In anticipation of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections, groups from various sectors honored the historical struggles of the Moro communities in the pursuit of peace-building and the right to self-determination.
Al Qalam Institute Director Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan debunked claims that conflicting religious beliefs sparked the longstanding hostility in Bangsamoro, citing the human rights violations that the Moro people endured, including the plunder of ancestral lands and repression of their cultural identity, which played a role in the conflict.
“It is not simply a disagreement about religion. The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission identified historical injustices, human rights violations, and marginalization through land dispossession as central grievances of the conflict in Mindanao,” Lidasan stated.
Emphasizing the establishment of Moro communities long before foreign colonization loomed over Mindanao, Lidasan noted that the first regular BARMM Parliamentary Elections this September 14 are integral to the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro liberation groups that hopes to end the several years of armed conflict.
Drawing on his tweaked version of the Bahay Kubo allegory, Lidasan underscored that acknowledging the injustices that occurred in Bangsamoro need not come at the expense of inclusivity and intercultural relations.
“We cannot build peace by asking Tabunaway and Mamalu (Muslim and indigenous groups) to forget what they lost nor by teaching Jose’s children (Christians) that they cannot belong… A shared home becomes peaceful when belongingness is matched by justice and responsibility,” he added.
PUBLiCUS Asia Incorporated Chairperson Maria Lourdes “Malou” Tiquia also emphasized that open dialogue and inclusive discussions must prevail, despite differing political convictions, to achieve peace at the national level.
“Kahit magkagalit tayo, basta nag-uusap, bukas ang panahon, bukas ang paraan paano magkaroon ng kapayapaan.”
Youth as partners in peace-building, raising awareness
To address peace-building issues in the Bangsamoro, Lidasan challenged the youth to use their education to amplify the voices of the members of the marginalized Moro and indigenous groups.
“Let your education help make room for voices that have been pushed aside. Peace is not somebody else’s assignment, it is also our work. And your (youth’s) part in it can begin today.”
He added that they may also serve as watchdogs for the historic first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, suggesting using social media to track poll updates and document suspicious activities that may constitute violations of electoral integrity.
Tiquia also stressed that the youth has a stake in national peace-building, urging them to resist corrupt and unjust governance to safeguard peace.
“As long as someone is standing up to power, to wrong leaders, the future is good. But the moment we become silent and accept it as being normal, the country will suffer.”
While there are multiple political forums that encourage youth leadership and civic engagement, Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization Spokesperson Bae Anna Jessa Crisostomo highlighted that indigenous youth often remain sidelined and isolated in the decision-making process.
“One major challenge is that indigenous youth are sometimes invited only when representation is needed. But we are not always included in actual decision-making.”
She emphasized that indigenous communities continue to experience poverty, discrimination, limited access to education, and other adverse conditions that disconnect them from their cultural roots.
In light of this, Bae Crisostomo called for “meaningful” dialogues that will push young people to become “partners and decision-makers” in seeking solutions for the struggles of many.
“We must give them a real seat at the table…because young people do not only need to be heard. Akong balikon, their voices must influence decisions and their participation lead to action.”
Spearheaded by the Al Qalam Institute and Arrupe Office of Social Formation, the “Usapang KabataPayapaan” forum took place on September 12 at 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.