The Institute of Bangsamoro Studies
BANGSAMORO SELF-DETERMINATION
by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaDownload Complete text of this Article as
This paper suggests that recognition of the fundamental right of peoples to self-determination opens a window of opportunity to resolve conflicts peacefully, whether or not they are explicitly stated as a struggle for self-determination. This is particularly true in Mindanao, where the Bangsamoro liberation fronts assert sovereign rights in the same territory over which the Philippine government already exercises sovereign power. Implementing the right of self-determination of the Bangsamoro people can usher in peace in Mindanao.
The Right of Self-Determination
Impact and Implications on the Mindanao Peace Processby: Mohd. Musib M. Buat
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During the initial resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace Talks in Tripoli, Libya on June 20-22, 2001, after it was stalled as a consequence of the all-out-war launched by former President Joseph E. Estrada in April of 2000, the peace negotiation which was proceeding smoothly suffered a brief snag. This revolved on the use of the phrase “self-determination” in the draft text of the agreement about to be concluded by the Parties which was earlier agreed during the crafting of the text of the agreement but the GRP Peace Panel members, headed by then Assistant Secretary Jesus Dureza, subsequently deleted it from the final text of the draft agreement the phrase in question. The peace talks would have broke up on this particular point on the issue of whether or not the phrase in question should be deleted or retained in the final text of the agreement about to be finalized by the Libyan Secretariat of the peace talks, had it not been for the skilled diplomatic facilitation of the Libyan and Malaysian officials jointly facilitating the peace talks.
DEMOCRATIC APPROACH TO PURSUE THE BANGSAMORO PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION
by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaDownload Complete text of this Article as
The Bangsamoro, as people with distinct identity and common culture, and with long history of political independence in the same territory they presently occupy, continuously assert their right to freedom and independence as an expression of their right to self-determination. The liberation fronts, convinced that there is no possibility to regain independence under the Philippine nation state system, choose armed struggle as means to for liberation, while the Bangsamoro civil society prefer to follow the peaceful and democratic tract.
Forum Report - POLITICAL AND GOVERNANCE OPTIONS FOR THE BANGSAMORO: AUTONOMY, FEDERALISM AND INDEPENDENCE
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AUTONOMY AS A POLITICO/GOVERNANCE OPTION
In the last century, the Philippine government has been obliged to grant genuine autonomy to the Bangsamoro people through two major peace covenants—the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, and its implementing mechanism, the 1996 Peace Agreement—entered into by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). In exchange for autonomy, the MNLF set aside their quest for independence and recognized the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines.
Understanding Bangsamoro Independence as a Mode of Self-Determination
by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaDownload Complete text of this Article as
Right to Self-Determination
The right to self-determination is the collective right of a people to determine its own future, free of any outside interference or coercion. It includes the right to determine this people’s political status and to freely pursue its economic, social, spiritual and cultural development.
Understanding Right of Self-determination
by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaDownload Complete text of this Article as
Q - What is the right to self-determination?
A – Right to self-determination is the right of peoples to
• freely determine their political status; and
• freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development
Comparative Experience on Referendum
Presentation by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaClick Here to Download Complete Powerpoint Presentation of this Article.
Why referendum
Peaceful and democratic way of resolving political conflicts
Ensures that the people’s will serves as basis of authority and last word on a solution to the conflict
Accommodates divergent views on solution to the problem
Referendum in Bangsamoro Homeland: Peaceful and Democratic Way to Resolve the Conflict in Mindanao
Presentation by: Professor Abhoud Syed M. LinggaClick Here to Download Complete Powerpoint Presentation of this Article.
The problem
The problem is the contrasting positions of the Bangsamoro people and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the political status of the Bangsamoro people.
The assertion of the Bangsamoro people for their right to self-determination is being denied by the GRP, not only politically but by the use of force, thus triggering violent confrontations.