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This article was also published in the October 8, 2006 issue of the Manila Bulletin.

Peace & Social Justice for the Bangsamoro People

By ALMARIN CENTI TILLAH

Spokesman, Moro National Liberation Front
Former Gevernor, Province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Secretary General, Philippine Muslim Leaders Forum

DISTINGUISHED Guests, Fraternity Brothers, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good Evening!

I am deeply touched and honored for being among the recipients of PAN XENIA’s highest national recognition for contributions to nation building. For me, this distinction adds a special personal meaning, coming as it does, on my 63rd birthday anniversary, and start of our month–long fasting – Ramadan. But, more importantly, it is the first ever to be given by the Fraternity to a Muslim for contribution to the cause of national interests in Southern Philippines. I am, therefore, happy to accept this honor and the opportunity to look back and recall my modest contribution, often unnoticed, to the Bangsamoro quest for peace, justice, and progress, both here and abroad.

Since I became a member of PAN XENIA, a wellknown brotherhood of intellectual, academic, and professional distinction, I have not lost sigh of its vision and mission, as I endeavored to respond meaningfully to the complex challenges and problems of Mindanao and beyond, especially related to the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Indeed, during the critical moments and times of need, I am grateful not only to Muslim brothers, but also to Christian friends, including those in the Fraternity, for the needed encouragement and support, without which I will not be here tonight to share the profound meaning of this occasion.

In retrospect, the past two decades were years of involvement for a cause or causes worth the sacrifice of time, efforts, resources, and, if need be, even life itself. The involvement has been a part of the greater struggle of the Bangsamoro people for social justice and progress, within the purview of national interests and the context of the Philippine democratic tradition. I am thankful to the years of public service through various positions in the local, regional and national levels of the government that allowedme to see and experience the pleasures and pains of goals envisioned and the profound effects on how I perceive the future that lies ahead for the Bangsamoro people.

I must say that the struggle has been a difficult and uphill search for the ideals of the Bangsamoro people. Very often frustrating, not because of lack of commitment, but because of lack of mitigating factors from within and without. Many have died for the cause "without seeing the dawn." Many have fallen on the wayside unbowed but broken. Some have found refuge in compromise and betrayal, but many have remained steadfast and hopeful that the dawn will break. In this regard, I like to thank those who believe in the rightness of our struggle, our aspirations as part of human society and the national community. We will always remember the measure of help extended and the many acts of kindness shown.

Now, I wish to end with some solemn thoughts on the future and prospects ahead of us as a Bangsamoro people, who have not ceased dreaming of a homeland truly their own. This might be the last time I have to say it as I look beyond the frustrations of the present and the increasing futility of our struggle within the persisting neo-colonial process of our democratic system.

Despite five decades since Philippine independence of hopeful expectations and struggle, buoyed up by the periodic peace agreements in 1976, 1986 and 1996, the development, progress, and peace in the Bangsamoro homeland have remained token and rhetorical realities. The on going GRP-MILF negotiations, after almost three years of costly and tedious talks and merry go rounds are in a quagmire over the only issue that matters to the Bangsamoro people the recovery of their ancestral lands and dignity. Meanwhile, our population has steadily increased and with it the need to feed the hungry, to educate the ignorant, to save and heal the sick, to clean up the deteriorating environment on land and sea, to provide shelter for the homeless, to rehabilitate social institutions, and above all, to preserve the identity and culture of a historic people, who lived in the archipelago centuries before the advent of colonialism.

For some of us who have gone through the rigors and pains of struggle, who have seen the curtains fall and the doors closed to remaining hopes for what we aspire for, we must seek ultimate meaning outside of ourselves, help and support outside the system that has proven to be unresponsive to our aspirations, our ideals and longings as a people. There is no other way but the obvious. There is no turning back for those who have taken the step. There are only dilemmas and pains for the remaining few, who still believe in the possible. But the ranks are getting thinner. Having said what I must, I like to derive inspiration and a sense of satisfaction from this recognition PAN XENIA has conferred on me tonight, for whatever contribution I have given to the cause of peace in Southern Philippines, and social justice for the Bangsamoro people. Again, thank you brods and best wishes to all.