Post-BBL war mongering

MILF Central Committee Vice-Charman Ghadzali Jaafar warned of a full-blown war if Congress will pass a watered down version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants the BBL enacted into law without any alteration in spite of the plenary power of the Congress to scrutinize all its provisions or even to disapprove the same. Thus, the BBL is about to become another point of contradiction between the Philippine government and the MILF.

            The warning echoed the sentiment of the administration when it told Congress that the alternative to the BBL is war. As if it is threatening its own constituency, the administration predicted that the non-passage of the BBL will mean more bloodshed and casualties, not only to government security forces, but to civilians as well. However, this grim scenario—while probable—is only one of the few possible post-BBL futures. Other post-BBL possibilities may be blur and messy but not as gloomy as the administration is trying to impress upon us.

            The armed conflict in Mindanao is a complex one. Exclusion and poverty provide the context of the Bangsamoro’s claim to self-determination and recognition. Because of this, laws will be insufficient to address the Bangsamoro concerns. Several years are needed before before the problems that give rise to the armed conflict may be finally rooted out. The solidarity and support of the rest of the Filipino nations are indispensable before the people of Mindanao attain a true and lasting peace.

            Assuming that the BBL failed to pass after the congressional votes, then, the government is left with the option of starting a new peace negotiation with the MILF. While the possibility of renewed fighting is very high, it does not mean that a full-scale war will ensue thereby. Anyway, the armed conflict between the government and the MILF did not end at any time before or after the conclusion of the peace agreement. Though there has been a prolonged cessation of hostilities between the government and the MILF, the armed conflict did not cease at all. Until the MILF finally lay down its arms, the threat of armed assault against the duly constituted authorities in Mindanao is always real. The government should not fear the impending threats of renewed fighting. If fighting erupt in the next few days, then, the AFP should deal with it accordingly.

            The BBL is expected to start the process of establishing the necessary political conditions for a long-term peace. Unfortunately, many people perceived it as another threat to peace.

Undoubtedly, change in the region is inevitable with the passage of the BBL. But whether such change will be for the better or for worse is highly uncertain at this point. Recent events tend to show that if ever the BBL would bring peace, it would be a troublesome one.

If one thing is certain at this point, it is that nobody can hurry up peace. Peace comes when it is time. It is time when we are ready to accept the terms and conditions of peace.