Misuari should ‘test the waters’

PRESIDENT AQUINO himself said that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is a failure. He reiterated this to former ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari. The President said that the ARMM, as a failed experiment, had greatly aggravated the Mindanao problem. The ARMM failed to realize its objective of a united, progressive and peaceful autonomous region to the detriment of its people.

Misuari has warned that the establishment of the new Bangsamoro entity, as proposed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, will only worsen the situation in Mindanao. I believe that Misuari should first observe, even participate in, the transition process before he closes his eyes to the opportunity of helping unite Muslims for progress. Misuari should not resist the framework agreement; instead he should go along with the tide of change. This is the least he can do for his followers. Who knows, some of them may be only waiting for his signal to support the new agreement; after all, most of them already understand the benefits that can be derived from the agreement.

Further, Misuari should not worry that the ARMM will be set aside and that his group will feel and see themselves as outsiders. The new Bangsamoro includes Lumad, Christians and other ethnic groups and faiths. Misuari should first test the waters.

The MNLF members and their supporters are Muslims. The one great and sincere objective of the framework agreement is for Muslims to unite with brother Filipinos so that everyone will realize their aspirations as one people living in one country.

—SHIELA G. GUZMAN, [email protected]