Criminology

Executive Summary
Terrorism is a worldwide issue. When nations attack nations for political aims and when religions start threatening other religions, terrorism happens. The world has known about terrorism especially since the 911 attack. As the terrorist planes crashed on the U.S.As Twin
Towers, the war on terrorism became a global reality.

But in the Philippines, terrorism continues to be a reality ever since it started decades ago. The Moro people living in the second largest island cluster in the Philippines have been fighting for their independence since the colonialist era. They have fought out both the Spanish and American conquerors that invaded the Philippines hundreds of years ago. This helped them maintain their identity and beliefs.

Today they are fighting for their liberation and separation from their own country. When all political efforts have failed them, they chose the brutal path. The Moro  National Liberation Fronts (MNLF) aim was to free the Bangsa Moro or the Land of the Moros. They fought for this by waging an all-out war with the government.

On 1976, when the peace talks started, the MNLF agreed to the governments offer of autonomy in exchange for peace. The MNLFs decision angered some of its members. Because of this, new groups were established the Moro  Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf or the Bearers of the Swords.
The Abu Sayyaf, especially, has committed brutal acts of terrorisms such as mass bombings, kidnappings, shootings and beheadings.

Peace talks are still on-going. Countries like Malaysia, Libya and U.S.A. has helped the Philippines in hopes of eradicating this issue. But a solution still is not within sight. Gunshots could still be heard in Mindanao almost every day and their provinces still have high poverty. The Philippine government needs to do more for their people in Mindanao. This could be the solution to achieve peace and regain the peoples trust. This should be done to unite their nation.

Domestic Terrorism in the Philippines
Terrorism has often been defined as a political war. They are acts of violence or threats of violence based on political aims and motives. Countries attack other countries for reasons only they understand. But in todays world, it has become more very obvious that terrorism is not just a political warfare. It has now become a fight for beliefs and religion.

Religion is one of the oldest reasons people have given for wars and acts of terrorism. Many in the past have sacrificed other lives for what they believe is right.

Terrorism became a word we often hear in the streets. People start to fear random acts of violence because they believe it could be the next big terrorist attack. Their fears are very understandable. The 911 attacks took the world by surprise. It brought extreme fear, anger, pain and tears.
But even before the terrorists planes hit the Twin Towers, the Philippines has experienced terrorism. Domestic terrorism has been happening in the Philippines for more than thirty years now. It has affected its development greatly. There is a huge divide in their country. It started as a geographical divide, which grew into a religious divide and has even reached political divide.

A terrorist group called the Abu  Sayyaf is the root of terrorism in the Philippines. They live in the southernmost island of the Philippines and are mostly Muslim. Another Philippine terrorist group is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Both groups have been found to be related with the Al Qaeda and the Jemaah Islamiyah, two of the most feared groups of international terrorists. Another terrorist group that is still operating in the Philippines is the New Peoples Army (NPA) who live in the northern provinces. They used to be guerillas who fought the Japanese. Another Philippine domestic terrorist group is the Moro  National Liberation Front (MNLF). They are the group that started terrorism in their country but they are not very active now.

Tracing the Roots of Terrorism through Philippine Geography and History
The Philippines is an archipelagic country. This means that their country is made up of many islands, seven thousand, and one hundred and seven (7,107) to be exact. They have three main island clusters. The northernmost part is Luzon, Visayas is the middle cluster and Mindanao is the southernmost cluster. When you look at a Philippine map, you will see how far these three island clusters are. The central government of the Philippines, Manila, can be found in Luzon. This kind of geography can help us understand easier why Filipinos living in Mindanao feel great inequality with the government service in Luzon and even Visayas.

The Philippines was colonized by three countries, Spain, America and Japan. The Spaniards successfully colonized parts of Luzon and Visayas, which is why the religion in that area is mostly Catholic Christians. This is the root of the Philippines being the biggest population of Catholics in Asia. Mindanao, however, was no not colonized at all. The distance both geographically and ideologically from other parts of the country to Mindanao has made them feel like outcasts.

Bangsa Moros Cry for Independence
Bangsa Moro is what Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao call their island clusters as a whole. The first word, Bangsa, means land. The second word Moro is an old Spanish term for Arabs and Muslims.

Mindanao is the second biggest island, only next to Luzon when it comes to the size of land area, with a population of 18 million people (2001). 5 of who are indigenous people, 28.23 Muslims and 71.77 Christians. The currently growing percentage of Christians is caused by the migration of other Filipinos and people from other countries.

The Moros have fought many wars just so they could continue having their political freedom. Even before the Spanish colonialists came to their shores, they already had political systems called sultanates. Because they already had an organized system, no matter how many times the Spanish government tried to conquer them, they continued to fight back.

When the Americans came, the Moros still fought for their right to freedom. Though they were not as united as before, they still planned attacks and fought through rebel groups called guerillas. Because of this, even the U.S.A had a hard time making them part of their conquered land.

When the Americans finally decided to give back the freedom of the Philippines and grant them statehood, the Moros did not want to be part of the Philippines.  To voice out how much they disliked it, Bangsamoro leaders suggested that they remain as an unorganized territorial colony of U.S. They hoped that their petition would be approved because they knew that eventually, the U.N. would ask America to free their colonies. If this would have happened, they could have enjoyed their freedom.
On May of 1968, different political groups in Mindanao got together to form the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM). Their aim was for the Moro people to have the right to self  determination or the right to decide on their own from the Philippine supreme rule.

Aside from the MIM, Moro leaders have tried other political ways to regain the freedom of their people. Congressman Ombra Amilbangsa filed House Bill No. 5682 during the fourth session of the Fourth Congress which requested the recognition and Independence of Sulu, one of the Bangsa Moro provinces. Congressman Amilbangsa filed this bill even though he knew that there was a very little chance that it could be passed because they were only a very small number of Muslims in congress and they were not enough to get the bill passed. When all political efforts have failed them, the MNLF decided to use arms to free their nation.

Creation of the Moro National Liberation Front
Headed by Nur Misuari, the vigilante groups aim was to fully liberate the Bangsa Moro people from the Philippine government. They were funded by other Muslims from Libya and Malaysia.

On 1976, because of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the MNLF, the Tripoli Agreement was signed. This agreement granted autonomy to the Bangsa Moro government.

The Tripoli agreement stated that
First The establishment of Autonomy in the Southern Philippines within the realm of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.Second The areas of the autonomy for the Muslims in the Southern Philippines shall comprise the following Basilan, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu ,Lanao del Norte, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Palawan, Maguindanao

This brought about the creation of a new region in the Southern part of the Philippines. Up until now it is called the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The Bill for the autonomy was called the Organic Act (Republic Act 6734 of 1987).

Having autonomy meant that the Muslims were given the right to create special courts that will implement and follow the Islamic Shariah laws. Also this gave the Moros their own administrative unit that can allow them to build schools, colleges, universities and other projects for the ARMM.

However on 1977, only a year later, the agreement was broken. The whole Philippines went under the dictator president, Marcos. It was then found out that the initial autonomy agreement was not followed at all. This meant that the cease fire also ended. When President Marcos was forced out of the presidency and President Aquino took over, the agreement was revived through a plebiscite. But, it was too late. A group of Moros, who were confirmed to be part of the MNLF, attacked the government.
The Rise of the Moro - Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf

Because they felt betrayed by the MNLF for agreeing to make them merely an autonomous region, new terrorist groups were formed. The Moro  Islamic Liberation front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf vowed to fight for their separation of Bangsa Moro from the homeland.

The Abu Sayyaf or the Bearers of the Sword was established in 1991. They were headed by Abdurajak Janjalani who fought along-side the Islamists in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. He truly was a son of war. Their first act of terror was the killing of an American Evangelists by throwing a grenade on a public place.

The rage of terror in the southern region of the Philippines only got worse. Both the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf has waged open war with the government and the common citizens are affected greatly. But both of them are denying having any relations with one another. According to the MILF, they detest the brutal killings of the Abu Sayyaf and that they are only fighting for freedom.

The Abu Sayyafs acts of terror continued. On 1995, they attacked a southern Filipino town and took thirty people hostage. Aside from those thirty people taken hostage, fifty three other people and soldiers were killed. On April 2000, they kidnapped twenty one people from a resort in Malaysia. Libya paid for their ransom.

On May of 2001, one of the most talked about kidnappings happened. Twenty people, including three American missionaries, were kidnapped from an island resort in the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf sent the government a video asking for ransom. When what they demanded was not given, they beheaded one of the American hostages. They then brought the other two missionaries and a Filipino nurse as captives in Basilan, another southern province. U.S. trained Filipino soldiers were finally sent to rescue the captives. In the end, the other two captives were killed in the shoot out. Only Gracia Burnham was saved.

It is evident that their reign of terror is not limited in Bangsa Moro. They have affected tourists and natives alike in a lot of other provinces. A year after they have beheaded the American missionaries, they also beheaded 2 Filipino Jehovahs Witness out of the 6 they have kidnapped. So far, they seem to be targeting Americans and missionaries of other religions.

Recently they also took hostage Red Cross volunteers who were helping a town in Jolo, Sulu.  Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Jean Lacaba were on a medical mission in Western Mindanao when they were kidnapped.

From the provinces, they also went to the cities with their attacks. They detonated bombs in the countrys capital. In 2007, there have been numerous bomb scares in Metro Manila. Bombings in malls have killed hundreds and wounded many more. These kinds of terrorist threats leave the citys policemen at an ever watchful state. They became stricter in inspection in public places. They always warn the people to be wary.

As with every terrorist group, they target areas with big population sizes. This is why on Valentines Day of 2005 they detonated a bomb at a busy train station. Since then, every mere train malfunction has caused big stirs.

Not even the government is safe. In November 2007, a bomb was detonated at the House of Congress. The explosion killed a congressman and several of his staffers. On 2005, a plot to kill the president was foiled by the military. It was also planned by the Abu Sayyaf.

There have been talks about the link between the MILF and the Al Qaeda. Some have said that Janjalani, their founder, once fought with Osama. It is also believed by some that Al Qaeda helps fund the MILF.

Why Do They Want Their Freedom
Issues of Biases
According to studies, most Filipinos have negative views about their Muslim countrymen. In 1973, a study done by Filipino Foundation showed that 54 of their Filipino respondents had bad comments about Muslims. Even though 24 years has a passed, a similar study done by the Philippine Human Development Report in 1997 showed no change in the negative bias Muslims received. 40  46 of them the survey takers would choose Christian house helpers, while only 4  7  of them said they would not mind hiring Muslim workers.

Government Failure
Because of their distance from the central government they have had difficulty developing. The government has not been able to effectively take care and protect the people in Mindanao. The lands they have owned are being stolen from them. Whats worse is that the government is sometimes even the reason why they lose they farm lands over northern migrants. The poverty incidence in Mindanao is also very high. More than half of the families in Mindanao have incomes below the poverty lines. In 1998, according to the U.N. Human Development Report, Basilan and Sulu (southern provinces) rank as seventy third and seventy sixth poorest provinces out of seventy seven. The government of the ARMM believes that they can run the Bangsa Moro better than the Philippines government.

Bangsa Moros Own Identity
It could be seen in their history that have survived and battled out for their own survival. They have not been part of the colonies nor have they helped the homeland to free the country.  Their history and culture seem to be distant from that of the other islands in the Philippines. They have always wanted to be separated from the Philippines.

Peace Talks
Autonomy is the most that the Philippines has given them so far. Yet, they seem to really want more. We have to take note though, that Mindanao today is not only composed of the original Bangsa Moros and the government needs to take them into account too. They have not opted to liberate Mindanao because the other half of their population seems to not want this to happen. This is why the Philippines resorted to continuing Peace talks. The government keeps on telling the people that the MILF will agree to autonomy. But the truth is that the MILF has not agreed to it, but they might be open to it.
Other countries have tried to help the Philippines out to create peace in Mindanao.

Many have helped through conciliation. This is where the countries discuss the issue and a third party becomes an unbiased judge to aid in the peace talks. The U.N., on the other hand, has helped through consultation. They have helped analyze the situation and give constructive criticisms and possible solutions.

Malaysia and Libya has aided the peace process through consultations and arbitration. The U.S.A. on the other hand has played a big role in the peace process. They have even sent military powers when needed. These three countries have offered specialists, consultants and even financial aids. All these, and yet the war against domestic terrorism in the Philippines continues.

Lately, there have been talks about the E.U. or the European Union wanting to help in the peace talks. This is one of their ways to help the world get rid of terrorism. The Philippine government is glad. Because they know that other nations are supporting them to fix the issue. The Philippine government hopes that other countries such as Qatar and Indonesia would also be interested to help.

The Future of the Bangsa Moro
Ampatuan Massacre
In November 2009, a mass massacre caught the country by surprise. 5 vans that belonged to a Moro politician in Maguindanao were ambushed. Beside the vans was big and deeply dug hole. That was where 46 victims of massacre were found. The bigger shocker was that this was not a terrorist attack. This was not done by the Abu Sayyaf, nor was the MILF suspect. The suspects were the political rivals of the massacred family.

How would a countrys government entrust their people to such politicians
Lack of Development Policies
It is not that the government does not have policies, programs and projects for the Mindanao. It is the poor execution and implementation that affects their development. The constant war in their region is not helpful either. Imperial Manila needs to be more accountable to the Bangs Moro. It is about time for the central government to reach out further south.

Unsuccessful Peace Talks
The peace talks might seem to be going nowhere but with the continuous work of the government it just might. It is good to take note that the Philippines has conducted their first electronic election last May 10 and it remained peaceful.

Conclusion
Many would find it odd and selfish for the Philippine government to not let the Bangsa Moro be. As I have said earlier, not only Moros live in Mindanao. There are more people that the government needs to protect. The Moros or Muslims have their own identity, but who would care for the other groups living in Mindanao The government still has a responsibility to the people.

Many people still have a strong sense of nationality and territoriality when it comes to Mindanao. It would be like U.S.A. losing Texas, or Australia losing Perth. The Philippines would never be the same again.

Mindanao also has a lot of natural resources like oil and plantations that could help the Philippines especially in todays economic crisis.

Also the government has to consider if the government right now in Bangsa Moro would be able to create a kind of government that would be respectable and acceptable worldwide and if they would be able to take good care of everyone in that region. But with the wars and crimes happening there, it does not seem like it is attainable at the moment.

We may still wonder if all these are worth it compared to the terrorism that the Abu Sayyaf and other liberation seeking groups have brought. And we may feel compassion for the freedom seeking Moros. But the fact of the matter is that they might not survive without the central government, even the United States and international organizations, like the United Nation and most recently the European Union feels like this is so.

They do have a strong sense of who they are and what they want to be, but the process they have chosen to get to their destination shows immaturity.

The Philippine government needs to take better care of all the Filipinos so that the whole nation would trust them.

There needs to be more sense of nationhood in the Philippines. If the island clusters of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao would only be united, then the problem of the Philippines could end. They all need to see themselves as Filipinos not as separate groups.