The Institute of Bangsamoro Studies
Lessons and Insights on the Peace Process
Presentation by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaClick Here to Download Complete Powerpoint Presentation of this Article.
Peace process
In this discussion, peace process refers to the negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to find solution to the uneasy, and sometimes violent, relations between the GRP and the Bangsamoro people.
Factors that Trigger Radicalization of Muslim Community in the Philippines
by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaDownload Complete text of this Article as
Introduction
Since the destruction of the World Trade Center and part of Pentagon by terrorists last September 11, 2001, there have been discussions on the different interpretations of Islam and as a result different categorization of Muslims. In literatures, we encounter terms like those of political Islam, moderate Islam, and radical Islam. Moderate, radical or extremist is common labels use by media in describing Muslim political behavior. Policy studies take a broader view in their categorization. Study by Rand Corporation for example characterizes Muslim tendencies in the Muslim World into radical fundamentalist, scriptural fundamentalist, traditionalist, modernist, liberal secularist and authoritarian secularist (Rabasa 2004, 5-25).
The Muslim in the Philippines is being seen by Filipinos as radical community. The Philippine Human Development Report (2005: 56) shows that almost half (47 percent) of the Filipinos believes that Muslims are probably terrorists or extremists; and majority (55 percent) think that Muslims are probably more prone to run amok.
Is the Muslim community in the Philippines radical, and what factors that cause or may cause its radicalization. These are issues I think need to be clarified.