Volume II

Issue I

October 2009

KALILINTAD

The Official Publication of the Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO) Inc.

Former Gov. Saidamen B. Pangarungan enthroned as the new Sultan of Madaya

(See full story on page 10)

Actual rido settlement, May 27, 2009 at Picong, Lanao del Sur

Strategic Planning of Tara Clan, August 15-16, 2009 Initao, Misamis Occidental

Consultative Meeting, September 16, 2009, at Madalum, Lanao del Sur

1st Grand Gathering of Dayanglabi Clan (1st Bae sa Radapan) October 15, 2007, Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte

Assessment and Planning Workshop, June 7-8, 2009, Marawi Resort Hotel, Marawi City

Information, Education & Communication: The keys to lasting peace in the Lanao Provinces

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EDITORIAL
Information, Education and Communication: The keys to lasting peace in the Lanao provinces
Who does not want peace? Nobody wants to live in chaos. Nevertheless, life in the Lanao provinces is as shaky as fault lines hidden in the Pacific ring. From time to time, we hear unfortunate news about the instability of peace in the area. Worse, this hinders development again and again. Do we have the power to put an end to this? A revival by the band Session Road blurted the famous phrase, suntok sa buwan when referring to something which is impossible to attain. Many people living in Lanao claim that achieving peace here is suntok sa buwan. This cynicism is the main reason why our peace efforts are negligible and superficial up to this time. Being hope-less is a sign of hopelessness. First and foremost we must place hope in our hearts. A simple sign of optimism is the initial step towards any undertaking. By simply believing, we can make miracles. We believe that there is still a chance to change the scene and image of Lanao by becoming well-informed about the situation. This will open our minds as to the true and lasting solution to the volatility of peace in the area. The people of Lanao need education and reeducation about the essence of peace. Regardless of culture like rido, this should be avoided as much as possible as it does not bring any good to the Maranao community. Basically it hampers socio-economic development as it causes conflict among families. If it remains unabated, it may result to ubusan ng lahi or persistent retaliation (killings and other crimes) from both parties. Another is the wrong use of maratabat or pride. It must be exercised to uplift ones esteem, not to put down others because one is too proud to admit his mistakes and weaknesses. Through civilized communication, people can avoid inconsistencies. Even amidst misunderstanding, conflicting parties can settle the gap by talking. Taking law into ones own hands will not give permanent inner peace. Rather, it will trigger anger and revenge. We have to accept the harsh realities of life and learn to forgive. Thus, information, education and communication are the keys to lasting peace in the Lanao provinces. This may entail a lifetime commitment but for whatever its worth, we will all be saved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL
MeSSAGe RIDO UPDATeS THe ROLe OF THe SULTANATe IN COMMUNITY AND NATION BUILDING: A PReLIMINARY STUDY THe PROPHeT MOHAMMAD'S

(P.B.U.H.) LAST SeRMON

PHOTO GALLeRY QUO VADIS MOA-AD? THe RP-US VFA TReATY: ITS IMPLICATIONS IN MINDANAO AND THe PHILIPPINeS AS A WHOLe

Editorial Board
Chairman: Abdul Hamidullah T. Atar, MPA

Editor-in-Chief: Sherifa Rohannie O. Kadil-Adiong

Lay-out & Design: Luis Siddick F. Adiong Contributors: Prof. Dato Hj. Mohd. Hassan Conding Cana Skip Garibaldi Islam Datu Meno D. Manabilang Datu Nasroddin B. Badio

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Message
Assalamu alaykom warahmatullahi wabarakatuho It is my honor to publish Volume II, Issue I of our official publication, Kalilintad. This material presents the accomplishments of the Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO) Inc. over the past year. It showcases the role of the Sultanate in feud settlements, clan gatherings, salsilah making, seminar-workshops on peace as well as the various activities conducted towards this end. Such was highlighted by the enthronement of the new Sultan of Madaya, former Governor Saidamen B. Pangarungan. The struggle for mitigating rido and act on its prevention was not an easy task. For years, I took this challenge because I have always believed in peace. There is need for continuous information, education and communication among concerned parties. Without these keys to lasting peace in the Lanao provinces, no rido case could have been resolved. Along this line, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our noble partners in peace --- The Good People of America (USAID) and The Asia Foundation (TAF). To the United Nations Development ProgramAct for Peace Programme (UNDP), German Development Service (ded), MIVA-Netherlands, Caritas Australia, Books for Asia and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), without you, all our goals will not be translated into actions. We would be forever grateful for your support and trust in us. May your tribe increase. Finally, let me share with all of you this prefecture of a long-time dream for the Maranao community. I fervently hope that one day, others will duplicate our undertakings. I ask you to join me in keeping our Lanao a healthy place to live in and in realizing our goal of achieving permanent peace.

Abdul Hamidullah T. Atar, MPA

Executive Director RIDO Inc.

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RIDO UPDATES FROM 2008-2009

Spectacular achievements have been done so far starting from the formal formation of the organization up to the present. The Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO) Incorporated was established four (4) years ago by certain individual advocates working for peace and development endeavors in both Lanao areas. It adhered specific programs and components as its priority agenda towards the attainment of its vision and goals. Over the past two (2) years, RIDO Incorporated indulged in several peace building efforts as part of its mandates including the following to wit: Actual local conflict resolution Clan based peace organizing Capacity building and skills enhancement Cultivating good governance Strengthening partnership building with Local Government Units (LGUs) Basic social services Literacy program Emergency Relief Assistance Actual conflict resolution: All societies have traditional ways of managing and resolving conflict either by indigenous mechanisms or by legal frameworks. These may be informal or formal. Respected elders within a family, clan, religious group, or community may help in solving internal problems or may formulate a solution, which is deemed legitimate because of the elder's wisdom and/or position. The revival of the traditional method in conflict resolution through clan organizing is the most appropriate mechanism in Maranao areas. The Maranao Customary Justice system through clan-based organizing must be strengthened and institutionalized in order to provide the Maranao community a reliable alternative

mechanism for dispute settlement. Thus, as catalyst for change, it is indeed important to reevaluate the various peace and development interventions in our areas of responsibility so that our resources and efforts can directly address the problems of our constituents. The intervention for local conflict resolution has complex approaches. There are short and long term solutions. Since local conflict resolution is a deep responsibility, conflict or locally translated as rido is considered as the most chaotic and tragic social phenomenon in the Maranao society. When a family is involved in rido, most of their sociocultural, economic and spiritual activities are limited if not totally stagnated. More often than not the concentration in both conflicting parties is merely focused on how to retaliate and defend their families during the occurrence of clashes. Diversion of family activities is quite serious that even the education of children belonging to families involved in the conflict is set aside for fear of retaliatory attacks by opposing parties concerned. Rido has caused so much suffering both physically and psychologically. This includes trauma and fear while rido related to armed confrontations resulted to several casualties, displacement of communities, and destruction of properties which crippled the local economy. At the peak of a rido incident, no family member is spared from the impact, regardless of social position, age, and distance. Each one has to contribute both material and moral support. A certain Mr. Ibrahim, one of the survivors of rido, says that in his experience some of the devastating effects of these feuds included his relocation from home leaving it at the care of his in-laws. He even sold his house and returned to his place of origin while all his other socio-economic and spiritual activities were temporarily abandoned. The extent of rido impacts is indeed far more overwhelming than beneficial. The use of fire arms as means of conflict settlement in Maranao society is common. Rido is considered an integral part of everyday life. Retaliation is generally accepted and expected and no one questions it. An organization like RIDO Inc. is established to further strengthen the potential of clans and traditional leaders as well as local leaders in ending rido. However, the intervention should be recognized and supported by the state in order to sustain its campaigns and advocacies. From 2007-2009, the interventions of RIDO Inc. in rido resolution through traditional mechanism in the Lanao provinces were summarized as follows: (See Table on Page 5) Clan-based peace organizing Maranao people have a collective culture by nature. Family elders are highly respected and they possess authority bonded with responsibilities to

Final settlement of land dispute resulting to multiple murder on April 5, 2009 at Marogong, Lanao del Sur

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Summary of RIDO Inc. Interventions from 2007-2009

Kinds of rido and its causes
1. Political rivalry related to barangay and local election 2. Land and boundary disputes 3. Thief, robbery and kidnapping 4. Slandering, false accusation, gossip, swindling, use of sarcastic words, and degradation of honor 5. Reckless imprudence, car accident, and unintentional harassment 6. Domestic cases including marriage conflict (shot gun and forced marriage) and elopement resulting to serious grave threat and confrontation 7. Abuse of authority 8. Misunderstanding and miscommunication resulting to damage of properties 9. Debt 10. Competition for traditional positions 11. Others: Pornography video resulting to serious injuries and grave threat Total No. of rido resolved 15 9 6 6 No. of people killed 32 7 2 1 No. of people injured 29 14 8 5 Local & brgy. officials, traditional, clan & religious leaders during COMMUNITY BASED PLANNING May 17, 2009, MSU, Marawi City conflicts or rido in general. Part of the process and impact of clan organizing includes documentation of clan genealogies; identification of potential family and clan leaders; skills enhancement and capability building; undertaking monitoring work; strengthening rapport; link aging and networking; recognition of the sentiments among the people at the grassroots level; and systematizing traditional leadership. Salsilah Making Determination of clan genealogies is the main output of clan based organizing. For more than four (4) years of its existence, there were four (4) major clans organized while tracing their genealogies. The first clan organized was the Sultanate of Marawi with its three (3) sub-clans namely Sidikadatu, Maruhom Sidik and Balindong Jaman with more than thirty (30) thousand members situated in twelve (12) municipalities in the Lanao provinces and the City of Marawi. Next was the Sultanate of Radapan with its membership reaching approximately twelve thousand (12,000) and another was the Tara clan with more than thirty thousand (30,000) membership situated in nine (9) municipalities in the Lanao Provinces while the last one was the Sultanate of Madaya with two (2) sub-clans namely Datu A Petheelan and Sarip Batua with approximately twenty nine thousand (29,000) members situated in eight (8) municipalities in Lanao provinces and twenty-two (22) barangays in Marawi City. Data gathering was conducted through interviews, fora and deployment of researchers. Making salsilah was initiated by the identification of potential leaders influential in conflict

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make sure family members do what is best for the majority rather than what is best for themselves. In dealing with rido, the elders are expected to show strong appeal and influence among the family members while considering their welfare in general. Clan organizing is one way of reviving the cultural values and relationships among Maranao people to somehow address the proliferation of rido in Lanao. The awareness and belief among Maranao people nowadays is still strong although some aspects are gradually diminishing. The core binding values taught by their forefathers have been slowly neglected by the new generation. This is the reason why the significance and the actual application of friendship and mutual respect among Maranaos are weakening as well. In effect, killings, robbery and hurting someone can be easily done by some people because of lesser understanding and awareness about the noble values and ethics taught by the taritib and ijma. Indeed, the significant values of Maranao people should reckon and serve as peace strategies so that they could not easily involve themselves in

Consolidated clan genealogies of the Sultanate of Marawi, Madaya, Radapan and Tara Clan in the provinces of Lanao

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resolution processes and other peace interventions in Lanao. To date, ninety five percent (95%) of clan profiles have been collected from the four (4) major clans mentioned. Collated data were validated up to twelve (12) times with representatives from the elders of each clan to ensure genuine membership of the clan. This will avoid conflict as soon as the selection process for traditional positions within the clan is called for. Clan genealogy profiling was launched by the clan itself and attended by the elders as manifestation of the partial completion of data gathering. As of now, there are more than three hundred (300) elders identified in the four (4) clans organized who help facilitate and mediate conflict in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte as well as the City of Marawi. Salsilah making is a dignified work. It helps ascertain the genealogy of a clan. No rido in the Lanao province has been formally resolved without tracing and mentioning the genealogies or relationship of the conflicting parties. Another importance of salsilah is the systematization of the traditional leadership among Maranaos. Through salsilah, it will neutralize other candidates for traditional positions who are not next in rank. It helps facilitate interested candidates to concede if they are not qualified for the position. As such, Salsilah making is one of the most challenging works among researchers and development workers. In development endeavors, salsilah could help identify the right beneficiaries in communities to facilitate proper distribution of goods or items intended for them. Development workers should also familiarize the local structure in the communities using the salsilah to identify the right hierarchy of local authorities because most of the sensitive local decisions are made by the traditional leaders. Salsilah making is one way to link one person to another especially when there is an existing rido. Salsilah always serves as tools for conflict prevention and resolution among Maranao people. Finally, salsilah should also be part of the cultural education among Maranaos particularly the young generation to emphasize the importance of kinship and blood relations. Capacity building and skills enhancement: In clan based organizing, proper consultations and meetings have been undertaken to properly channel the problems within the clan and the communities as a whole. Through the process, all identified elders craft appropriate intervention for capability building and trainings in order to enhance their skills, values and potentials in peace building and advocacy. Along this line RIDO Inc. conducts several trainings on peace education, conflict management, leadership, good governance and others that help the elders realize their peace advocacy as well as share their knowledge among themselves.

Seminar Workshop on Conflict Management Training, June 27-28, 2009 Crystal Inn, Iligan City

Voters Education for the Youth, August 3, 2008, Academic Complex, MSU, Marawi City Cultivating Good Governance: One of the hurdles of peace and development in Lanao areas was poor governance. This includes the low level of the leaders of technical know how which always serves as basis for the poor delivery of basic services and poor enforcement of laws. However, RIDO Inc. believed that the issue on poor governance starts during election period. When people and leaders continue the practice of election fraud including vote buying among others, in effect, people could never expect the provision of basic social services and good governance in their communities in general. Through this observation, RIDO Inc. conducts trainings and workshops related to the promotion of good governance and accountability in partnership with several peace stakeholders in the communities with the hope to reduce election violence and other electoral discrepancies. RIDO Inc. also conducts barangay planning and project development in selected vulnerable areas to enhance skills and shape values towards peace building. Strengthening Partnership Building with LGUs Partnership building with local officials is deemed significant because they have resources and at the same time, the capacity to know the facts of rido cases identified in their areas of responsibilities aside from having legal authority as public servants. The role of RIDO Inc. in collaborating with local officials is to exert motivation and encouragement in the performance of their duties and responsibilities in

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MOU signing between RIDO Inc. and LGU of Balabagan June 11, 2008, Balabagan, LDS community peace building. Thus, local officials from the municipal and barangay levels increase their commitment and desire to facilitate rido resolution, and implement other basic social services in their area of jurisdiction. Based on experience, peace work should not be isolated to one entity or group. It needs collective and shared efforts from all sectors of society. In the four (4) years of the existence of RIDO Inc., eighteen (18) local government units are working with us to counter rido in the Lanao provinces. Working with committed LGU officials with traditional leaders in rido settlement and other peace works has always been meaningful and significant. Basic Social Services: Accordingly, violence escalates because of absence of governance and the issue of poverty in many areas in the Lanao Provinces. Poor delivery of basic services especially in areas prone to conflict is considered as triggering factor for people to become more violent and extremist. Peace will never happen without justice and part of the injustice experienced by many people in the Lanao areas is the poor delivery of basic services.

RIDO Inc. helped selected conflicting areas in the Lanao provinces particularly from five (5) selected barangays in Poona Piagapo, LDN through its project entitled Mitigating the Effects of Armed Conflict and Institutionalizing Peace and Development. The project was implemented by ECOWEB Inc. and subcontracted by RIDO Inc. The main donor of this project was Caritas Australia. From 2006 to 2008, RIDO Inc. assisted in the social preparation, several capacity building interventions including peace education, disaster risk management, leadership trainings and formation of barangay peace and development plan. The successful components of the project which RIDO Inc. helped in implementing were its water system, livelihood and agriculture as well as in health. Nevertheless, RIDO Inc. also continues working on the Stride Mindanao Project for Integrated Rehabilitation Program of Tanglaw and Piangamangaan of Poona Piagapo, LDN. The project is funded by the Act for Peace-UNDP for their development intervention among conflicting areas in Mindanao brought by the August 2008 War. It is hoped that through the RIDO Inc. intervention in the communities, people can recover from the impacts of war, emotionally and psychologically. In this manner, they can resume with their livelihood activities. Literacy Program and Other Community Works: Education is the foundation of peace which RIDO Inc. believes in. Thus, the organization also engaged in the distribution of reading materials from Books for Asia. Among its beneficiaries were four (4) elementary schools with more than one thousand (1,000) elementary pupils in the Municipalities of Pantao Ragat, Saguiaran, Marogong, and Poona Piagapo. It is intended that the reading materials will increase and enhance the knowledge among community teachers and the pupils in particular.

Oath Taking Ceremony, Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council of Poona Piagapo, LDN, October 21, 2009, Barangay Tangclao, Poona Piagapo, LDN

Book Distribution, June 17, 2008, Poblacion, Poona Piagapo, LDN

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THE ROLE OF THE SULTANATE

IN COMMUNITY AND NATION BUILDING: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
By: Prof. Dato Hj. Mohd. Hassan Conding Cana, former Dean of MSU-King Faisal Center for Islamic & Asian Studies and served as part of the ARMM Cabinet under Maas Nur Misuari, and was recently enthroned by the revitalized Royal Sultanate of Madaya, Marawi City, as Sultan A Gaus of Malaa Bayabao
INTRODUCTION A great deal has been said and written about the various aspects of the Bangsamoro communities, and subsequent developments, but not much attention has been paid as far as their traditional political and religious dimensions are concerned. It is also a fact that some writers have based their interpretations of the cultural and political transformation on their own conjectures and preferences. This preliminary presentation owes its formation to the writers exposure to the institutional development of the Bangsamoro Sultanates since the formation of the Nineteen Royal Houses of Muslim Mindanao in 1973, with religious and political factors exerting influence crucial in the Bangsamoro communities. The political system and the sphere of influence was considerable, particularly before the intervention of the colonial powers. The religious-cultural forces underwent a process of decay during the imperialist-colonial era. The magnitude of the Bangsamoro commerce conducted by indigenous people have gradually dwindleD. The colonial masters and local converts directly and indirectly formalized the policy of the country and subsequently almost all aspects of social and political life in this part of the world solely for their benefit. The erosion of the legitimacy of the established institutions among native Filipinos, particularly the Bangsamoro communities were replaced by new institutions and styles of leadership. Inspite of all these, the fundamental aspects of the legitimacy of the Bangsamoro Sultanates are preserved. The abolition of the Sultanate as part of the political system marked the beginning of the independence period. In facing this challenge, the enhancement of the Bangsamoro Sultanates under a new, dynamic leadership is what is needed now. It is deemed necessary to understand fully the traditional leadership and organizational development of the Bangsamoro Sultanates, by considering the core and the history that caused its emergence as an empowered identity to reckon with. In so doing, national leadership would be best strengthened if the Bangsamoro Sultanates would be developed and enhanced as part of the political development of the country. THE ORIGIN OF THE BANGSAMORO SULTANATES In the Southern Philippines, after the defeats of the early Muslim Kingdoms or Sultanates in now the greater Manila areas led by Raja Sulayman or Soliman, the acknowledged ancestor of the natives of Manila, the other Datus and Rajahs of the Visayan region, following the spheres of influence of the two pioneering Malay famous empires (the Majapahit and the SriVijaya), Mindanao since time immemorial became the homeland of the various Bangsamoro Sultanates. In the Sulu archipelago comprising Sabah of North Borneo, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula there sprang the Sultanate of Sulu, circa 14001450 led by Sultan Abu Bakar As-Shariful Hashim who descended from the famous Royal House of Johore and became a son-in-law of the Sulu ruling family of Raja Baguinda and Princess Paramisuli. Raja Sulayman After five decades, circa 1500-1550 the other Sultanates emerged in mainland Mindanao. Famous among them was the Sultanate of Mindanao or Maguindanao whose global recognition came during the time of Almarhum Sultan Mohammad Nasiruddin Dipatuan Qudarat, dubbed as the unconquerable Sultan in Southeast Asia (1590-1671). In 1645, he was internationally acknowledged as the sovereign ruler and master of all Mindanao, Sulu, Palawan and some Visayan Islands. The King of Spain recognized him as Lord of Mindanao after the Spaniards feared and admired his superiority and enormous influence over Southern Philippines that they never conquered. He reigned over his vast Sultanate for half a century and a few years before his death in 1671, he became a very pious man anointed as a religious preacher of Islam and was given the regal name NASIR-UD-DIN meaning Helper of Faith which was added to his name Qudarat meaning power in Arabic and master of Melayu. The Sultans heroic military feats, masterful diplomatic leadership and brilliant economic efficiency coupled with his bravery as a Muslim Leader, extremely pious and sophisticated in Islamic learning, patient in defeat, magnanimous in victory, steadfast in faith and utterly selfless as a ruler who even gained the grudging of many foes. Among other qualities should inspire other Sultans, datus, baes as well as political leaders to emulate his brand of heroism and leadership. For every Filipino, either a Muslim or Christian, must fight to defend his rights and protect his family, fellowmen and homeland so he, too, by right and justice can be a true Filipino hero like Sultan Qudarat who has been recognized and acknowledged as one of our national heroes. Other Maguindanaon Sultanates

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or Kingdoms likewise had emerged like that of Rajah Buayan and Kabuntalan that up to now have respective sets of Sultans, Rajahs and Baes. The famous Raja Buayan Sultanate presently has a new Istana right at the heart of the Province of Sultan Kudarat. Its present ruler HRH RAJABUAYAN SA BUAYAN IV CONGRESSMAN DATU PAX MANGUDADATU whose famous Enthronement Ceremonies last December 10, 2007 was attended by the royalties from Brunei and Malaysia and Muslim ambassadors stationed in Metro Manila. The famous people of the four principalities of the Lanao region, the Maranaos or Mranaws being the youngest in terms of the Bangsamoro Sultanates growth and development in Southern Philippines have adopted the plurality concept of Sultanates as illustrated by the Sultanates, dubbed as the Panoroganans composed of the so-called Sixteen Royal Houses/Sultanates distributed as follows: Masiu has 2, Sultanate of Masiu and the

observe series of Sultanate enthronements in areas not classified as part of the classical Ranao Sultanates. To mention, there is one in Cavite and in Vamenta, Cagayan de Oro. This is one way of reminding the young generation that once upon a time we were ruled by Rajahs and Sultans, thus, reviving the solidarity and harmony of the early inhabitants of the country under the Sultanate regime. ITS REVOLUTION The word Sultan refers to one that governs and rules. The sultanate is a defined area where the Sultan reigns and exercises his power. It is of Arabic origin that means power, authority or government. It was mentioned 37 times in the Holy Quran, sometimes it carries the meaning of power or authority from Allah Almighty as, alsultan zill ALLAH fi al-ard, this power or authority reflects ALLAHs power on earth. Hence, the Quran provides further in AnNisa: 59, O ye who believe! Obey ALLAH Almighty, and obey the Apostle or the Prophet of Islam, and those charged with Authority among you. Some interpreted it as the sitting and recognition of Sultan in a legitimate Sultanate. Thus, in Malaysia, the Malays believe that the Sultans are still the only hope that kept, including the Bruneian Malays, the Malay identity, the Malay Islamic religion and Malay political power alive. After the prophetic era, the Muslims in the Ummah Islamiyah, inspired by the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, devised a sort of historical and social mechanism that aimed at preserving that power or authority to sustain, develop, preserve and enhance ISLAM. Thus, history tells us of the emergence of Caliphate or Khalifah as Caliph Abu Bakr, Caliph Omar, Caliph Usman and Caliph Ali (May ALLAH swt be pleased with all of them). After several decades and centuries was the emergence of Empires as elegantly demonstrated alternately by the Muwawiyah and Abbasiysah (combination of caliphate empire), then the rise of family dynasties in Egypt, the sub-continent of India and Pakistan as well as other Arab countries with King and Sultan as head of states or federated states under Islamic influence as the Mughal Islamic empire and the case of Othoman or Osmanli where heads of states are known as emir, sultans or functioning as khalifah or representing authority from

Sultan Pax S. Mangudadatu, Al Hadj Sultan Sa Rajahbuayan Royal House of Datu a Cabugatan of Masiu; Bayabao Pangampong has three sub-groups, namely: Mala-a-Bayabao with the Sultanate of Ramain and the Sultanate of Ditsaan; Lumbaa Bayabao with the Sultanates of Bacolod, Borokot, Maribo and Minitepad; Poona Bayabao with the Sultanates of Taporog, Bansayan and Rogan; the Unayan Pangampong with the Sultanates of Bayang, Butig and Pagayawan; and the Balo-i Pangampong with the Sultanate of Balo-i. Under the Panoroganans are the 28 legislative Sultanates that serve as the legislative body of the Ranao Sultanates while that of the Panoroganans serve as the executive body. Thus the four (4) boundary Sulatanates (Kiasosolbian o Bangsa sa Ranao) serve as the judiciary body of the Ranao Sultanates. This came circa the start of the 18th century. What is surprising, maybe due to eagerness and love for the Sultanates, until now one can find and

ALLAH Subhanahu-wa-taala. It was during the period of the Osmanli Caliphate that the word Sultan as head of the state or group of states came about. In the Malay World comprising the present ASEAN region, almost all countries within including Patani of Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia have been ruled by either Raja or Sultan which at present is regarded with high esteem in Brunei and Malaysia due to their respective foreign colonizers, i.e. the Great Britain being the oldest Monarchy in the modern world. The growth and development of the Bangsamoro sultanates is just a part of the Malay Worlds constellation of sultanates that constitute an important component of the successes of Brunei Darussalam and the Federation of Malaysia. In Malaysia, the so-called Malacca period is considered the golden age of Malay history. In about 1400 AD, a Malay state led by a Sumatran Prince made its influence widely felt in the region. Thus, after the fall of the Malacca sultanate, a number of small independent sultanates were established elsewhere in the various areas in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines particularly in Mindanao. Before its fall, the Malacca sultanate earned a reputation as the preeminent trading port and emporium of commercial activities in SEA and later became a center for the diffusion of ISLAM throughout the Malay World. Malaysias nine sultans who routinely choose one among them to serve a five-year term as Yang di-Pertuan Agung or King are alive and well in the modern world, ministering to the various needs of their subjects. In Brunei Darusssalam, HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the number 29th Bolkiah. Aside from being a Sultan/ King, he also acts as the President, Prime Minister, and Military Commander in-Chief. Unlike in Malaysia, the governance or the affairs of the government are in the hands of the Prime Minister and other ministries although the Sultan has influence on their appointments. CONTRIBUTIONS OF BANGSAMORO SULTANATES TOWARDS PEACE AND PROGRESS In 1973, a grand assembly of the Royal House of Sulu, and the Sultanates of Mindanao / Maguindanao, Buayan, Kabuntalan and the Ranao Pangampong-

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Sultanates with the Sultanates of Madaya, Marawi, Guimba, Bacolod and Toros as host with the support of MSU, selected the Late Almarhum Sultan of Bayang Congressman Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman as the 1st Chairman or Overall Grand Sultan of the so-called 19 Ruling Houses/Sultanates of Mindanao, dubbed as the Paramount Sultan to represent the Muslims in the country vis--vis their rights and plight as the poorest and most neglected sectors of the country. However, the great Sultan felt he was betrayed by the late strongman Marcos, so he decided to join the Jihad FiSabilillah versus the Marcos Regime until his demise in the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the past few months, the Sulu Sultanate, the Maguindanao Sultanates, so with Kabuntalan and the Raja Buayan Sultanate led by Raja Cong. Pax Mangudadatu and the Panoroganans of the Ranao region and its 28 grand legislative Sultanates led by the Sultan of Marawi are all cooperating in the GRP Peace talks with the MILF and other programs of HE-PGMA who herself is a part of the Ranao royalties as Princess of Masiu (Honoris Causa) for the general welfare of the Mindanaoans particularly the Bangsamoro communities. Thus, in defense of the Malay maratabat, Ferdinand Magellan who served as the 2nd in command to Alfonso Albuquerque, leader of the Portuguese attack/war against the Great Malaccan Islamic Malay Empire that caused its total destruction, in 1511, a group of Cebu Datus and Iranon fighters led by Datu Lapu-Lapu, on March 21, 1521, after ten years of said attack, in a deadliest battle, crushed him and mutilated his body including approximately 200 of his military contingents. The Sultan of Sulu accompanied by other Sultans and Datus from mainland Mindanao, in the 17th century, out of solidarity with the royalties of the Brunei Sultanate that encompassed the whole of Borneo and Manila thru the effort of its Prince, Raja Sulayman, rushed to the shores of Sabah to help the feuding royal families of Brunei. As a result, the Sulu Sultan succeeded in the settlement of the
Sultan Haroun Al-rashid Lucman

feud and as a reward, North Borneo, known as Sabah was given as gift to the Sulu Sultan by the Sultan of Brunei Kingdom which is the main reason behind the Philippine claim over Sabah. Sabah has always been part of the Sulu Sultanate over the past centuries which until this date remains unsettled. CONCLUSION It has been a clamour, including the writer, among the well-meaning sector of the Muslim communities or the Bangsamoro people to consider the historical role of the Mndanao legitimate sultanates in the affairs of the government regardless of its structure either parliamentary, federalism or its present set-up. The added 9th ray of the sun on our flag manifests the urgent need to give recognition to the role Filipino Muslims played in the defense and struggle of our people for independence, liberty, freedom and justice. Thus, Muslim leaders including the various royal-title holders in the different sultanates of Mindanao should

Sultan Kudarat monument fronting the Capitol Building of the Province of Sultan Kudarat try to emulate the qualities and brand of leadership and heroism of Almarhum Sultan Dipatuan Qudarat.

Former Gov. Saidamen B. Pangarungan enthroned as the new Sultan of Madaya

The leadership of the Sultanate of Madaya was vacant for over 10 years because of conflict between the heirs of Radiamoda sa Punod in the person of Sarip Batua and Datu a Pitiilan. Both brothers begot 7 heirs each, totaling to 14 clans with a population of more than 29,000 clan members. Through the efforts of a local NGO, Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO Inc.), the council of elders of each sub-clan was reconciled after the decadelong dispute, and reunited the entire clan. This astonishing reconciliation culminated in the ceremony witnessed in Marawi City on July 5, 2009. The new Sultan of Madaya, Saidamen B. Pangarungan, also a former governor of Lanao del Sur, was one of the few family members of the Sarip Batua and Datu a Pitiilan clans who had a legitimate claim over the Sultanate of Madaya. Aside from his lineage and former political position he is also a practicing corporate and litigation lawyer representing various Filipino and multi-national corporations. He is married to Princess Johayra Diamond Ali Pacasum Pangarungan, Baialabi a Gaus sa Ranao and former assemblywoman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The datus, baes, and other royal dignitaries paraded in their traditional attires and ornaments with prominent personalities and special guests in attendance included the Sultan Monsing Macabando (Chairman, Marawi Sultanate League), Sultan Haron Pango Tomawis, Sultan Haji Mohammad Ali Asgar Bin Sani (Royal Sultanate of Marawi City), and many others. At the event, the Sultan of Marawi City, Sultan Asgar Sani, thanked The Asia Foundation and his guest, Dr. Steven Rood, for helping him and the other Sultanates in Lanao in resolving their clan conflict, or rido. The enthronement rites of the Sultanate of Madaya were a colorful showcase of Meranao culture. Its traditional governance structure of Meranao society focused on a Sultan. Charged with the obligation to implement traditional laws, the Sultan is both a secular and religious leader who meets specific criteria including lineal origin and faith, and whose authority is sanctioned by the Quran and the Sunnah. The selection of the Sultan of Madaya was a long and complicated process that included determining the legitimate heirs to the throne, developing of selection criteria, determining the roles and responsibilities of each royal title, and completing the settlement of previous feuds and negotiations among the royal families. RIDO, Inc. spearheaded the organization of the clan, profiling of the clan genealogy, resolving the clan disputes and facilitating the rebuilding of the traditional system of the structure of the Sultanate. It went through a variety of difficult steps such as hosting a series of dialogues, documenting genealogies, and the like.

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THE PROPHET MOHAMMADs (p.b.u.h.) Last Sermon

(This sermon was delivered on the ninth day Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat) O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after a year, I shall be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY. O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as SACRED, so regard the life and property of every MUSLIM as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things. O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone with whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over the other except by piety and good action. Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people.

In The Name Of ALLAH, The Most Beneficent, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful !
Rasulullah S.A.W. said, Jannat lies under the feet of your mother. Rasulullah S.A.W. said, If you read the Kalima with conviction just once, Jannah becomes upon you. Rasulullah S.A.W. said, A woman who reveals her body or even wears tight fitting clothes wont come within 500 years of the smell of Jannah. Rasulullah S.A.W. said, The dust which settles on a man while he is out in the path of Allah; not only the fire, but the smoke of Jahannam is haraam for those parts of the body. Rasulullah S.A.W. said, I only curse 3 types of people: 1. Those people who do not look after their parents when they are in old age. 2. Those people who do not take full advantage of the blessed month of Ramadan. 3. Those people who do not say, Salallahu-AlayhayWa -A a l a h ay-Wa s a l l a m when my name is mentioned. Rasulullah S.A.W. said, It is better for a man that a steel nail be driven through the centre of his head rather than if he touches the palm of a strange woman. PLEASE TAKE 2 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO READ THIS. Imagine this happening to you... One day during Jummah Salah, a 1,000 member congregation was surprised to see two men enter, both covered from head to toe in black and carrying submachine guns. One of the men proclaimed, Anyone willing to take a bullet for Allah remain where you are. Immediately, the congregation fled, and out of the 1,000 there only remained around 20.

The man who had spoken took off his hood, looked at the Imaam and said, Okay Maulana ! I have got rid of all the hypocrites. Now you may begin your sermon. The two men then turned and walked out. Too deep not to pass on? Funny how simple it is for people to trash Allah ... and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say ... but question what the Qu'ran says. Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven ... provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Quran says. Funny how someone can say 'I believe in Allah' ... but still follow Shaitaan (who, by the way, also 'believes' in Allah). Funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire ... but when you start sending messages regarding Allah, people think twice about sharing. Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace ... but the public discussion of Allah is suppressed in the school and workplace. Funny, isn't it? Funny, how someone can be so fired up for Allah on Friday ... but be an invisible Muslim the rest of the week. Are you laughing or crying? Funny how when you go to forward this message ... you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Funny, how I can be more worried about what other people think of me ... than what Allah thinks of me. Are you thinking? Will you share this with people you care about? Or not?

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QUO VADIS MOA-AD?

By Skip Garlbaldi Islam
MOA-AD: A Backdrop The Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is a result of several years of peace negotiations between the National Government of the Republic of the Philippines (NGRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia. It is an initiated yet unsigned document. It is the political package crafted by the parties to the peace talks that defines the relationship of the Bangsamoro and the Filipino as nations within a state. The MOA-AD is primarily designed to redress the grievance of the Bangsamoro which is affirmed by the U.S. government as legitimate. It provides an entrenchment of the political rights of the Bangsamoro. It gives a win-win formula in resolving the Mindanao problem which is by nature a sovereigntybased conflict. It is supposed to silence the gun barrels of the Bangsamoro freedom fighters so that peace will take its course and finally rule in Mindanao. But the Philippine Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to refrain the government from signing the MOA-AD on August 05, 2008 and later declared it unconstitutional. This event has foreclosed the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for self-rule as it is enshrined in the agreement in question. Resumption of Hostilities The international communities as well as the local supporters of peace in Mindanao have expressed their concerns for the non signing of the MOAAD and urged the protagonists to the peace parley to exert sincere effort to solve the contentious issues which made the agreement in question suffer a snag. The Kuala Lumpur debacle led to the pull out of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) contingents staying in Mindanao to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. It is ineluctable that due to the frustration of the ground commanders of the MILF for the aborted signing of the MOA-AD in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and compounded by tirades of the Filipino national and local leaders who vociferously opposed the agreement in question and their inflammatory statements and paroxysm which prodded their people to commit bloodshed if the government pursues the signing of the controversial document, a violent conflict erupted anew on the ground. Like in the past conflict, houses and properties were burned, crops were destroyed and civilians were caught in the firefights. More than 600,000 thousand civilians, mostly Muslims, were displaced in this renewed armed conflict and they were forced to stay in the makeshift refugees centers. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are living in the evacuation centers in sub-human conditions. The Armys 6th Infantry Division spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce said to media groups that the displaced Muslim civilians are enemy reserve force. This poses a serious problem to the IDPs to return to their place of origin for they would become targets of the military. SOMO-SOMA Few days before President Arroyo delivered her State of Nation Address (SONA) on July 23, 2009, the government announced its Suspension Of Military Operation (SOMO) and later on july 25, 2009, the MILF

responded positively by declaring the Suspension Of Military Action (SOMA) against government forces and ordered its freedom fighters to be in the defensive mode. It is worth noting the observation of Maulana M. Alonto, a senior member of the MILF panel that there is infirmity on the governments SOMO and inconsistency of the governments policy with respect to the war in Mindanao. The governments propaganda mantra at the height of the conflict last year is that they are not waging war against MILF. Its operation is only confined to those so-called rogue commanders of the MILFBIAF who initiated the attacks in Mindanao. They are Bravo Macapaar, Ameril Ombra Kato and Ali Solaiman. It is paradoxical that when it announced the SOMO, it excluded those rogue commanders. It evinced so to speak that the military operation to capture these MILF commanders has no let-up. With that pronouncement of the government, the MILF is finally convinced that the government military offense is not specifically directed against those three rogue commanders but to the entire MILF organization.

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Basilan Encounter The peace panels of both the NGRP and the MILF recently met in Malaysia to re-open the stalled peace talks. Both sides claimed that there were significant breakthroughs in the meeting. The peace workers and the civilians who are victims of the armed conflict were delighted with the new development on

the peace process after a year of hiatus. They want that situation on the ground will return to normalcy. But an intervening event occurred last August 12, 2009, when the MILF forces under the 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and contingent of the Philippine Marines Corps clashed at Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. Ten (10) MILF fighters martyred, 6 wounded and 1 missing in the heavy gun fighting, while 23 marines were killed in action and 30 were wounded. Major General Benjamin Dolorfino told the press that they coordinated with the MILF in their operation against the Abu Sayyaf Group. But the MILF Chief Peace Panel Mohagher Iqbal said that there was no coordination that took place when the military entered the MILF influenced area. The Marines mission was to launch an attack against the MILF stronghold. Both groups were blaming each other of breaching the ceasefire declaration. The General described the encounter as slugfest, as if he is watching

a boxing bout. This day-long fighting must not endanger the momentum of the MILF-NGRP peace negotiation. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are calling for the impartial, credible, and independent investigation on the incident. The Basilan incident led Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former Marine General and now the Chairman on the Committee on National Defense in the Senate, in filing Senate Resolution 1281 Expressing the Sense of the Senate for the Suspension for the Resumption of the Peace Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He conducted a series of consultation in Mindanao for rallying support on his plan to impede the on going negotiation between the NGRP and MILF. The Senator doggedly argued that to jumpstart a peace negotiation with the MILF is a non-starter, while violent skirmishes are raging in the battlefields. Some NGOs based in Mindanao are calling not to adopt the Senate Resolution. They demand for the immediate resumption of the peace talks. Peace Policy as Counter Insurgency Program Some quarters believe that the peace policy of the national government does not delve in the root cause of the Mindanao conflict. Its objective is undoubtedly to cripple the insurgency problem and not to address the Bangsamoro question. It is a counter insurgency mechanism to suppress the Bangsamoro struggle and the physical extermination of Muslim freedom fighters. The government has a no coherent policy for peace in Mindanao. This is the reason why the MILF has lost its trust to talk peace fully with the government. They want a guarantee if peace talk will be revived. The creation of the International Contact Group (ICG) in the latest low profile

deal is a devise to ensure that the consensus points agreed in the table will not be in vain. The Bangsamoro youth leaders have opined that the renegotiation on some of the provisions of the MOA-AD is not an assurance that formal signing will take place under the Arroyo regime for only a few months are left of her presidency. In addition, the anti-peace in Mindanao like Pinol, Lobregat and Cruz as usual have vented their ire against the government when it resumes the peace negotiation with the MILF. In their anti-Moro invectives, they vowed to block the peace process. In 2010, the country will elect a new president. The next president will definitely have his own peace program which is not necessarily similar to that of Arroyos peace policy. Thus, our people will say where the peace

Thousands of young moros, from different groups and organizations of various schools and colleges in the City of Marawi and Lanao del Sur, gathered and Marshed in Quezon Avenue of the city for the MARSH PEACE RALLY urging the National Government to continue Peace Negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front by respecting and honoring the initialed MOAD-AD. January 6, 2009

agenda for Mindanao are heading to? Will the consensus points on Ancestral Domain agreed upon by the peace brokers during the Arroyo administration be honored and respected by the next Malacaang leadership? Will the next President be amendable to the international guarantors? Further a succinct query from an inquisitive mind is Quo Vadis MOA-AD?

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The Youth Speaks

By: Aisah B. Musa
As a student, I personally involve myself in a lot of issues and problems. This may include family, friends and academic life. Although sometimes these weaken me, I always find ways on how to deal with them effectively. I thought that knowing how to face these problems is enough to be considered a better person. And as a person who has been raised in a place where peace seems so vague, I always seek for peace. I always demand for vivid development in our society. But in asking these, I never questioned myself as to what can I contribute to my community and society. What can I do to promote the peace and development I am always seeking for? These questions have raised as I become a member of the Sultanate of Madaya Youth Organization (SOMY). It is an organization of youth who are willing to accept the challenge of improving themselves. SOMY org. has objectives that are relevant to our society. Such objectives are to promote the youths knowledge about the key elements of peace building; to encourage the youth to develop creative thinking skills and show their talents; to encourage the youth to take responsibility in making our society more peaceful and to strengthen solidarity among the youth. Being an SOM youth has taught me that being young is not an excuse from not doing anything to help improve our society. It made me realize that problems in family, friends and academics are not only the things we should be concerned about. We all have responsibility towards our society. We, young people, are full of vibrant ideas. We have the energy to try out new things and the patience to learn from our mistakes. It is but fortunate that the SOMY org. has given us these opportunities to plan, to decide and to work, in preparation for the more harsh realities of life. In the SOMY org., we are taught that participation of the youth is important because we are the countrys power. We have the ability to recognize problems and solve them. We are the strong forces in social movements. We can educate children about their rights. We can also help other young people to attain a higher level of intellect and become qualified adults. SOM youth are also encouraged to stand against the wrongdoings in our society that instead of blaming the faulty system, we should initiate something to improve it. We, the youth, should also use our brains, strength, creativity and imagination to serve our community. In lieu of asking, who is going to fight corruption?, we should start the fight. Rather than arguing over these issues and ruining our country, we should learn to act on them. As an SOM youth, we have also experienced communicating with different types of people. In the process, we learned and understood the different nature of individuals which enable us to interact with others harmoniously and effectively. I believe that one of the roles of youth in peace building is to live together without racism and without cultural or religious discrimination. We have to strengthen solidarity. In peace building, we can contribute much by not causing troubles or problems in our community such as using drugs and resorting to bad habits. We need to learn from yesterday and live with the hopes for a better tomorrow. We should also start by pursuing the change we have always dreamt of. And theres no other time but now, not later. I would also like to share a thought from one of my readings. It says, Hesitating to act because the while vision might not be achieved, or because others do not share it yet, is an attitude that hinders progress.

My Personal Bookmark:

An Elders Experience
By: Sangcopan Nasroddin Badio
We, the elders, take pride of becoming part of history of Ranao through the successful enthronement of the new Sultan sa Madaya, the former Governor of Lanao del Sur, Atty. Saidamen B. Pangarungan on July 5, 2009. This was significant not only for the Maranao clan but for the future of Muslims. The creation of the Sultanate of Madaya must be known not only in our jurisdiction but the entire nation. The big number of attendance simply showed that every member of the sultanate found it a good and important event for our people. Hence, we should be proliferating with a unique tradition like this to raise the dignity and nobility of our tribe. The sultanate system brings about positive effects for the Maranao society signifying that we are one bangsa or nation strengthened by one agama or religion, that is, Islam. With one nation and one religion, we will be unified and adhered as one. All sorts of conflicts, rido in particular, which tempt to break us apart, are resolved by this tradition because we respected and believed in it. It is the sole thing that demands our unification as a robust community. We have witnessed during the enthronement of the Sultan of Madaya that all consecrated members were marked with excellence, leadership and eminence. For this, I am truly proud to be enthroned myself during the ceremony. The others were grateful as well. I also express my appreciation to Atty. Pangarungan and his wife as well as the seventeen Council of Elders especially Mr. Pogie Atar for all his efforts to make this milestone possible. Further, I extend my gratitude to the Executive Committee and The Asia Foundation for their all-out support and cooperation towards this end. The enthronement was a monumental experience. I will treasure the moment for the rest of my days.

Moriatao Sultan sa Madaya Strategic Planning Workshop, April 11-12, 2009, Cagayan de Oro City

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THE US-RP VFA TREATY: ITS IMPLICATIONS IN MINDANAO AND THE PHILIPPINES AS A WHOLE
By: DATU MENO D. MANABILANG
Sharief Batua of Madaya, Marawi City Email Add: manabilangm@yahoo.com
The author belongs to the 5th generation of the original Sharief Batua of Madaya, Marawi City and 3rd generation of the great Amai Manabilang who was the brain and organizer who convened the 1935 Dansalan Declaration held at Limbuan a Barat Palace at Madaya, Marawi City dated March 18, 1935, submitted to Washington DC, USA, by 121 representatives-signatories. The Dansalan Declaration sought to exclude Mindanao from the Philippine Independence under the then President Manuel L. Quezon of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. The author wishes to remind the good people of Mindanao and the Filipino people that we are seeking the permanent cancellation of the US-RP VFA believing it is a treaty dangerous to our people and our future generations. Thanks to Philippine Daily Inquirer which published on front page last September 19, 2009 an article, Palace, Open to Senate Resolution to renegotiate VFA, and on second front page another article, Palace backs VFA renegotiation. Also, thanks so much to the seven magnificent senators headed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago who signed Senate Resolution No. 1356 asking the Department of Foreign Affairs to renegotiate the Treaty with the US. The VFA governs the conduct of military exercises between the Filipino and American Troops in Philippine soil. The stay of American Forces in the Philippines for more than a decade can no longer be considered a visitor status. As observed, they exercise privileges more than that of an ordinary citizen in this country. The Mindanao people must be respected and heard because they are the direct victims of this poisonous treaty inspite of objections in Mindanao. Mindanao as a matter of fact, had staged a TRI-PEOPLE PEACE CARAVAN in 1998 which opposed the signing of US-RP VFA. It was held on April 24 to May 04, 1998 or a ten-day caravan participated by more than 200 organizations all over Mindanao. The TRI-PEOPLE PEACE CARAVAN started at the ZamboangaPagadian route with a kick off activity in Marawi City. The Peace Caravan order was as follows: Pagadian City, Iligan City, Marawi City, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Balingasag, Gingoog City, Butuan City, Bayugan, Moncayo, Nabunturan, Tagum City, Panabo-Davao City, Toril, Sta. Cruz, Digos, Padala, Dadiangas (Gen. San.), Polomolok, Marbel, Cotabato City, Malabang, Marawi City then back to Iligan. The present Sharief Batua of Madaya Datu Meno D. Manabilang was the 3rd speaker of the TRI-PEOPLE PEACE CARAVAN Culmination Program held at Gen. Santos City along with other speakers like Father Consenju and Father Pueblo of Butuan City, among others. The grand culmination program was held at GENSAN on May 03, 1998 followed by a series of meetings and Press Conference. The Indignation Rally was held at Sumbang Point, General Santos City on May 04, 1998. Thereafter, the groups proceeded home via Cotabato City, Malabang then to Marawi City led by Sharief Batua. The Caravan-Rally led a common consensus on the following declarations: 1. We maintain the firm resolution of our heroes for a true freedom and national independence without foreign intervention; 2. We uphold the full sovereignty over every inch of our Philippine soil to give full meaning to the Philippine Centennial on June 12, 1998; 3. We oppose vehemently the US-RP VFA and sincerely support all sectors for the opposition of such agreement; 4. We appeal to the national leadership in the name of our national heroes and martyrs and of the sacrifices of the mass Filipino people of the centuries struggle opposing any treaty against the wisdom and well-being of the Filipino people; 5. We sincerely appeal to the ManilaLuzon people to respect the rights of Mindanao people; 6. Take note that the visit of US 7th fleet to the Philippine soil is not just an ordinary visit status; 7. We learned from unofficial source that the Seventh Fleet of the US will lead the VFA with the following armaments and facilities capable of waging a world war: 7 nuclear destroyer

7 nuclear frigates 7 nuclear battleship 4 nuclear submarines 2 nuclear airforce carriers a. USS Kennedy b. USS Nemesis We are told that each carrier carries 500 jet fighters bomber planes or equivalent to 1000 jet fighter bomber planes which can outcast any force in Asia, and at the same time, the thousands military personnel and combatants are also with this fleet. Furthermore, we would like to ask some important questions: Q.1. What is the extent of authority the American Forces possesses? Q.2. Are they granted automatic waiver of jurisdiction? Q.3. Are they granted free tax? Q.4. Are they granted immunity from environmental destructions in the Philippines? Q.5. NO VISA? Q.6. NO PASSPORT? Q.7. No drivers license? They can drive anywhere in our country? If the answer to the above queries are on the affirmative, this means they will enjoy more rights and privileges than any ordinary citizen of this country. Furthermore, they possess more rights and privileges in the Philippines than in their country of origin. Moreover, their exercise of military power in our country seems to be totally out of control. After the two US bases in Luzon have been driven out by the Will of God why relocate it in Mindanao. Herewith is the copy of the Manifesto published at the Mindanao Gold Star Daily dated October 29, 1998. The FIRST MINDANAO DECLARATION (A Manifesto) of Mindanao Muslim NGOs Coalition Against the proposed US-RP VFA headed by 9 leaders from Lanao with more than 100 organizations. Signed this 30th day of September 2009 at Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines.

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BOARD MEMBERS
Regina S. Antequisa Norlayne Atar Halil L. Amerol Luis Siddick F. Adiong Masbud A. Gaima II Altifany Faridah Laguindab

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Abdul Hamidullah T. Atar
Executive Director

Fahad SalicCommunity Organizer Hayadullah T. AtarClan Organizer Sahraman DisomimbaVolunteer Mohammad Ali GabrielVolunteer Olomodin BatuganVolunteer Rohairah SumndadVolunteer

Administrative Officer

Omaima Marabur

Sahira Tominaman
Finance Officer

ADDRESS
Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO) Inc.
SEC. REG. NO.: CN200630844

D1 Hidaya Apartment Ceanuri Subdivision, Camague Iligan City, 9200 Philippines Email: pogie_atar@hotmail.com rido2007@gmail.com Telefax: 063-2254219 or 09186236493 thru

Abdul Hamidullah Pogie T. Atar

Executive Director

www.ridoph.org