Definition of the Muslim Problem

1. What is the Muslim Problem?

- An individual Muslim refuses to acknowledge that he is a part of the entire
Filipino community and that he does not consider himself as a Filipino and
has thus identify himself by his religion. He prefers to be called a Muslim
(or Maranao, Tausug, Maguindanao etc.)
- Among the tributary problems (historical, sociological, economic, political,
demographic, education, religion), it all boils down to the lack of
understanding (Muslim) which results to prejudice and hostility among
the Muslim-Christian community.

2. What went wrong?

- According to surveys: (1) failure of formal education to erase the negative
image of Muslim Filipino. Education could pave the way to help change
rejection to acceptance of Muslim Filipinos churches, mass media and
civic organizations would also be a big help. (2) Muslim leadership, but
this does not entail that Christians are relieved of their share and duty to
seek a solution to this problem. (3) failure of the government to draw
attention or spotlight on the Muslims and Indigenous minorities and has
thus failed to provide a solution to the problem.

3. According to surveys, the dominant reaction was rejection

rejection by an average Christian Filipino towards an average Muslim
Filipino. What caused such hostility (Muslim-Christian) that
perpetuates to this day?
- The hostility and prejudice is (again) a result of lack of understanding and
such matter is not new here in the Philippines as it has existed long before
the Spanish colonial rule and the American public policy that wavered
separatism and integration. Up to this day it has continued by the ignorant
and biased media aided by some members of the educated elite that
shouldve raised awareness instead of contributing to the problem. This is
true as our Muslims friends, to this day, are branded (by some) as
brutal, treacherous, bandits or pirates.

4. Everyone almost seems to blame the government for this problem,

but is pointing fingers really a good thing? If not the government,
who is to blame?
- As the past and present government failed to provide a solution due to the
officials neglecting their duty which prevented the creation of sympathetic
understanding and realistic policies for the minority groups in the
Philippines, people now blame them. However, pointing fingers really
wouldnt solve anything. Everyone is to blame and no one is to blame.
What everyone (both sides) needs to do now is to honestly admit fault,
stop the blame-game, correct his own attitudes, motives and actions
towards his fellow man so that both are prepared to face the future of the
problem and shed hope to finding a proper and permanent solution.
5. Despite the introduction of change, why has the Muslim area been
slow and seemed like they couldnt keep pace with the rest of the
country (Philippines)?
- Muslims are known for their conservative, reactionary nature which
controls their thoughts and lives. But the forces of conservation itself
prevents all change harmful to Islam. As such, some of them have yet to
see the perks of national change for the betterment of the society.

6. Talk about Orchestration as an alternative solution to integration

and other measures that could be done to solve the Muslim Problem.
- Orchestration is the fusion of desirable traits of the various ethnic
groups in the Philippines for the purpose of forging one people. This is a
way for people to accept pluralism as a workable solution to different
cultures, religious faiths, language to work together in harmony for the
good of the nation. With this, both sides would be able to learn to
understand and accept one another and recognize both sides contribution
to the countrys history, culture and life.
- Best of all, a change of attitude from both sides is a must. Talking and
dialogue is necessary as well. Through integration, both sides (Muslim and
Christians) could peacefully exist and learn to live together, to uphold the
value of respect and inculcate in our minds now that we cannot stand
divided and could only be one solid nation. Stop the labels that actually
divided us into sides and act as one especially in the midst of a
changing world. A nation that in itself is divided should not hope for a
better future.