(Note: This statement appeared in the Sunstar Cebu Speak Out dated August 15, 2008, its edited version)
The interventionist manuever of US government is again at work during these last few years in Mindanao. Using the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), the American government guided the final outcome of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the GRP and the MILF to serve its tactical and strategic objectives in the country as well as in the Southeast Asian region. Such guidance is ensured through the USIP Philippine Facilitation Project, 2003-2007. It is of no surprise that the signing of MOA is scheduled this year.
The USIP is created and funded by the US Congress. It has made its presence felt in practically all areas immersed in local wars, ethnic wars, and regional conflicts. It ensures that through their sponsored conflict resolution mode, US strategic interests in these areas are safeguarded. Mindanao is no different.
The entry of US in the peace talks was facilitated by the direct plea for help of the MILF late Chairman Hashim Salamat to Pres. Bush in January, 2003. Washington’s commitment was hinged on the MILF’s renouncement on terrorism and the late Chairman made this policy public in June, 2003. The conspiratorial yet the most decisive role of US is being held a secret since then. Yet at some time, MILF’s Kabalu has said, “at the moment the US is playing a clever role; they are involved, but only via the USIP”.
The US has already established its military presence in the island through the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JOSTFP). This command has been rotating its forces every six months and is composed of marine, air force, navy, army, and special forces personnel.
After the nationalist lawmakers in 1991voted to end the US’ long military presence in the country, the US has been looking a for a possible new hosting arrangement t for their military installations in the country.
The MILF has hinted on several occasions that it has been approached by undisclosed US authorities about the possibility of establishing US military bases in the MILF controlled territory as part of the final peace deal. The MILF’s spokesperson has confirmed this. According to him, “this is negotiable, it is possible”. He added, “if the American interest is really in pushing this peace process, then we can talk about military bases.”
Expectedly, the GRP-MILF draft pact on the Bangsamoro homeland provided the latter with the broadest concessions. One of this is the agreement of both parties “to invite a multinational third party to observe and monitor the actual implementation of the comprehensive compact…..”. The establishment of the military installations within the BJE would serve a de facto peacekeeping role between the two sides. The possibility of a US sponsored UN peace keeping force with the latter’s headquarters in the former’s future military installations is a not a far fetch reality. Such facility is pivotal to their whole military strategy in this part of the globe. Gen. Abat, the former senior envoy to Beijing, contends that “establishing a US military base in Mindanao would make strategic sense for Washington on several fronts, including possible future naval interventions in the South China Sea, defending Taiwan from a preemptive Chinese attack and providing a launch pad for anti-terrorist operations in Indonesia, Afghanistan and Iraq.”
US knows that the greatest obstacle to the full realization of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity remains to be the nation’s constitution and laws. Yet what is happening now is a classis case of putting the cart before the horse. Without any iota of decency, the GRP panel stooges and a bully clothed as presidential peace adviser proceeded with the MOA without laying first the constitutional basis for it. Obviously, the US as their masters, has no respect on the laws of its neocolony as long as its actions can ensure its strategic interests.
Yesterday, the Philippine Daily Inquirer carried on its front page, “US envoy brightens dark mood in Malaysia.” After all, it was only a “purely temporary impasse”. With the Philippine Supreme Court issuing a temporary restraining order on the scheduled signing, US Ambassador Kenney commented, “it is the rule of law. So, I don’t think this as embarrassment.” After crafting a GRP-MILF draft pact as a route towards installing their military bases in Mindanao, she said, “respecting the democratic process is never a cause for embarrassment.” A doubletalk that she only can deliver best.
Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD) – Cebu
August 14, 2008
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