Finding New Paths to Peace: Ancestral Domain and Moro Self-Determination

Rudy  B. Rodil,

Finding New Paths to Peace: Ancestral Domain and Moro Self-Determination

Abstract:

Having done extensive research on and having been also involved in the Peace negotiations with the Moro National Liberation Front, I can attest that there are many elements that are new in the current peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Here are some of them, although I will not go into details:

1. Reduction of the complexity of the Bangsamoro problem into three agenda items: the security aspect, the rehabilitation and development aspect, and ancestral domain.

2. Agreement on the general cessation of hostilities and a highly effective ceasefire mechanism, highlighted by the participation of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, which includes contingents from Brunei, Libya, and Japan.

3. Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (ADJAG) created to go after criminal elements and terrorist groups. Very successful, so far.

4. Government offer to recognize the Moro right to self- determination, except on matters of national defense, foreign affairs, monetary system and postal system.

5. Participation of the Lumad in the process, at the level of the technical working group.

6. Mindanao Trust Fund and other interested foreign donors have thrown in their stakes in the process.