Foreign help in MILF problem

We'll need all the help we can get. In talking with the hard-headed MILF, many foreign governments have extended and will be extending support for the search for peace in Mindanao.

Malaysia has always been there helping us out in the peace talks. As an nation with Islam as a state religion and one that is bordering the Philippines, Malaysia plays a big role in the peace talks with our Muslim brothers and sisters down south. The U.S. as well, though indirect in political terms, have provided support to the military through the continual exercises and technological and strategic training with our local forces.

It's good that we can expect more help from other partner sovereign states, now all the way out of Asia even. Well-renowned ex-PM Tony Blair is willing to give a helping hand in the peace talks; he is a suitable authority and source of guidance in such a matter because of his previous experience in making possible the effective restoration of the devolved government of Northern Ireland. Similarly, there were divisive opinions in Northern Ireland as with a big part of southern Mindanao. Catholics and Protestants were in violent conflict as to whether Norethern Ireland should remain with the U.K. or with Ireland. A vote was made and a country within the United Kingdom finally recognized! While I am not indicating that such a similar outcome must be what we ought to come to, I think that Blair has much to offer in services in the peace process.

Sweden will also play a good role in the "aftermath" as will Brunei. Sweden will help with the part of the negotiations that has to sort of do with clean-up. In its last conference in 2005 and presented to the SecGen of the United Nations in 2006, the Stockholm Initiative on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (SIDDR) has come up with recommendations and a more proper system of ddr programs based on the yearlong studies and evaluation of related experiences such as those in Africa and eventually, Northern Ireland.

On the other hand, the state of Brunei is extending grants to MILF combatants so that they may better learn how to incorporate the Islam religion in moderation into their lives.

I do remember a TIME article earlier this year or late last year predicting an improvement with the issue in Mindanao primarily achievable through the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain. But perhaps, the TIME article wasn't expecting that to actually be the source of the troubles now (or so the MILF claim). This is all an unfortunate predicament for all, Catholics, Muslims, Filipinos, tourists alike, and I hope it ends soon.