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YMP STATEMENT: Moros also deserve justice and equality |
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Written by YMPN
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Wednesday, 12 March 2003 |
Madam President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo:
We, the Young Moro Professionals (YMPNetwork), are concerned with the current battle between the AFP and the MILF. We are very sad that this latest battle started on February 11, 2003 by the attack of the AFP of the MILF camp in Boliuk Complex. The attack was made during Muslim holy day of Eid’l Al Adha. This attack was justified as operations against the Pentagon Gang who are allegedly coddled by the MILF.
On the other hand, recent news revelations and per information we received from Mindanao, the actual reasons for the attack are totally different from the initial justifications by the AFP. But whatever are the reasons, we once again witness the suffering of at least 100,000 innocent civilians who are mostly helpless children, women and old people; death of many MILF, AFP, and civilians; and adverse local and international media report about our country that will surely extremely negatively affect our economy. We firmly believe that the continuation of this battle and the war with MILF is self-destructive. Even the envisioned development in the complex that is now called Buliok Peace & Development Zone, will be meaningless unless the Moro People would be treated equitably and justly; and hopefully freed from centuries warfare in order to gain their dignity as people.
The bombing in Davao City International Airport and other parts of Mindanao are once again tagged as handiwork of the MILF. We strongly condemn this cowardice and un-Islamic act. Islam even during its might disallows hurting of non-combatants in warfare. We are sure that the MILF leadership assuming that they really did this un-Islamic act know the consequences in the hereafter. But whoever is responsible for these un-Islamic act, we are praying and hoping that innocent Muslims are not denied of the basic protection of laws. With this, we are very sad to hear and receive reports that people who are Muslims are checked and interrogated in checkpoints. Some are actually arrested without warrant as demanded by law. We are still uncertain of the perpetuators of these un-Islamic act but the Muslims have already suffered discrimination.
We, the YMP, advocates of peace and the upliftment of the Moro people through adherence with the teaching of Islam, education, active involvement in national development as professionals, entrepreneurs, and development workers. We have advocated the non-violent means.
However, we are very much bothered with the recent situations and the denial of laws for the fellow Moros. We call on your leadership to stop these, avoid recurrence of non-Moro and Moro mutual hatred and distrust in Mindanao and throughout the country. And that we may continue to create an environment of unity and co-existence.
We pray for your kind attention and just decisions during these times.
Respectfully,
Ayesah Abubakar, Chair
Young Moro Professionals Network, Inc.
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