Muslim Mindanao = Hong Kong?
Did you know that the Moro state in Mindanao, once the province of Malaysian sultanates, long ago petitioned the United States to become a territory of America rather than a part of the Philippines?
I did not.
This and other fascinating tidbits of history are included in two MUST READ articles published on blogwatch.tv this past week.
If you have a hard time with the notion of autonomy for Muslim Mindanao, as I have had, think about the region as a separately governed entity like Hong Kong is to China. It does not leave the Philippines. It is, however, for the most part, a master of its own ways.
Here are links to the two superb articles by Ed Lingao, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism:
The Society of Honor by Joe America 
From: Island Jim-e1. As a "transplant" (aka: alien to the islands) I have to disqualify myselffrom making any specific/relevant observationsexcept for the following:2. Blood shed is not a efficient way to settleany dispute. There are other procutiveavenues to produce successful outcomes…shameon any peoples who think otherwise!3. A cost benefit analysis purblished in thenational media and in the churches and inthe "halls of education"…would be benefiticalso as to provide equity and as a bassis forfuture solutions. (my guess is that a fewrich developers/families are the only elementsbenefiting from maintaing the status quo)…!4. I will now proceed to wash my mouth with a nice cold bottle of "bsnna stuff" assoap does not agree with me! Note: Observation, a cold shower of "education" can producee wonderful resultswhen a bottle of "sanmig" is not available!Hick…!
Yes, it is out of our hands as "guests" here. Still, it is a welcome event, if it comes to pass, to find peace and harmony. I'd feel more secure, for the easing of some of the tension hereabouts.
thanks for sharing these. i must confess, when i read media and mindanao, i dont know what the point of it was. What exactly are they refering to about the coverage of moa? what was inaccurate?
You are most welcome. I've been in the same boat as you, a little fuzzy about things. That's why these articles were great. They hit all the pertinent points.