BJE: The NDMU Perspective

By: Maria Leni D. Oro & Arjay L. Balinbin

What does the NDMU say?

The Notre dame of Marbel University (NDMU), despite being a Catholic institution is comprised of both Christian and non-Christian students including those who belong to minority groups.

Today, the BJE issue sprouted and has triggered commotion to our community, what can the NDMU family say about it?

If we are to see the different angles of the issue, what is our position as Notre Dameans?

In response to this, last August 22, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) conducted a Symposium on GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain to promote awareness to the students. As part of the activity, there was a mock voting on MOA for the NDMU students and faculty.

There were 242 respondents, 212 of them voted “no” to MOA while only 30 of them said “yes.”

In behalf of the views of the NDMU community, the OMNIANA interviewed two students, Norhashim Ulangkaya., Muslim Students Organization (MSO) President. and Marionne Afable, Political Science Society President; two instructors who are, Mr. Joseph Intila, College of Arts and Sciences faculty and Dr. Buenafe Quillope, Director of Peace and Development Center; and Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico., FMS, NDMU President.


1. What is your stand on the GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain?

Bro. Willie: I am for peace. I always dream of a peaceful Mindanao…the MOA does not deserve any attention for it did not go through any legitimate consultation with the people in Mindanao…

Mr. Intila: My stand, obviously, no-no to the MOA. It’s because from the very start, the MOA was done with secrecy between the MILF and the GRP peace panel. So if there are no consultations made to the people of those areas of Ancestral Domain, it follows that it should not be implemented.

Dr. Quillope: The document, GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain is very unconstitutional. Of course, I, for one, would want something that is constitutional. It has not been given to the constitutionalists and there is even a question on who framed this and not all sectors were represented in the deliberation of this.

Norhashim: …it is a firm statement of patriotism on behalf of all the Bangsamoros who claim it a birthright to assert their distinct identity…

Marionne:
I am against the MOA… because it is a plan for transforming our government into a feudal government which is an irrelevant action…this MOA will pave the way to Cha-cha. It just means that it will retain the Arroyo regime.

2. What do you think are the advantages for Christians, Lu mads, and Muslims if the MOA will be implemented? How will these affect their relationship as citizens of Mindanao?

Bro. Willie: The existing MOA per se is detrimental to any group and to the future of the entire Mindanao. Anything that was not discussed openly by people involved will not bear positive fruits. Hence, let us explore more ways to achieve genuine and lasting peace for the Mindanaoans.

Mr. Intila: …there will be a definition of the territory of those groups like the Lumads, the cultural minorities and so on. But it should be done in a legal way…it follows that there is a separation of the territories among Christians and non-Christians, Lumads and non-Lumads, Muslims and non-Muslims…we are also talking of the separate, independent state… they will be detached from the Philippines. And maybe they will not be anymore called as Filipinos.

Dr. Quillope: ...the document itself is very advantageous for the Muslims. And maybe for the Lumads but I am not sure with the Lumads if they want it. Christians have not been consulted. But for the Muslims, I am one of them who are longing for Bangsamoro. They’ve been here in Mindanao for a long time, long before the Christians came. Christians would be prejudice in such a hazy agreement since they are not yet represented in the peace panel, so surely it will affect the thorough education of the people in the name of cultural solidarity.

Norhashim: Christians, Muslims, and Lumads will be benefited with the resources that the BJE covered because of the fact that, at present we are not directly benefited with our own resources. The people in Luzon, Visayas, and other countries are those who benefit our resources. So when this MOA will be implemented, we will be the one who can benefit the resources of our homeland.

Marionne:
None, I don’t think there will be any disadvantages. I am not in the position to judge the MILF but I will be lying if I would say, I have none against the MILF. I mean, we cannot forget what they did to our people.

3. Is MOA between GRP and MILF the answer for peace and development in Mindanao?

Bro. Willie: The MOA is not an answer to achieve peace in Mindanao. To achieve peace in this region does not mean giving full support to one group alone but rather a support that will bring fulfillment to every Filipino in Mindanao. We cannot talk about development if people are in constant state of fear, uncertainty and deprivation.

Mr. Intila: No, the MOA… is not the answer for peace process in Mindanao. First, there is really a violation from the very start. There is no consultation. It follows that you are disenfranchising the rights of the people in Mindanao…Kung hindi pumasok ang Supreme court in giving their TRO, anong mangyayari?

Dr. Quillope: I won’t say so. It is not found in the constitution. Maybe, it’s a very start for the consultation then all parties would agree on certain points People would be educated and say “no” or maybe “yes.’ But this is a good start. There are so many things we need to consider when we are for peace and development. But it’s a good start.

Norhashim: Yes… As a peace advocate, I insist for the negotiating table, not all out war which is the most viable option to ease tensions on the ground and properly seek justice for slain and displaced civilians.

Marionne: No, because promoting peace is parallel to unity. It will divide the nation into two.

There it is.

Everybody surely has a stand on this issue. The answer is either a plain NO or YES to the GRP-MILF MOA. Whatever is our argument, we definitely have reasons for it. One thing is certain, this issue is not just a mere something that can be ignored. Many lives have been wasted in the war for the Bangsamoro’s incessant demand for their ancestral domain. Whatever is better for Mindanao is something to be pondered upon, not hastened.

The quest for peace still remains. But, it is completely ironic that the answer for peace is war.