Pangasinan’s stake in Bangsamoro Law

By Ermin Garcia Jr.

 

TO many of us in Luzon, particularly in Pangasinan, the fate of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) may appear to be irrelevant and, therefore, we are not the least interested nor concerned how it evolves. That may be true if one is under the illusion that what happens in Mindanao will not affect us in Pangasinan. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Frankly, I have yet to see a positive indicator that BBL will work besides the promise that the MILF will stop waging war. Recall that when it was the MNLF that earned the credit for the establishment of the ARMM, the MILF and Abu Sayyaf Group did not feel committed to the pledge of support for the government. Since I don’t see the MNLF wanting to be part of the framework of the new autonomous Moro region, it can only mean war and bloodshed will continue.

A more troubling indicator is the reluctance of MILF to join the government forces in exterminating the ASG for good. Reason? ASG members have extended relatives among the MILF (and MNLF). If MILF will not have the political will to stop terrorism, how can it hope to bring economic progress to the islands? Will the region see a repeat of the failure of the MNLF to deliver economic blessings to its constituents?

Then, a more violent form of terrorism is already on the horizon – the ISIS movement. ISIS out to propagate its radical beliefs that other faiths cannot exist in an exclusive Muslim controlled territory. Wouldn’t the autonomous region under the BBL be a clear prey for ISIS? What is to stop ISIS from grabbing control of the region when MNLF refuses to engage the ASG today? Consider the implications of ISIS leadership in the autonomous Moro region. Will MILF stand in the way of ISIS once the latter invokes Islam as the guiding light for the Moros?

What could all these possible mean to us in Pangasinan? From where I sit, it can only mean more migration from Mindanao to urban areas in Pangasinan. Congestion will worsen, and level of poverty will be aggravated in these places resulting in far more serious illegal drug problems.

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NEW MUSLIM COMMUNITY LEADERS. Speaking of the fate of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Pangasinan that have completely assimilated the way of life here, I look forward to the day when the local Muslim community leaders in their midst are finally replaced by the young professionals among them.

So far, the elder Muslim community leaders in Pangasinan have not gone beyond being protective of members of their communities, including those who are involved in trafficking of illegal drugs. We have seen and heard many of the elder leaders paying lip service to calls of support for the government’s campaign vs. illegal drugs but we have not heard any of them publicly and deliberately acting to move against the criminals in their midst. Consequently, we see more of the young Muslims becoming wayward, getting involved in drug trafficking, confident that their activities will be protected by their misguided elders.

It’s time the young Muslim professionals in Pangasinan finally stand and be counted as leaders to be reckoned with.

I’m certain many would like to hear their views about how they think they can help their communities become more productive. I would not be surprised if they here have already formed their own ideas how they can make the BBL work for them, too.

The PUNCH will welcome their thoughts!

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SPORTING CHANCE. Here’s a news item that should warm the cockles of Guv Spines’ heart.

Finally, it has dawned on the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission that the way to prepare Philippine teams is do exactly what Guv Spines has been doing to promote and develop sports in the province.

They are now talking about maintaining sports training facilities and clinics, hiring trainers and coaches and nutritionists, building decent quarters for athletes. Thank God for the extremely embarrassing performance and humiliating losses of the Ph teams in Asian and international competitions, our sports leaders are finally exposed for what they are – lazy and corrupt.

The development of the province’s talented athletes is one legacy that Guv Spines can certainly be proud of.

If only politics had not been allowed to tinker with the development of the eco-tourism zone, it would not have been far fetched to see young Pangasinan golfers giving Metro Manila players a run for their money. Alas, without the golf course in place, that will remain a dream for now.

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PRESS COUNCIL. The Philippine Press Institute has been busy attempting to organize Press Councils in provinces, following the successful experience of the press council in Cebu City.

A press council is a body composed of representatives of several sectors, including the local media, that receives and acts on complaints of the public against articles published or statements aired by media establishments perceived to be grossly unfair and unethical.

The council votes as a body to impose sanctions on erring media establishments, mainly the publication or airing of a public apology if the complained article or material is found to have violated the code of ethics of print journalists and KBP.

Is Pangasinan ready for a press council?

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