'Philosophical Peace Reflection`

Transformational paradigm at the community level: a proposed formula in the Mindanao conflict

It is important I guess to understand the the nature of the conflict in Mindanao and who are the actors involved. It is always easy to say that the problem in Mindanao is economic and political in nature involving the MILF and the government and the solution is apolitical negotiated settlement and development of Mindanao. But this is only one way of looking at the reality. The other dimension of the problem is deeper than many of us think and what our eyes can see. It has something to do with the way people look at themselves- the way they interpret their history, religion and culture; and the way they look at others.
Hatred, prejudices, biases, suspicion, distrust, traumas, intolerance, and inability to forgive these are the little wars that are going on in the hearts of Muslims, Christians and Indigenous people of Mindanao that prove to be bigger than the real war itself. It is important, therefore, to restore the confidence of’ the people in Peace and for them to understand that they are stakeholders and that they have as much right to be involved in the Peace Process. Happily, this people’s participation in the Peace Process, is a fact that is now recognized both by the government and the MILF. Education plays a very important role in mobilizing people. Education of their rights is a source of power.
Now, let me stress that while a political negotiated settlement is certainly one of the solutions in resolving the Mindanao conflict, it is not the only solution. In fact, Peace Agreements may create a conducive space but they are not a guarantee that there will be instant peace in our communities. A lot of work will have to be done. I remember few years ago the statement made by a speaker on the conference(Mindanao week of peace conference held at Mati Davao oriental) which I attended, he said, “People conflict. The conflict comes from the people. In the same way, people create peace and therefore peace must come from the people.” with this statement It gave me realization that the people itself make conflicts among themselves.
The problem in Mindanao is deep-seated. We do not have to go far to find indications. One only needs to listen with the way members of our timely talk about the Muslims or the Christians or the Lumads. We only need to observe how they look at other people that happen to belong to other religious amid cultural communities. In this sense, the peace process is even more urgent and needed. And there lies the challenge for the government and MILF and among NGOs, church, civil society and the communities in Mindanao
I has been visible how the government implemented rehabilitation projects. Sadly, rehabilitation in most cases only addressed the physical damage caused by the war. Yes, there may be ceasefire on the ground. The people may have returned back to their homes. Roads may have been repaired. Shelters, water facilities and latrines may have been constructed. Livelihood projects may have been implemented. But these interventions only address one aspect of the damage and fail to address the deeper problems that are psychological, social amid relational in nature.
The academic sector also plays an active role in the promotion of peace in Mindanao and educate students with the real conflict that Mindanao is facing and experienced.
In closing, let me reiterate what I have said in the beginning that the Mindanao problem is more than just political and economic in nature. Mindanao Conflict will remain because there are things in this world that are not for sale. And Peace is one of them.