWL-TAWI 8.NORTH COTABATO — 13. PALAWAN 4. ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR 9. MAGUINDANAO- 5. ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE 10 SULTAN KUDARAT This agreement also provided for the establishment of a LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY and an EXECUTIVE COUNCIL in the areas of autonomy and that the Muslims should have the right to set up their own SHARI*A COURTS which will implement the ISLAMIC SHARI"A LAWS. This Agreement was signed on December 23, 1976 at Tripoli, Libya. The signatories were: a. CARMELO BARBERO (Undersecretary of National Defense for Civilian Relations) ~ representing the Philippine Government b. NUR MISUARI (Chairman of the MNLF) — representing the MNLF ¢. DR. AHMED KARIM GAI - Secretary General of the OIC 4. DR. ALI ABDUSSALAM TREKI (Libyan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs) — Chairman of the Negotiation This Agreement was witnessed by the QUADRIPARTITE MINISTERIAL COMMISSION, the members of which were representatives from LIBYA, SAUDI ARABIA, SOMALIA and SENEGAL, ‘The function or task of the Commission was to enter into discussion with the Philippine Government about the situation of the Muslims in the Souther Philippines. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRIPOLI AGREEMENT To implement the Tripoli Agreement: 1. Pres Marcos issued on March 26, 1977 PROCLAMATION NO. 1628 declaring autonomy in Southem Philippines (comprising 13 provinces enumerated above) and creating PROVISIONAL (lemporary) REGIONAL GOVERNMENT there in; 2, ‘The Philippine Government interpreted the phrase “constitutional processes” to imply that referendum (a vote by which the people express an opinion for or against a proposal) had to be conductedto determine whether of not the thirteen (13) provinces mentioned in the Agreement would join the autonomous region. Thus Pres, Marcos conducted a regional plebiscite/referendum on APRIL 7, 197. the result of which was only TEN (10) PROVINCES decided to j ¢ autonomous region (they voted “yes”) namely BASILAN, SULU, TAWL-TAWI, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, LANAO DEL NORTE, LANAO DEL SUR, NORTH COTABATO, MAGUINDANAO and SULTAN KUDARAT, while the THREE (3) PROVINCES namely SOUTH COTABATO, DAVAO DEL SUR and PALAWAN opted out of the autonomous region. 3. Instead of forming ONE (1) AUTONOMOUS REGION, Pres. Marcos estublished TWO (2) REGIONAL AUTONOMOUS REGIONS in Souther Philippines such as REGION IX (9) composed of BASILAN, SULU, TAWI-TAWI, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR and REGION XII (12) composed of LANAO DEL NORTE, LANAO DEL SUR, NORTH COTABATO, MAGUINDANAO and SULTAN KUDARAT, Meaning, Pres, Marcos divided the ten (10) provinees who voted "yes" during the April 17, 1977 plebiscite into two (2) autonomous regions, Regions 9 and 12. 4, To determine the manner in which the inhabitants of the area of autonomy wish to reorganize themselves administratively, Pres. Marcos issued PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (PD) NO. 1618 on July 28, 1979 that provided for the creation of a PROVISIONAL REGIONAL GOVERNMENT in these two(2) regions (Region 9 and 12), whose LEGISTATIVE POWERS are exercised by its SANGGUNIANG PAMPOOKI/REGIONAL ASSEMBLY composed of 21 members, 17 of which were to be elected and the rest were to be appointed by the Philippine President, their term of office is 3 years; and its EXECUTIVE POWERS are exercised by the LUPONG TAGAPAGPAGANAP NG POOK (LTP)/REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, composed of a CHAIRMAN and four(4) members, all to be appointed by the Philippine President on recommendation of the Sangguniang Pampook; their term of office is three (3) years, Many MNLF Commanders were enticed back to the government fold with monetary incentives and appointments to lucrative positions in the two autonomous regions. Pres. Marcos gained an almost complete control in the autonomous regions that had caused the fragmentation of the MNLF into three (3) major factions such as the politically progressive, predominantly Suluanos and OIC-supported MNLF led by NUR MISUARI; the more conservative, religious-oriented and predominantly Maguindanao MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) led by HASHIM SALAMAT; and the predominan conservative Meranaw MNLF-Reformist Group led DIMAS PUNDATO. ASSESSMENT: The TRIPOLI AGREEMENT ended in failure. This was because the Philippine goverment implemented it unilaterally. The Phil. government deceived both the MNLF and the OIC into believing that the agreement will be strictly implemented. The steps taken by the Phil. Government in carrying out the provisions of the Tripoli Accord such as the holding of a plebiscite/referendum and the establishment of {wo autonomous regions (Regions 9 and 12) were also criticized by the MNLF and the OIC. What Pres. Marcos did were all violations or inconformities with the Tripoli Agreement, So until the ouster of the Marcos government from powers in 1986, no significant breakthrough was achieved to resolve the Moro issues,Il, CORAZON C. AQUINO's (February 25, 1986-1992) ORGANIC ACT FOR AUTONOMOUS: REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM) or Republic Act # 6734 signed on August 1, 1989) When CORAZON C. AQUINO assumed presidency in February 25, 1986 as a result of the February People Power Revolution (EDSA 1), she also promised to grant genuine autonomy to Muslim Mindanao, as provided for by the Tripoli Agreement. The legal basis she used in granting such autonomy in Muslim Mindanao was ARTICLE X, SECTION 15-21 of the 1987 Constitution which mandates the creation of autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic ofthe Philippines. ‘Then how will the autonomous region be created? What are the processes by which the autonomous region shall be created? According to Article X, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution, “the CONGRESS shall enact (draft) an Organic Act (fundamental/primary/basic) for the Autonomous Region with the assistance: and participation of the REGIONAL CONSULTATIVE COMMISSION (RCC) composed of representatives appointed by the Philippine President from a list of nominces from multi-sectoral bodies...” So, Pres. Corazon Aquino signed Republic Act 6649 creating the Regional Consultative ‘Commission (RCC), whose task is to assist the Congress in drafting the organic act for the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. On March 26, 1988, the fifty-two (52) members of the RCC, whose selection ‘was prepared by the Mindanao Consultative Commission, took their oath of office in Cotabato City. From the fifty-two members of the RCC, twenty-six (26) were Muslims (8 Maguindanaons, 7 Meranaws, 6Tausogs, 2 Yakans 2 Samals and | Christian convert but married to Maguindanaon), eight (8) Highlanders (Subanons, B'laan, T’boli and Tiruray), and the rest are Christians. From April 1988, the members of the RCC conducted a massive public consultations and hearings to know what are the desires of the people. On October 3-5, 1988, after six (6) months of hard work, the RCC finally submitted their draft on the Organic Act to both houses of the Congress only to be rejected on January 1989, So, it was the CONGRESS who cnacted the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), of which Pres. Corazon Aquino signed it into law on August 1, 1989 under REPUBLIC ACT # 6734 which has to be ratified (to approve/sanction/confirm) by a plebiscite or referendum. The law says that the creation of an autonomous shall only be effective when approved by a majority of the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite. And to determine again whether or not those areas to be covered by this autonomous region approve such creation of an autonomous region and to determine the territorial coverage of such autonomous region in Muslim Mindanzo, a plebiscite/referendum was held on November 19, 1989. The result of this plebiscite/referendum revealed that the majority of people in Muslim Mindanao resoundingly rejected the law. Only four (4) out of the thirteen (13) provinces in Mindanao opted for autonomy, thereby shrinking the Muslim ancestral land. These four (4) provinces were: 1. SULU 2, TAWLTAWL 3. LANAO DEL SUR 4. MAGUINDANAOQ: ___The basic structures of government of this autonomous region composed of only of four (4) Provinees consisted of the REGIONAL ASSEMBLY, which exercises the legislative powers of the ‘autonomous government, composed of members elected by popular vote, with three (3) members elected from each Congressional district and with a three (3) years term of office; and the EXECUTIVEprocess requiring the holding ofa plebiscite, of which MNILF Chairman Misusri rejected because he knew that the holding of another plebiscite will reduce the number of areas in the auemernous region. Asto the second insistent demand of the MNLJ', which is the integration of 15,000 MNLF forces into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Government insisted to take only 5,0 after they had complied with the requirements such as being a degree-holder, 21-23 years of aye and single. ‘Then the third insistent MNLF demand of creating Special Regional Security Fores (SRSF), the Philippine Government argued that “forming a new and bigger armed group is unconstitutional (against the constitution); that it is only the Philippine Congress that can grant police powers to any ayency; and aa there should only be one potice force inthe entre Philippines and thst isthe Philippine Nations! Police . So in arder to come up with a compromise, a proposal was made to create an administrative council without the need of a plebiscite. This administrative council was popularly known as the SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (SPCPD)., a transitory implementing structure that would oversee, supervise and monitor all development projects on this so-called Special ZONE OF PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (ZOPAD) comprising the fourteen (14) provinces and ten (10 cities in Mindanao. IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISMS ‘This Agreement will be implemented in two (2) Phases 1 PHASE UTRANSITIONAL PERIOD (3 years period! 1996-1999) ‘A During this Phase |, there shall be established a SPECIAL ZONE OF PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT in Souther Philippines (SZOPAD) covering the 14 provinces in Mindanao namely Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga de| Norte, North Cotabato, South Colabato, Sarangani, Palawan, Maguindsnao, Sultan Kudarat, Lanso del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Davao del Sur and nine (9) cities such as Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog, General Santos, ligan City, Marawi City, Pagadian, Zamboangs and Puerto Princesa. Within three (3) years, these areas shall be the focus of intensive peace and development efforts. B. During this Phase I, there shall be established a SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT(SPCPD) composed of one (1) Chairman, one (1) Vice (Chairman, three (3) Deputies representing the Muslims, the Christians and Cultural Communities. They shall be appointed by the President. This is the transitory implementing structure that would oversee, supervise, monitor all development projects in the fourteen (14) and nine (9) cities in Mindanao. ‘The SPCPD has no law-making power, no governing authority, no military and police power, and no judicial power. It is not a provisional (temporary) government; itis just a stop- ‘2p administrative apparatus without inherent power; what power it may have are all derivatives from the powers of the Philippine President. ‘This is under the Office of the Philippine President; so all its powers are extensions of the: powers of the Phil. President. It is a presidential “doable”, meaning instead of giving the Phil. President the power to supervise, monitor, coordinate, and control all the development programs in the Autonomous Region in Mustim Mindanao (ARMM), the Phil. President just created a small ‘council or administrative council to do that for him, and that’s the SPCPD. This is comtained in’Art. 10, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, , During this Phase I (3-ycar period/1996-1999), the process of the joining in of MNLF members with the Armed Forces ofthe Philippines (AFP) will start, and the joining in of MNLF members with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the regular police recruitment program. Five-thousand seven-hundred fifty (5,750) MNLF members shall be integrated into the AFP, and two-hundred fifty (250) of whom shall be absorbed into the auxiliary services. For ‘Those who will mot be absorbed into the AFP and PNP will be provided with socio-economic, cultural and educational assistance oF programs. The advantage of these MNLF members who will be integrated into the AEP and the PNP include their expertise in insurgency, their familiarity with the terrain and tacties that maybe ‘employed during an encounter with the enemies of the state, and their proficiency in handling weapons because of xperience. The only problem of the government will be illiteracy and improving their diseipline. ‘The integration of these MNLF forces will be done in two (2) phases: «8. First Phase/ first three (3) years, this will be devoted to confidence-building with a hope of inculcating them values; they will also be trained on military tactics. In the beginning, these MNLF forces will join as a separate units distinct from the AFP. After thres (3) ‘years of training, the graduates will be grouped into fifty (50) companies, with the leader holding a rank not higher than a captain or major. b. Second Phase: the fifty (50) Moro Companies will be disbanded and its members will be deployed to other units in the country. It will take five (5) years before these MNLF forces will be totally integrated to other units in the country. Il. PHASE I This is where the mew autonomous region/ new Regional Autonomous Government is going to be established after a law amending (changing) or repealing (stopping) the Organic Act of Autonomeus Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or Republic Act 6734 have been enacted by Congress and approved by the people in the concemed arcas in a plebiscite/referendum. ‘This shall involve an amendment or repeal of the Organic Act (R.A. 6734) of the ARMM Congressional actions, after which the Amendatory law shall be submitted to the people of the concerned areas in a plebiscite to determine the establishment of a new autonomous government. This means to sly that between 1996-1997, the CONGRESS shall enact a aw that will amend/change the R.A. 6734). Thea by 1998, afler two (2) years when the SPCPD was already established, this new law enacted by the CONGRESS that amended or changed the R.A. 6734 will be submitted to a plebiscite/referendum to determine the new areas of autonomy. This new law enacted by the CONGRESS that changed the R.A, 6734 is popularly known es R.A. 9054 or the EXPANDED AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO which was signed into law by President GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO on March 30, 2000 and was submitted to a plebiscite on August 14, 2000, the result of which was the establishment of a new Autonomous Region in Southem Philippines composed of five (5) provinces namely SULU, TAWLTAWI, BASILAN, LANAO DEL SUR and MAGUINDANAO and one (1) city which is the ISLAMIC CITY of MARAWI.IV, Pres. ESTRADA’s Response to the Mindanao Problem (1998-2004) ESTRADA’s assumption to office as Philippine President was on August 18, 1998 and but after (wo (2) years and five (5) months, he was deposed or remaved from office on January 20, 2001 aficr the EDSA Il (People Power Revolution). In the first six (6) months after Pres. Estrada took office, the peaceful solution to the Mindanao conflict were in limbo (uncertain/neglect). Congress still had to resume the process of enacting a law to amend (change) the R.A. 6734. This means to say that during the term of Istrada, there was no enactment of Congressional Act that would amend/change or repeal /stop the R.A. 6734 of Pres. Corazon Aquino. ‘There were also peace talks between MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the Philippine Government but many times suspended because of many irreconcilable issues such as the recognition of all the major and satellite camps of the MILF or the demand of the MILF of recognizing their boundaries to avoid military-MILF encounter during the period of negotiation, The MILF submitted forty (46) major and Hite camps for recognition, of which only seven (7) were acknowledged namely Camp Abubacar as Sidique, the 10,000 hectares largest MILF training/military camp that extends over 3 municipalities of Maguindanao and 3 municiplities of Lanao de! Sur, Camp Busra (in Masiu, Lanao del Sur), Camp Rajamuda, covering the I-iguasan Marsh areas of Pikit, Datu Piang, Pagalungan, Mlang, Buluan, S.K Pendatun, Datu Paglas, |Lambayong (Mariano Mareos) and Sultan sa Barongis, Camp Darapanan, Camp. Omar, located on Pilis Hill overlooking the Cotabato-Isulan Highway, Camp Badre and Camp Bilal (boundary of Balo-1, Munai town, Lanao Norte). The other thirty-nine (39) camps were scheduled for Verification and acknowledgement before the end of December 1999. ‘On the side of the MILF, recognizing their military camps was not a violation of the Philippi territory or was not a violation of the territorial integrity of the Philippines; the MILF agreed that their camps are part of Philippine territory, even if they are MILF-controlled. But from the side of the Philippine government, Pres. ESTRADA believed that the existence of ‘MILF camps was already a violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and recognizing these MILF camps by negotiations was treason (betrayal to one’s country. According to Pres. Estrada, there is no need to negotiate, much more to recognize these camps. Estrada said that the only remedy was to deprive the MILF of these camps, one compelling reason in launching the “all-out-war” in April 20, 2000. By 1999, hostilities between the military and the MILF rebels had escalated in violation of the 1997 Ceasefire Agreement. Estrada found Ramos’ approach too sofi and accommodating. He set Sune 30, 2000 as the deadline for the GRP and MILF panels to sign an agreement or he would resolve the conflict by military action. Impatient, Estrada evidently wanted peace in Mindanao to come in his time. He was using the slow nature of negotiations as an excuse for the military option, a shift in policy back to Marcos and to 1900. But before June 30, 2000 deadline imposed by Estrada on the MILF to reach a peace agreement with the government, the government military forces have been pounding MILF pasitions in Carmen, North Cotabato and several towns in Maguindanao. This was followed by the siege of Camp Omar in February 16, 2000 and was overrun by the Philippine Army in February 27, 2000. Then by March 29, 2000, the govemment troops crippled the communication facilities of the MILF at Apo Hill in Balo-l, Lanao del ‘Norte. On April 27-28, 2000, the Philippine military forces dismantled or removed all the MILF ‘checkpoints along the Narciso Ramos Highway (184 kms highway linking Matanog, Balabagan, the cities of Cotabato and Marawi; this is 7-10 kms away from Camp Abubacar where the Phil, Army troops discovered a 10 kms long trench that links the Narciso Ramos Highway with Camp Abubacar where they upload all their supplies of arms, food through numerous checkpoints. 2As of May 20, 2000, over half of the AFP"s strength were deployed in Mindanao: 80,000 soldiers including navy sailors, air force pilots, doctors, nurses, ship and aircraft maintenance crew, in addition to tens of thousands of policemen and militiamen, 2,000 former MNLF forees/MNLF integrees, all against Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) seven thousand (7,000) men and Abu Sayyaf"s 300 men (allegedly plain bandits engaged in kidnap for ransom). Afler the lapse of the Jume 30, 2000 deadline imposed by Pres. Estrada on the MILF to Feach a peace agreement with the government, Pres. Estrada ordered the military to seize and capture the 10,000-hectare CAMP ABUBACAR on July 9-18, 2000, This largest MILF military camp was established by MILF Chairman HASHIM SALAMAT that contained schools (an Islamic elementary, a high school, a college), a guerilla training academy, a Shariah Court, two (2) big jails and makeshift dispensaries. Actually the government started to shelling it by July 2, 2000, So, by July 20, 2000, if not later part of July, 2000, the CAMP BUSRA (2™ largest MILF military/training camp) was overrun by the Philippine military forees, Afer the capture of almost all MILF camps, Estrada’s approval rating increased 5% to 45% in Luzon, 36% in the Visayas region and he got the highest rating in Mindanao which was 58%, Estrada also recived $100 million aid from the US which included war materials, food aid, power projects in Mindanao, Some sources said that one of the reasons why Pres. Estrada declared an “all-out-war” against the MILF was because during his first wo (2 years as president, he had been marked by scandals, allegations of corruption, the return of his business cronies, cte,; his performance approval/popularity rating plunged to 5%, (as of March 2000), Aside from that, Pres. Estrada had accused the MILF of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements; the MILF tumed down the conditions required of them by the government such as the dropping/renouncing their demand for independence, lay down theit firearms, stop terroristic attacks, ete. And according to Estrada, if you leave this conflict for another 2-3 years, the Philippines will become another Sri Lanka (where a separatist campaign has gripped Sri Lanka for two (2) decades or 200 years, with more than 60,000 people killed in the fighting. Accordingly, the Philippine Government was forced to choose the military option, that is meet force with force, rather than play sucker or keep talking and let the problem grow. So afer the Philippine government failed to accept the insistent demand of the MILF to recognize all their military / training camps, MILF Chairman Hashim Salamat declared jihad (holy war) and the MILF forces waged its guerilla war. The MILF dissolved its negotiations panel on August 21, 2000 and disengaged from the peace negotiations. It ignored the ofler of amnesty by the government and the call to reuum to negotiations. This was the picture of peace in Mindanao when Pres. ESTRADA was de ‘on January 20, 2003 (People Power IY EDSA II). It was on January 19, 2001 when the AFP withdrew its support from Pres. Estrada and noon of January 20, 2001, the Supreme Court declared the presidency of the Philippines vacant and Mrs. GLORIA M. ARRORO was sworn in as President of the Philippines. Being the Vice-President, she served the unexpired term of Estrada until June 30, 2004 and she won as Philippine President during the Presidential Election on Jume 30, 2004.Y. GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO"s RESPONSE TO THE MINDANAO PROBLEM (January 20, 2001-2004 and from June 30, 2004-2010) On March 24, 2001, two months afler her assumption as Philippine President, Pres. GLORIA M. ARROYO’s peace adviser, retired general Eduardo Ermita signed with the MILF an agreement to resume peace talks, She reverted to the CORAZON AQUINO-FIDEL RAMOS reconciliation and negotiation approach to peace in Mindanao. At first, she accommodated the MILF demand for the talk to be held in a foreign venue with representatives of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) as facilitators and observers. The agreement to resume the negotiation was signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 24, 2001, Presidential Assistant JESUS DUREZA, representing the Philippine Government and MILF Vice- Chairman for Political Affairs JAAFFAR GHAZALI signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia the “General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks” on March 24, 2001. The accord otherwise known as the ‘Kuala Lumpur Agreement embodies the response of the Philippine government to the conditions demanded by the MILF such as the simultaneous rehabilitation and development efforts in conflict areas and the socio- economic uplift plan for the Muslims. ‘The subsequent refinement of the agenda or talking points was done in Tripoli, Libya in June 22, 2001. Within the 3-month period, the ippine Government and MILF signed two Agreements: a. first was the Kuala Lumpur Agreement signed in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia on March 24, 2001 'b. second was the Tripoli Libya Agreement signed in Tripoli, Libya on June 22, 2001 where the MILF reiterated their demand for the government recognition of the Bangsamoro ancestral Domain The Kuala Lumpur Agreement or the Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks, provides the return of MILF rebels and their families to their homes in the camps without their guns while the camps remain under military control. The MILF shall determine, lead and manage their rchabilitation and development projects in their camps. [At the conference, the govermment obviously softened the hard position of the military conceming, the MILF camps. At first, the Kuala Lumpur Agreement (March 24, 2001) said the President upholds the belief that each area such as Camp Abubacar, Camp Rajamuda, etc. are sites of Muslim communities and they are not military camps and therefore they must be accorded like any other community of citizens. Because the MILF camps are no longer “military camps”, the returning MILF rebels with their families will leave their guns outside the camps. But, later on, Pres. ARROYO showed some impulsiveness and impatience, like that of ESTRADA. She doesn’t have the patience of RAMOS to bend backward, She also believed that the MILF will never have a camp or territory in any part of Mindanao, All lands remain under the Republic of the Philippines. Recognition of MILF camps is considered a cession of Philippine territory to the enemy. That the eamps will remain under military control. While there was related peace. ARROYO suspended the peace talks and later changed the mode of negotiation, She also set a deadline to ‘sign an agreement with the MILF, first by the end of 2002, then by the end of Mareh 2003 and later before ‘her term ends on June 30, 2004. ‘There is evidence that the Mindanao Policy of Arroyo government has been influenced, if not, controlled, by the same military clique/group believed to have controlled Estrada. The group headed by Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, the retired general who was the AFP Chief of Staif that directed the “all- ‘out-war” of 2000, is perccived to be wielding this influence or control. ‘The Philippine government made the failures of the negotiations with the MILF their excuses for adopting the military options in resolvingthe Mindanao conflict, Proof of this was the BULIOK offensive in Pikit, on February 11, 2003, « clear indication of ignoring peace negotiation and conciliation option to attain peace in favor of military, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARROYO's PEACE FORMULA 1. The first thing done by the Arroyo's administration was the implementation of the PHASE II of the RAMOS and MILF Peace Agreement signed on September 2, 1996, Under the PHASE. II (from 1999 ‘onward), a new autonomous region/new Regional Autonomous Government is going to be established after a law amending (changing) or repealing (stopping) the Organic Act of ARMM (R.A. 6734) have been enacted by CONGRESS and approved by the people in the concemed areas in a plebiscite/referendum. The CONGRESS enacted Republic Act 9054 (R.A. 9054), otherwise known as the EXPANDED AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM), a law that changed or replaced the R.A. 6734 (Organic Act for ARMM) that was done during the term of Pres. Corazon C, Aquino. This was signed into law by Pres, ARROYO on March 30, 2001, and was submitted thru a plebiscite on AUGUST 14, 2001, the result of which was FIVE (5) out of the FOURTEEN (14) provinces and ONE (1). out of TEN (10) cities in Mindanao decided to join or be included the new autonomous region. So the composition of this newly established autonomous government in Mindanao are the following: 1. BASILAN 2. SULU 3. TAWI-TAWI 4, MAGUINDANAO 5. LANAO DEL SUR 6. and the ISLAMIC CITY OF MARAWIL This newly established autonomous region has: A EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT vested with executive powers; headed by a REGIONAL ‘GOVERNOR whois elected by the qualified voters of the autonomous region. The Regional Governor, being the Chief Executive shall be assisted by a CABINET not Exceeding ten (10) members, six (6) of which comes from the indigenous community. ‘Their term of office is three (3) years. B. REGIONAL ASSEMBLY vested with legislative powers, composed of twenty-four (24) Members, of which three (3) members are elected from each of the legislative districts ‘of every PROVINCES composing the autonomous region; there shall be sectoral representatives and their term of office is three (3) years; the members shall serve not more than three (3) consecutive terms, TL Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MILF which aimed to expand the existing ARMM to add more or less seven- hundred twenty-one (721 if not 735) or more listed villages and barangays in Mindanao that would be governed by this BANGSAMORO JURIDICAL ENTITY (BJE) with a broad political and economic powers, This was initially signed by Rodolfo Garcia, Chairman of the GRP Peace Negotiating Panel, representing the Phil. Government and Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILI Peace Negotiating Panel, representing the MILF on July 6, 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia and would have been formally signedon August §, 2008 but aborted when the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (FRO) on September 3, 2008, The ini signing of this agreement was witnessed by: 1, Datuk Othman Bin Abd Razak (Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, Malaysia) Endorsed by: 1, Ambassador Sayed Elmasry (Adviser to OIC Secretary General and Special Envoy for Peace Process in Southern Mindanao; and 2. Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Bin Yatim (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia) In the Presence of; Dr. Alberto G. Romulo (Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines) The BANGSAMORO JURIDICAL ENTITY (BJE) has marks of an independent state such as having police and internal security force that are allowed to carry arms and raise troops, it has system of banking and finance, civil service, education, legislative and electoral powers, it can conduct diplomacy, can issue their own currency and many others. A. Core of the BJE a, ARMM (5 Provinces and 1 City: Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao de! Sur and the Islamic City of Marawi) b. Six (6) Municipalities in Lanao del Norte which voted for inclusion in ARMM during the August 11, 2001 plebiseite (Balo-I, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan,and Tangeal) ¢. More than seven-hundred (721 or 739) Barangays adjacent to the ARMM where a plebiscite or referendum will be conducted one (1) year or 12 months after the signing of the MOA-AD (214) Barangays in the Province of Sultan Kudarat (200) Barangays inthe Provine of Lanao del Norte (Region X) including 37 in Sultan laga (176) Barangays in North Cotabato (Region XII) (1) Barangay in Bukidnon 4d. Parts of Palawan (42 barangays) ¢. Parts of Region 9 (64 barangays located in Zamboanga City, Isabela City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga-Sibugay) £. Parts of Region 10 Ifnot, all the areas wherein the Philippine Government stipulates to conduet and deliver a PLEBISCITE within twelve (12) months or one (1) year following the signing of the MOA-AD. A day before the scheduled signing of the final draft Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the Phil. Government and the MILF, the Supreme Court ordered the halt in the signing of the pact by issuing a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) after granting the Petition of North Cotabato Vie Governor Emmanuel Pinol and several other personalities. Therewas an oral arguments done in the Supreme Court on August 15, 2008 and requires the Office of the Solicitor General to provide or show a copy of the draft (MOA-AD) to the Supreme Court. The local officials in Mindanao argued that there were no consultations before it was drafted; the people of the areas to be affected or covered by the ancestral domain ( Jetely and absolut ned bv our ancestors) were not consulted; even the Congress was nol consulted: they do not know the contents of such agreement; that it was kept secret so that it will not be criticized, scrutinized or reviewed. But the government said that consultations will be done after the signing of the draft. Consultation will be done after the Agreement becomes done deal. According to a souree, this is his first time to hear of an Agreement being concluded and signed before consultations with those to be affected are made, ‘Some of the Senators (Drilon, Escudero, etc.) speculated on the reasons behind the actions of the administration regarding the MOA-AD and their conclusion is that the motives is very sinister. The reason for the secrecy and the haste, they said, is that they knew it would never pass scrutiny; they also speculated that the government knew that the MOA-AD cannot be implemented and therefore it would bring instability and violence instead of peace. It is @ clever, roundabout way to keep GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARRORO (GMA) in power. If violence spreads in Mindanao, the President of the Philippines can have ah excuse to declare Martial Law in the Philippines. What will be the scenarios if the draft (MOA-AD) was either officially or not officially signed on August 5, 2008? What is the sinister motive behind the MOA-AD? Let me cite to you the analysis of Neal H. Cruz in his article entitled the Sinister motive behind the MOA-AD) which was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Vol. 23 # 242 dated August 6, 2008, According to Cruz, many provisions of the MOA-AD are unconstitutional (against the Phil, Constitution). To be implemented, the Philippine Constitution will have to be changed and a federal system of government can be installed. The Constitution cannot be changed before the Presidential Election of 2010 because of lack of time, Therefore Pres. Arroyo will be out of office before the first steps of the MOA- AD can begin to be implemented. So the first scenario will be, since several provisions in the: Agreement (MOA-AD) clashed with the Philippine Constitution, and once this Agreement is signed by both partics (GRP and the MILF), those unconstitutional provisions of this Agreement could only be implemented if the Philippine Constitution will be changed. ‘Second scenario will be, ifthis Agreement (MOA-AD) is signed, or onceitis signed by both parties but the Philippine government failed to honor the Agreement, the Philippines could be brought before the International Court. Then, if the Philippines will be brought to an International Court, she could be forced to amend/change the Constitution regardless of whether the Congress or the people agres. Third scenario will be, if provisions of the MOA-AD are not implemented, the MILF can say the Philippine. government negotiated in bad faith and declare independence because it already has all the elements of a state: government, people, territory and international recognition. So instead of peace, the MOA-AD will bring instability and most probably violence. In fact, this happened when the members of the MILF showed their protests and skirmishes after the government made some delays in the formal signing of this Agreement. In Iligan City, the MILF invaded some of its barangays and Christians have started arming themselves, afler the issuance of TRO by the Supreme Court that stopped the members of ‘the negotiating panels of both parties from going to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the formal signing of this Agreement. In North Cotabato, the MILF occupied some ofits areas displacing thousands of civilians, The MILF also raided towns in Lanao del Norte and Sarangani, All of these violent activities happened duc tothe impatience of the MILLI’ because of the delays in the implementation of the MOA-AD as well as the issuance of a TRO by the Supreme Court. This is a clever roundabout way to keep Pres. GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO (GMA) in power. If violence spreads in Mindanao, the President can have an exeuse to declare Martial Law in Mindanao. When some bombs explode in the Visayas, Luzon and Metro Manila, like what happened during the time of Pres. Marcos when there were few bombing in Metro Manila and the fake ambush of Defense Minister Enrile that gave Marcos the excuse to declare Martial Law in 1972, then ARROYO can also declare Martial Law in the whole country. Fourth scenario will be, if Martial law is declared, Pres. ARROYO can rule by decrees, the 2010 Presidential Election can be suspended and GMA will stay in power indefinitely until Martial Law is lifted and new elections are called, by which time the rules may have been changed, including allowing GMA to run for a third time. But why would GMA wants to stay on? According to-our source, this is because, when she is no Jonger president, she would no longer be immune from suit, so she would be inundated with cases especially for graft of which the penalty is capital punishment. So if you are in her place, what will you do? Will you not try also to hold on power for as long as you can? As what Senator Drilon said that ceding (tuming over/giving a part of Philippine territory to the MILF (as the MOA-AD will do) is an impeachable offense and for Sen. Pimentel, VL PRES, BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III's RESPONSE TO THE MINDANAO PROBLEM: (2010-2016) FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSAMORO (FAB) whi was initialed on October 12, 2012 in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia and signed in Manila, Philippines on October 15, 2012 ROADMAP TO THE CREATION OF THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS POLITICAL ENTITY (by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 1. Signing of the Framework of Agreement (FA) by both Parties (GPH and MILF) 2. Parties adopt an Annex on the Transitional Arrangements and Modalities in th FA 3. Transition Commission is formed by Executive Order (EO) # 120 4. Congress passes resolutions supporting the EQ 5. Commission drafts the BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW (BBL) 6. The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is submitted to CONGRESS (September 2012} 7. The BBL is certified urgent by the President 8, Congressional Action on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) (stripped of 48 unconstitutional Provisions/ passage of House Bill #4994 and Senate Bill #2408) 9. Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is submitted to the President for approval (September 10, 2014) ). Two months prior to the plebiscite and ratification, contiguous (adjacent) localities may opt to Join by a petition of ten (10) percent of registered voters in the aren 11. A plebiscite is held for the ratification (approval) of the BBL 12, Promulgation and ratification of the BBL 13, A Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is created. ARMM is deemed abolished; all devolved ‘Authorities are vested in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority 14. A Ministerial form and Cabinet system of government will commence once the Bangsamoro ‘Transition Authority is in place 15, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is replaced upon the election and assumption of themembers of the Bangsamoro Legislative Assembly and the formation of the Bangsamoro government ‘The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro outlines the general features of the political settlement between the Government of the Philippines (GPIT) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It defines the structure and powers of the Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It also sets the principles, processes and mechanisms for the ‘ransition until the regular election in 2016 for the new Bangsamoro autonomous political entity. The Agreement paves the way forward to the just resolution of the historical divide between the Government and the Bangsamoro, ‘Since 2011 until 2013, the Philippine Government and the MILF had conducted forty-two (42) exploratory talks which begun in Tokyo, Japan way back in August 4, 2011 when Pres. BENIGNO S. AQUINO III had a historic meeting with MILF Chairman Al Haj MURAD EBRAHIM. ‘The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the Phil. Government and the MILF was initialed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 12, 2012 and was formally signed in Manila, Philippines on October 15, 2012 with MOHAGHER IQBAL, Chairman of the MILF negotiating panel, representing the MILF, and MARVIC LEONEN, Chairman of the GPE peace panel, representing the Philippine Government. IMPLEMENTATION After the signing of the Framework Agreement, Pres. Aquino issued an Executive Order # 120 creating the BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION (BTC), a body authorized to draft the BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW (BBL) in conformity with the peace agreement between the GPH and the MILF. In relation to its task to draft the BBL, the BFC is also mandated to recommend to Congress of the people amendments (changes) to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, if it deems such means. ‘The Bangsamoro Basic Law will become the fundamental or primary law for the new Bangsamoro political entity. There are fifteen (15) members of the BTC all of whom are Bangsamoro and appointed by the Philippine President. The seven (7) members are to be selected by the governmient while the eight (8) members, including the Chairman, are to be selected by the MILF; the Muslims, Christians and the Indigenous Peoples are to be represented in this BTC. ‘The following were members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC); 1. Mohagher Iqbal — Chairman of the BTC (A Maguindanaon) 2. Akmad Sakkam — Deputy Chairman (lawyer, a native of SulwTausog) 3. Maulana Alonto — Deputy Chairman (Meranaw) 4, Johaira Wahab — Floor Leader (lawyer, a Maguindanaon) 5, Timuay Melanio Ulama~a Tiruray who hails from Upi, Maguindanao 6. Talib Abdulhamid Benito — a Meranaw by ethnicity 7. Ibrahim Ali — presumably a Maguindanaon 8, Abdullah Camlian — from Basilan but Sama-Bangingi- 9, Said Sheik —a Meranaw 10.Husscin Munoz —a native of Lupon, Davao Oriental 11.Asani Tammang =a lawyer from Panamao, Sulu 12.Pedrito Eisma —a native of Basilan ‘13.Fatmawati Salapuddin ~ peace advocate from Suly Tausog descent14.Raissa Jajurie ~ human rights lawyer from Sulu (Tausog) 15.Froilyn Mendoza a Tiruray from South Upi, Maguindanao ‘The BTC shall work as one body sharing a common vision for the peace and progress of the Bangsamoro region, It shall encaurage popular participation in drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) through public hearings and consultations to ensure the inclusion of concerns and support for the law by its stakeholders. It shall benefit all the peoples of the Bangsamoro (Muslims, Christians, Indigenous peoples and the resident settlers within the territory of the Bangsamoro). Once the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) finished drafling of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), this will be submitted to President Benigno AQUINO IH], after which this will be submitted to the CONGRESS composed of the House of SENATE led by Senate President Franklin DRILON and the House of REPRESENTATIVES led by House Speaker Feliciano BELMONTE. ‘When the BBL was brought to the Phil. CONGRESS, House Speaker BELMONTE created a 75+ membered ad-hoc commitice, headed by its Chairman Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus RODRIGUEZ, to consider the BBL. This was deliberated in the House of Representatives from November 3-December 16, 2015, the result of which was the passage of HOUSE BILL #4994 (House version of the BBL). While in the SENATE, the Committee on Local Government headed by Senator MARCOS Jr. started working on the review of the proposed BBL on September 23, 2014, the result of which was the passage of SENATE BILL # 2408 (Senate version of the BBL). Pres. AQUINO Ill asked the CONGRESS. to pass the bill in the soonest possible time, either on March 20, 2015 or in MAY 2015 or JUNE 27, 2015, before his last SONA (State of the Nation Address), In the SENATE, Senator Marcos Jr. submitted a revised version of the BBL which changed/amended eighty (80) percent of the draft bill; even the name BBL was changed to Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR). In the Senate version: 2. it removed controversial provisions which would allow the Bangsamoro to have a separate COMELEC, COA (COmintission on Audit), OMBUDSMAN, Commission of Human Rights; b. it put on hold the allocation of P17 Billion Special Development fund for the autonomous region and provisions regarding “Zones of Joint Cooperation” in the waters of Sulu and Moro Gulf. ‘After the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the CONGRESS, the Senate Bill #2408 (Senate Version of the BBL) and House Bill #4994 (House version of the BBL) will be brought to a scries ofplenary sessions for approval before it will be brought to a Bicameral Conference Commitice to reconcile these two versions. This finalized bill will then be submitted to the President for his approval. Once it is APPROVED by the President, he will sign this into law and it will then be submitted to a plebiscite (a vote by which a people express an opinion for or against a proposal). There shall be a plebiscite to give the people the choice to ratify (to accep/confirm) the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a popular referendum. The plebiscite will be held not earlier that 60 days or not later than 90 days after the approval of such amendments or revisions. Alll the amendments/changes /revisions made by the CONGRESS on the BBL shall only be effective upon approval by a PLEBISCITE/REFERENDUM to give the people the choice to ratify/to accept! confirm the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The plebiscite will be conducted within three (3) months or not earlier than sixty (60) days or no ater than ninety (90) after the approval of such amendments or revisions of CONGRE: ‘Who shall participate in the plebiscite? a. the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)(Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao , Lanao del Sur and Islamic City of Marawi)/ 5 Provinces and 1 city 'b. Municipalities of Baloi, Monai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the Province ofLanao del Nortc and all the barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 Plebiscite &. cities of Cotabato and Isabela ‘other contiguous (adjacent) areas where thers is a resolution of the local government unit or @ petition of at least ten (10) percent of the qualified voters in the arca asking for their inclusion ‘at two (2) months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the BBL. This resolution or petition often (10) percent of qualified voters will only be for purposes of being included in the plebiscite. A favorable vote of majority of registered voters in a plebiscite is still needed for a territory to be included in the Bangsamoro. If the BBL. is approved by the CONGRESS, it will then be signed by the President into Jaw, then to be ratified (approved) by a plebiscite (a vote in which a person expresses an opinion for or st a proposal. Once the BBL is promulgated or becomes a law, ratified by a plebiscite, they will create or establish the BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY (BTA) replacing or abolishing the ARMM. The BBL has to be approved through a plebiscite so that they can establish the BTA to replace the ARMM. The BTA will continue exercising the functions of the government until the 2016 Presidential Once the Bangsamoro Basie Law (BBL) is ratified (accepted), all the provinees, cities, municipalities and barangays wherein the majority of voters have ratifieW/aceepted to BBL. will form part of the BANGSAMORO which is the political entity that will replace the ARMM. CRITICISMS: 1. The Bangsamoro Basie Law (BBL) is full of constitutional infirmities. There are provisions in the BBL ‘that arc constitutionally questionable. If the BBL is passed in its current form or if there will be no changes/amendments, it would grant the MILF an armed group, P 75 Billion budget annually and allow it to maintain its own police force, among other concessions; 2. Some of its questionable provisions include the following: «a. creation of Bangsamoro regional counterparts for the Commission on Audit (COA) b. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) c. OMBUDSMAN d. Civil Service Commission ¢. Commission on Human Rights SUMMARY and ASSESSMENT 1. In this Framework of Agreement between the GPH and MILF, both parties agreed to establish the BANGSAMORO o replace the ARMM. The BANGSAMORO will be the name of the new autonomous political entity to be established in 2016 when we have the 2016 Presidential Elections. 2. The form or system of government that they are going to adopt will be ministerial form of government where they are going to elect sixty (60) ASSEMBLYMEN and from among these Assemblymen, they will elect their Prime Minister 3. As to how will this government exercises its own authority or as to what would be the fundamental or basie/primary law that will govern this new autonomous political entity called BANGSAMORG, itis going tobe the BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW (BBL) which has to be passed on March 20, 2015, if ee oe MAY or JUNE 27, 2015 which is the last SONA (State of the Nation Address) of Pres. AQUINO 4, The BBL is to be drafted by the BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION (BTC) composed of Fifteen (15) members. Seven (7) of which will be sclected by the Phil. Govt. while the cight (8) members Including its CHAIRMAN will be selected by the MILF 5.The BBL was submitted to the CONGRESS on September 10, 2014 where they made their own versions. These were the House Bill #4994 and Senate Bill # 2408. Accordingly, there were forty-cight (48) unconstitutional provisions that were stripped of from the BBL. 6. After the Congress made their own versions on the BBL, there was this plenary debates of both houses. Their approved versions will be brought to a Bicameral Committee Conference to reconcile and finalize this bill which will then be submitted to the Phil. President (Pres. AQUINO II) for approval. But this was never submitted to Pres. AQUINO III until his term ended on May 10, 2016 Presidential Election. Since there was no BBL signed into law by the President, there was no holding of a plebiscite and consequently, there was no new autonomous region that was created to replace the ARMM.PT CALLEN COMMUSTEY B WORLD WAR: TOCE SS OF THE JAPAN ORE VIE SECC SON THE MANILA ARE Ih Auguste ¥, de Viana, Ph. Naronal Histocigal hustitute Background: Post 1889.4: To the Philip he Roots of nese Migration One of the fore pened, was the soups whieh th ved in the Philippines during the American nese migrants started wy come tn the Philippines dur following the re establishment of official 1viations in 1889. Before 1854 Japan's Tokugawa shoguns isolated the country from most nutside coniaet for more than 200 years, Despite the resumption of relations Japanese immigration to the Philippines was insignificant for the remaining years of the Spanish periad, All of the migrants consisted of workers who stayed in the country temporarily including the thirty electricians sent by the Yokohama Trading Company to install cables in Manila in November 1393. There were proposals to set up a Japancse colony in the Philippines to develop the country's agricultural resources but Spanish religious authoritics rejected this plan." ‘se comannity. ast BO ye: Likewise trade between: the Philippines and Japan was also insignificant because of lack of imterest for Japanese goods. Commerce was heavily in favor of the Philippines. This condition was attributed to the unstable currency of the Philippines, high tariff” barriers and the difficulty between in communicating between the Japanese and the natives and Spaniards. The niain stumbling block to trade and immigration according to Japanese officials was the Spanish colonial government. In a study made by Tsuncki Sano in’ 1892. he said that the church-had control over the country.’ In the following year Nariaki Suzuki, an official of the Japanese consulate in Manila, also reported in 1893 that Spanish rule in the Phitippincs was oppressive and recommended that the Japanese should not immigratc te the Philippines to protect his countrymen.” outbreak of the Philippine Revolution only the hardy Japanese consisting of personnel of bazaars such as the Kaigai Backi Kaisha (Overseas Trading Company) or the Nihon Bazaar. the lijima Store or the Osaka Bazar and Oibokushin which-were all found in-Manila's Binondo district, were able to survive in the country. Japan saw the’ Philippines as an area of expansion. In the 1880s there was already. a doctrine of “Advance to the South Seas" or Nan ‘yo Sakir developing among political Eutionio Ap, Philipine- Japan. Ketations Psst Cuturat and Political (Manila: Alip and. © Sons, 199), p. 307. * * Yoko Yeshikawa, “lose M. Tagawa dnd the Japanese Commercial Sect in Mani «Studies, Vol. 43. April-Iune, 1995, pp, 166-167. 1h eas oon 1.” PhilippeMatron AGREE MENT.ON THE BCU EINES O OE: ead FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSAMORO What ly the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro? What ging te happen othe ARMY thets dexenalants whether mited oF of full native bla shall have A:Thw Framework Aprewment outlines the general features of the A: As om pe Rarapsemone shall. replace the ARMM. The the tig fy theravives as Bangsamoro by ascription oF poltcal settlement between the Government of the ARMA shal confine to function wil oe Bangsar scl-ascriptiee. Spouses and their desceneiants shal also enjoy thia (C7) and the Moto blamic Libation Frost (MILF) b defines erature and po Ms fight. The freedoun of choi copeted is pase and eatified. The law shall provide other Indigenous Peoples shal be whereby 4 Banguarere Trarane 1 the principles, processes and me Imucoiy shal prepare ioe the traraicerntion of the re All peoples in the Bangsamoro are Filipe citizens the regular 2 Ragan The name thangsamors also refers ta the new autonomous politcal, Q Mow wit! the Bangsamoro government look tike? centny that whl be created interial form, Voters wil wote in weats ne kgieatve Iangsamoro. AA The Bangsamoro shail have Why 49 there 4 need for 4 Framework Agreement? What system wil suppor the ibe party system in the pobrcal partion wil be able t participate i elechons The power through democratic and peaceful means tte MILF tut 197. chewed in the aeties took off with the forging of tlaborates ce te natace of Ore the ARMM. This new entity shail be called the Bangsa Uacumant also charts the rod map of Uwe steps and mechan Q: What will happen to the armed members and ein for the txasition leading to the creation of the Bangsamoro Te @ Cam the Bangsamoro ie established without « Constitutional MILF? road cuap can aptly be described = an inchusve and peoplecivey amendment A: The MILF shal undertake & graduated program for the aise A: Yeu. The terms of the Agreecnent can'be made without decommissioning ofits forces ¥0 that Uney are pt beyond woe. bea @unging the prevent Constitution. Article X ofthe 1987 Philippine gradual and phased proces, law enforcement shal be wanckeered la this the inal peece agreement? Constitution on the cseaton of Autonomous Regions shall apply. 49 the police force forthe Langsamoro. The police fore shall be A: Not you Tis GPM ard SOLF panels wil continac todesruss the Thx CPH i fully commited to supporting the passage of the civilitin character and sccounable ead reponedsie both wy te There Bangsamoro Basic Taw by Congress beiore the 2016 regular Cenfral and Bangstmnoro governments, and the communis tat eis that wil foe te dite 139 Instead of threatening national sovereignty, the Agreement will pave the way for national unity where |. ‘the Filipinos of the Bangsamoro, on the other hand, will be assured a fair and equitable share of taxation, revenues and the fruits of national patrimony. They will enjoy equal protection of laivs and access to impartial justice.’ oq1 plltetindet on power sharing, weath-sharing, normalietion ‘rd tasitional pechanisees Ths Framework document and the ifreere all toyether will ematitute the comzrcherane ap neem {hse ofc the arenes within dus yea, Us Fh tvalth- and poner shariag arrangrment beeen feta Covenant sad Bengrntee® A Vode power-sbaring, the Parties: havw agreed that the Central Gormnent will Raves nerved pow nd the wil hve ite exchaive or evolves poner. There Sil abe te cenurent ot shared powers bereton the Cental nd the | Bapmono governments. The Dango Base Law tat wil be qteet by Conger shall alin provide forthe pose tains | inthe Bangsamoro that reflect he plurality and diversity of the sovmnnitis inthe region : Gee the oF revinwe: generation ‘and snag: fr te operation of the Bangsamors, the Hangame Banc Lae ft Provide for press he 10 crest oom eure of covetuet, as Wella ts haves ht share in be roe dein trom naturd resouren. A Facad Petey Booed nol oe iracgrrernnertal sustainable davelopenent ely shal be crated tp mre a meshaniains fo partnership and coved beeen the Gontral Goverment and the Bangamory toward Buldon = ‘tng fvcal foundation and sustainable developers inthe reper, ‘Treannones wil further provide the depuis on powers and salts ©: After the signing of the Framework wher mest? 1 Moya oad Gol omnes Oc a cl oe ‘te Teanution Commission (TC). Eight mesbees of i TC shalt be bested by the MILF; avn shal be weleted by the GPH. Bath | Panes ate comantied fo make the TC representative detent sectew andl growpy In the The TC shall work on a deait Maree Law The date low sal hss ahmed 4 Carre Biber en One oe (Basic Lav ts pasurd ord ign by the Prendent. & Plebncite shall be condsscwd in the erie sor core ferry of the Ranguamaro. Elector fet lbw nem Ranysarons governs wl «bei i 206. phe Reyer ees ren a poe on re eile talon snd even dtecopenss aad saahicasc, Wil san ‘be umplemensed through the different joint © Nansinon mechanisms that ili be created dedion Gomnistent with the right of any citizen oF group of ‘Ge procedures provided by the Condition, the Tr ‘Conrmission may work on further propuaals for const reform. i i Q Is the trammwork Agreement a threat to national soverrigaty nd itegriy? ‘The Framescock Agwoement adheres othe pine ples of terntoral “The Comenuton and lantul procisses shall poverr the tcansitio.... and this Agreement will ensure tut the Pialippines fem ote rat aa ine peopl with all lat . The details of the normalization process and timetables for decommissioning shall be in an Annex on Normalization and shall form part ofthis Agreement. 10, The Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the - Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and povecty-stricken communities 11. The Parties secognize the need 10 attract multidonor country support. assistance and pledges to the normalization process For this purpose. a Trust Fund shall be established through which tngent support, recurrent and investment budget cost will be released with effidency, transparency and 12 The Parties agree to work out a program for tansttional justice to address the legitimate Bangsamoro people, comect historical injustices, and adcress human rights violations. BM¥ARCES of the IX. MISCELLANEOUS 1. This Agreement shall not be implemented! unilaterally. 2 The Parties commit to wark further on the details of the Framework. and complete a comprehensive agreeraent by the end ofthe year © “E™*e™E" the context ofthis documentRoadmap for the Bangsamoro Basic Law | The Transition | Commission will work | en the drafting of ' the Basic Law, and | whenever necessary, | | i ‘work on proposals to © amend the Philippine Constitution by Congressional The United “1am etigheen cht The party sipnature Nations stands erg thes baton of thes tral estore al ready to provide a deal the raph. igrity hx ument ba major step ‘assistance to sto future p eosin leg hating the partion, of the Bangnamory race 0m Minder as needed, People wid be pratectid. ‘eb or lal the mplernenting the che the seme idan by esbiliry amd Framework UN Secretuey time the sovereignty Males Prone Prosperity” Peace Genetal tnd cwcatintno of aac: Ln Agreement.” Bin Kiesoon te Philippines will he Modes uh ts preverred” Tun Hap Wi Barak “We also commend both the government and the SELF panels for coining the word ‘indusive’ in the peace uegotiations, for previously bolding consultations not only with the regional officials but also with rarious sectors of the society. And ie in the regional government assure the public. our people. of a smooth trausition of power to the new entity in case of a peace settlement.” ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman “The draft Basic Law will be submitted by the Transition ‘Commission and it shall be certified as an urgent bil by Ue Prosidont “full ‘implementation of the agreement by 2016 can bring about pecs, security, development. That teil be good wot omy for Mndaay, Int for the rehole of ‘the Philippines “tb Fili sup} like one Studdraft Basic Law be submitted by Transition mmission and it I be corthfiec as urgent Di by the sient “halt smplemertation of the agreement dy 2016 can brug about peace, security, and developmenn. Toat well be good mot UK Foreign indy for Modano, Secrsary but forte wile of Willams Hague ‘the Philippines. “f think this is now the time for afl Filipinos, wot only the Mindanaons, to support the President's efforts for lasting peace settlement with the MILF and otber armed groups in Mindanao. Just like my parents aud many others, I am one in this endeavor.” Ms. Reina Mazi (Dora, Sd yea High Schon ‘Student Leader of NDSICIWED of Koronaelal City The Basic Law is ratified by the people len the affected | This agreement t4 a testament to the commuter of all sides fora poacefut reset to the comet dn aproese Fore the southern US. Seereary realization of the fal Miniter Poilippines* of State laqreement.” Koetieo Goma lary Rodtam Cimon “The Framework Agreement would pave the way for a final and lasting peace and will open doors of opportunities for much- needed livelihood and socio-economic programs in the entire Mindanao,” ~ Senator Franklin Drilon