UP Ibalon Bicol: January 6: Amon Jadid and an Incongrous Greeting

January 6: Amon Jadid and an Incongrous Greeting

1/07/2009 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

Yesterday, January 6 was the first day of Muharram, when the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar started, hence the connotation of being the Islamic New Year. However, Muslims around the world are divided on its signifance and on the way they celebrate it.

However, Mrs. Arroyo greeted the local Muslim community 'Happy Amon Jadid', which corresponds to 'Happy New Year'. However the message after the greetings immediately turned controversial. She said and I quote portions of it:

"Amon Jadid...gives Muslims the oppurtunity to look forward to a better future and to live in peace and prosperity....I ask our Muslim brothers to support our resolve in turning the fragile peace in Muslim Mindanao into a genuine and lasting one..."

I am astounded by the disconnect of the greetings to reality. I do not even know if this already amounts to an insult. It is as if Mindanao is not enveloped in war right now. And as if there are no refugees who are mainly Muslims.

Fragile peace? All I know is there's a lull in the fighting because of the holidays. But I am also aware Field Marshal Teodoro is asking for additional budget in order to continue the war. And as if the peace treaty has not been flushed down the drain and the OIC International Monitoring Team and Mindanao aid donor countries leaving and suspending aid.

As of today the Philippine military has already attacked and overran nearly all the MILF camps in Mindanao. But it has failed in its avowed purpose--to bring daw to justice the three MILF 'rogue' commanders.

Did the military "win"? If the yardstick of guerilla warfare is used it seemed it is the MILF that has won because they were able to preserve their forces. Will the military be able to hold on to the territory they gained? Probably not except for selected showpieces (like Camp Abubakar before) because they simply do not have troops for it. And it is occupying hostile territory where the population is nearly 100% Muslim. In fact, the MILF has already stepped up harassment attacks.

The derisive comment of Marines commanding general Allaga that Camp Bilal is wherever Commander Bravo is might ironically turn to be true. MILF camps are much like ordinary villages where the population is the family and relatives of the MILF forces. It moves according to the demand of the situation.

As it is there will be no peace in Mindanao. And it is generally conceded by observers that no peace treaty is possible until the end of Mrs. Arroyo's term in 2010. So I'm really wondering where she picked up those words. Hey, do liars care?

[photo credit:wri.org]

Labels: Allaga, Amon Jadid, Arroyo, Billal, Camp Abubakar, Commander Bravo, Islamic New Year, January 6, MILF, Muharram, Muslim Mindanao, Teodoro

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January 6: Amon Jadid and an Incongrous Greeting

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