CALLS for peace is drowned with the sound of blazing guns as the renewed war in Mindanao takes a heavy toll on its people, economy and probably its future. Even as both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) publicly declared they want peace, a full scale offensive is under way to make MILF commanders Bravo and Kato answer for their crimes.

As sidelight to these developments, questions were raised on the involvement and interest of foreign governments and groups on the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the Arroyo regime and the MILF. The highly visible presence of the Malaysian and US governments on the matter had raised disturbing questions. What are the quid pro quos or the trade offs in the MOA-AD? What do the parties stand to gain in its realization?

Malaysia had been active in negotiations between the Arroyo regime and the MILF as the third party in the peace process. It has been acting as neutral third party in the negotiations, brokering between the two sides. Through its efforts, it brought both sides into forging a deal lending its resources and moral presence to the negotiations. In some instances, Malaysia served as host in the talks and had been active in monitoring the actions of both sides.

The controversial document was in fact scheduled to be signed in Malaysia when the Supreme Court intervened and aborted the ceremony. While the presence of Malaysia in the negotiations had been generally viewed as positive its motives had put under serious question when the contents of the MOA-AD was made public.

Many provisions of the MOA-AD are questionable particularly those that grants the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) the status of a sovereign state. The MOA-AD stirred national passions as it is viewed as an instrument for the dismemberment of the Philippines. Fear that the MOA-AD will lead to the fragmentation of the country is fanning the flames national tension and strong opposition to its implementation.

There are those who believe Malaysia has a special interest in the on-going negotiations for it is one of the major beneficiaries should the MOA-AD come to fruition. A Muslim state in Mindanao gives Malaysia a buffer zone vis-à-vis the Philippines. BJE also acts a countervailing force for Malaysia on this side of its boarders and a secured guarantee against future Philippine claims over Sabah.

Sabah had been part of the property of the Sultanate of Jolo. In fact, the Malaysian government had been paying yearly rental to the Sultanate of Jolo for Sabah. Ownership of Sabah of the Sultanate of Jolo was used by the Philippine government as basis for its claim on the Malaysian state. With the fragmentation of Philippine territory, Malaysia stands to benefit from this development. It would be difficult for the Philippines to pursue its claims of Sabah as it faces breakup.

The US on the other hand had a special interest in Mindanao specifically on its current war against terrorism. MILF and the Abu Sayaf were believed to have special ties with groups allied to Osama bin Ladin like Jemaah Islamiya (JI). JI fighters were suspected to be hiding in Mindanao and the island has strategic place in the US war against terrorism.

US aid and support has been pouring to Mindanao in the past years. It is to the interest of the US that Mindanao ceased to be a hide out of terrorists. To achieve this, the US wanted to gain foothold in the area through alliances and close ties with Muslim groups in the South.
Cultivating good relations with the MILF is key in achieving this objective of the US. The US government made no secret of this. The US ambassador visited MILF main camps and talked with its leadership several times. US economic and development projects had been pouring to Muslim areas in Mindanao. These are all designed to win favors from the Muslim communities.

Aside from peace, Mindanao is also rich in mineral and natural resources. With a BJE it will be easy for the US to have access to the natural riches of Mindanao.

The MILF on the other hand had been longing for legitimacy and international recognition of its struggle. Before his death, MILF founder and chair Hashim Salamat wrote Pres. Bush. The US leader reportedly had positive response to the letter of Salamat. Support and recognition of the US of its struggle is crucial for the MILF to achieve its objectives. What did the MILF promise the US in return for its support?

In this game of quid pro quo, however, the real loser is the Filipino people. The interest of the Philippines had been sacrificed and the Arroyo regime is a willing participant in this supreme act of treachery in exchange for its continued stay in power.

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