Philippine Assessment Paper
The Philippines is one of the renowned countries in Asia. With its vast number of tourist spots, variety of natural resources, and its people, Philippines makes its own name among other neighboring nations. Meanwhile, the United States has an association with the Philippines since centuries ago, and is also involved in some issues and events in the country. This paper discusses some issues and events in the country, and their impact on its own and upon the Unite States.
I. Current Events and Issues in the Country within the last three Years
One significant event in the 2010 in the Philippines is the way for a new government administration. The election was held on May 10, 2010. This national election was different throughout the history of the Philippines (Guillermo, 2011) as it was the first to adopt computerized system of voting. Preceding this election was the Maguindanao Massacre, a violence which is found to be related to governmental election. Nevertheless, political observers and critics said that the 2010 election is “generally fair and the cheating was minimal” (2011, p.148). This led to certain effects upon the entire nation – particularly the people. One is that the 2010 election [somehow] brought hope and assurance to the people. Throughout the years, people and other government leaders find out a number of cheatings during elections. Now, the new administration – which is currently held under President Benigno Aquino III, gained more trust from the people. In relation to this, the 2010 election meant greater peace and democracy of the national government. Many view the year 2010 as the beginning of change for the Philippines, as we can see it transform from the authoritarian regime of former presidents to “a more democratic and open society” (Oxford Business Group, 2010). Another effect 2010 election has is the end of the previous administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that she wanted to bid another term, but was denied. Besides, during her term, many already considered her as the most corrupt leader in the Philippine history (Gopalakrishnan, 2007). This resulted in an expectation for a better politics. Moreover, the 2010 election brought hope and assurance to the people in the Southern Philippines. It was about 40 years that the Philippine government had conflicts with a militant Islamic group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The chairman of MILF, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, claimed that there is hope for the new Philippine government to do what the previous presidents failed to do – which is to bring peace to the south-eastern region of the Philippines (Hunt, 2010). They were told that the government wants to ‘start from scratch’ since all the [unfulfilled] negotiations in the past could only bring confusion and misunderstandings. Thus, the new government administration brings new hopes for change in politics, economy, and culture, along with greater peace among all the Philippine islands.
II. Barriers to the Peaceful Agreement in MILF Threats
Despite all the good negotiations happening since Aquino III’s initial administration, certain barriers still prevent the finalization of the peace agreement. This may include opposing relations with Christian groups in the region, possible changes of agreement terms in the new congress, and “further splintering of the MILF if results are not quickly forthcoming” (Tisdall, 2013). On May 6, 2013 allegations were sent to the rebels for an election security agreement, where MILF guerillas are prevented from moving around with their guns and uniforms. This was necessary for the May 13 election. The Philippine Marines were deployed to ensure they do not violate the Comelec’s election gun ban (Philstar, 2013). However, on May 21, about 3,000 individuals evacuated their homes due to a conflict arising between MILF and MNLF. Maguid Hussein, a community leader in the area, noted that the situation is normal at daytime while situations change during the night. The forces are said to be watching each other that if one makes the first shot, large scale skirmishes will begin (Fernandez, 2013). By June 5, it is reported that nearly 6,000 villagers already evacuated the area. Schools even remained closed due to threats of more harassment (Zamboanga Times, 2013). The MILF website has been attacking the Army’s 602nd Brigade for deploying peacekeeping groups in the area, but the military gave local authorities enough time to resolve the conflict before the 602nd Brigade makes its response (2013). This arising issue brings significant effects upon the nation. One is that the peace agreement process could be extended. Such conflict will certainly make hindrances for the government to finalize it. Another is in relation to the national fund. Casualties could also compel the government to bring out money – which could significantly affect the national fund. Also, this affects the Philippine military groups. In fact, this is always true since the advent of the conflicts in Southern Philippines. The Philippine army keeps on training soldiers just to die in their own country. Besides, resources given to the military will definitely be spent for this – which in one standpoint becomes a waste. Further, this also affects the United States of America. As aforementioned, the US has a significant association with the Philippines. Business negotiations, tourism, and military support are the things the US has in the country. Thus, if such conflict arises even more, little yet consistent effects could be upon the US. Besides, the US military groups consistently support the Philippine military. Although they are prevented to deal with conflicts on their own, they still train and go with Philippine soldiers. Thus, the uprising conflicts in the region continually affect the entire nation and the US.
III. Impact upon the MILF and the Region
In the midst of the two opposing issues – the progression of the peace agreement and the remaining conflicts within the region – certain impacts also come upon the people in the southern Philippines. As aforementioned, one effect is that people in the southern Philippines are given hope. Instead of not having any hope at all, these people can see the progress into a peaceful land. Throughout the years, the region is filled with strains of prejudice and mistreatment. In the eyes of many Filipinos in other parts of the Philippine country, these rebel groups and their people are despicable ones. That is why the peace agreement process seeks to allow the rebel groups and their communities to return to or enter into the condition of having their desired quality of life – which includes security, socio-economic development, and transitional justice and reconciliation (Deles, 2013). The entire country – particularly the government – will have to extend their arms to these people in various ways. Although certain hindrances and difficulties will arise, people in Mindanao region will see a good social life. People will be given education, and farming – which is the primary source of provision in the region – will be developed. Difficulties are certain to arise especially if MILF fail to consider the views of other non-Muslim communities in Mindanao. If it will be so, the government will fail to fulfill the peace agreement process. In light of this, this also involves the US. While Philippine government makes certain efforts for this issue, the US gives support as well. This gives US more favor in the sight of the Philippines and of other nations. The US will also meet some difficulties in the process. For instance, it is recorded in 2010 that some of their soldiers – who also dedicated their lives to bring freedom to the region from terror (Alipala, 2010) – died. Nevertheless, their efforts will definitely result in the development of its relationship with the Philippine nation.
IV. Short and Long Term Assessment of the Issue
The government asserts that they do not desire to have more damage to hope and confidence, and to have failure in having a happy ending (Tisdall, 2013) in the entire process. The issue should be done as soon as possible. Besides, if the issue is extended further, the rebel group could be provoked to fight even more. In a short term, the process for autonomy of the region will definitely be difficult to achieve. Other communities with other positions should also be considered. If the peace agreement will be put forward without such consideration, tensions will more likely to arise again in the future. Thus, every side should be addressed accordingly in order to gain a completely peaceful agreement. Now the issue, in which the peace agreement is progressing, has a number of impacts upon the country and the US. One is that the new administration will be tested and ‘refined’ in the way they fulfill their responsibility. This issue will certainly strengthen the present politics of the country. This is also the same with the US. It will strengthen their international relations. In the long term view of the issue, however, benefits are expected. If peace will be granted, having every individual entity – the government, the rebels, and the other communities in the region – get hold of the benefits, good things will surely come into reality. Better support from the Philippine government will be given to the Mindanao communities, while Mindanao people will be able to contribute and get involved with the entire nation. Further, if the Mindanao area will have good relations with the government, the US will also gain greater benefit from the Philippine nation in various ways.
The issue of better election system and the progression of the peace agreement between the government and the rebel groups is a good one. In fact, looking at the peace process in the country, one can realize that similar issues in other countries such as Afghanistan can be dealt with. The process is hard, while difficulties and tensions may still arise, yet if both parties will truly have the desire to long for the better good, it will surely come.
References
Alipala, J. (2010, Nov. 2). RP terror campaign cost lives of 11 US, 572 RP soldiers-military. Inquirer. Retrieved from http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101002-295567/RP-terror- campaign-cost-lives-of-11-US-572-RP-soldiersmilitary
Deles, T. (2013). Input in the Mindanao peace process [PDF Document]. Retrieved from http://opapp.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Input%20on%20the%20Mindanao%20Peace%20Pr ocess.pdf
Fernandez, E. (2013, May 21). 3,000 flee from MNLF, MILF standoff in North Cotabato village. Inquirer News. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/413099/3000-flee-from-mnlf- milf-standoff-in-north-cotabato-village
Gopalakrishnan, R. (2007, Dec. 11). Arroyo “most corrupt” Philippine leader: Poll. Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/12/us-philippines-arroyo- idUSSP30281220071212
Guillermo, A. (2011). Historical dictionary of the Philippines. UK: Scarecrow Press.
Hunt, L. (2010, Aug. 19). A Philippine peace process. The Diplomat. Retrieved from http://thediplomat.com/2010/08/19/a-philippine-peace-process
Oxford Business Group (2010). The report: The Philippines 2010. UK: Oxford Business Group.
Philstar (2013, May 6). Probe on threats on Maguindanao voters sought. Philstar. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/election-2013/2013/05/06/939003/probe-threats-maguindanao- voters-sought
Tisdall, S. (2013, Feb. 13). Philippines moves close to historic peace deal with Islamist rebels. The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/13/philippines- peace-deal-islamist-rebels
Zamboanga Times (2013, June 05). Threats of more MILF attacks hound North Cotabato village. Zamboanga Times. Retrieved from http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/7681-threats-of- more-milf-attacks-hound-north-cotabato-village.html
