Thanks for inquirer.net, I was able to read the draft MOA between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). I now have basis on whatever take I will have on it. Though I live in the Southern Tagalog Region which is very far from Mindanao, I still feel concerned. It's still part of the country and no matter how less(if any) ARMM contributes to the country, there are still people who live there. They are also Filipinos regardless if they are Christian, Lumad or Muslims. Even if they say that it's just a small part of Mindanao, that's still a significant area. We must take note that Mindanao is such a big mass of land. It's land area is 94,630. The "Bangsamoro people" are claiming a good percentage of it. Even if they say that the area is 10 percent for instance, that's still 9,460 square kilometers. In comparison, Singapore is barely 700 square kilometers.

One of the most contentious is the agreement on foreign relations. The provision is as below.

“The Bangsamoro juridical entity is free to enter into any economic cooperation and trade relations with foreign countries; provided, however, that such relationships and understandings do not include aggression against the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; provided, further that it shall remain the duty and obligation of the Central Government to take charge of external defense.”

Upon reading this, there's this feeling that what they'll going to have is a small country that will be carved out of Mindanao. Contrary to what Esperon is saying, the agreement really reads like they already gave part of Mindanao to the rebels.

Another contentious provision is as below.

"8. The parties agree that the BJE shall be empowered to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of, civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, and police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions, necessary for developing a progressive Bangsamoro society the details of which shall be discussed in the negotiation of the comprehensive compact."

Police and Internal Security Force? So would these be? The MILF fighters? If ever, wouldn't it be in violation of the constitution that states that there will only be one armed forces which is the Armed Forces of the Philippines? Why is this provision placed there? Is it to accomodate their members who will lost job once the peace accord take place? Or to make it legal for them to still carrry their weapons?

In the end, it's the messiah complex that runs through the blood of the MILF leadership. But on top of that, the other contributing factor isis the failure of the government, its officials and elected government servants from the lowly baranggay officers up to the provincial governors and even up to the president of the Philippines.

In so many studies, the root of the problem is the lack of education and backward mentality. Eid Kabalu, one of MILF's high-ranking officers which I view as a moderate person, has said that people protesting are just chanting rhetorics and do not provide any alternatives. I think his opinion for that matter is gravely misleaded. As a matter of fact, there's a lot of alternatives. The government and various NGOs has tried implementing them but what happened? Rebels and lawless elements has sabotaged them. So if you summarize, they are a big part of the blame because MILF, as an organization, cannot disciplilne their members. And that's where everything should start. Lay down the firearms, both the government and the MILF, and start rebuilding their so-called homeland.

We are already almost past the first decade of the 21st century. The troubles of the past, especially those purportedly committed from the period of 16th to the 18th century, should be put behind. If they don't fit themselves in the modern times and continue their self-pity, expect more lives will be sacrificed.

But then again, I really doubt if things will go well even if the agreement is signed. But for the sake of the families of the 120,000 that were already dead due to the conflict, we must find ways to end their so-called suffering. And MILF (if that's still recognized by their own people), must do their share. For the part of the Government of the Philippines, please...please, abide by the constitution.