Mamasapano as inspiration

FOR us Christians, our childhood image of Muslims consists of a vinta of Moros swooping down on our shores and pillaging a village, raping our women, leaving death and destruction behind. The age-old myth is that the only Muslim you can trust is a dead Muslim.

The fear of Moros is a cause why peace remains elusive in Mindanao. We do not trust them with a government of their own because we are afraid that if they become prosperous and strong, they will dominate, even oppress us.

But that is precisely why there is trouble in Mindanao. The Moros do not have a government that corresponds to their faith and culture, one that takes into account their being Muslims and Moros—thus, their being different from Christians.

We have to accept the historical fact that we have deprived the Moros of their lands and natural resources over generations of exploitation. We wanted them Christianized. Some of us only wanted their wealth. Of course, they resisted and we embarked on a campaign of pacification. They fought us and war ensued.

We have been in this war for half a century, and peace has not been attained. You cannot expect the Moros to keep still while they feel they have been—and are still being—deprived of the lands and natural resources that they believe belong to them by birth right; or of their right to govern themselves through a government that accepts them as Moros with distinct beliefs and mores; or of their homeland.

We have to rectify the wrongs of history. And we cannot do that if we do not acknowledge our mistakes.

The Moro myths of our childhood are false. The Moros are men and women just like us, wanting to raise their children, to live in peace, to be happy. They worship Allah, yes, and not the God of Christians; but Allah is also good. He teaches the Moros to be kind and loving, and not to do others harm. According to Islam, Allah is the deity of Ibrahim, the same Abraham of the Jews, who called their god Yahweh. So in our faith, we descended from the same ancestor.

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is a long step to heal the wounds of strife. Provided the law will not deprive the national government of the ultimate authority over Moro territories, the BBL will give to the Moros the fruits of their homeland and the dignity of their culture. When you give someone food and respect, why will he still make trouble?

The Mamasapano massacre happened because there is war in Mindanao. Rather than a cause for despair and vengeance, it should serve as an inspiration in the quest for peace.

—ROBIN P. RUBINOS,

San Jose, Antique