(July 23-31)

The recent rumblings in the continuing row between the Philippines and China, the biggest country in the world and second in terms of world economy, are from cooling down. There is very little to doubt, the South China Sea continues to be a flashpoint. Consider the following developments, which do not auger well for a quick fix of the problem. In fact, the implications, especially to the alarmists and cold-footed, will be daunting and haunting.

(July 16-22)

The messages emerging from the MILF-sponsored “Moro leaders assembly” are loud and clear: The MILF has the popular support and it can reach out to practically all Moro leaders of diverse affiliations, such as rebels, politicians, traditional leaders, academe, business, indigenous tribal leaders, Christian leaders. Even people who are affiliated with critics of the MILF have come and expressed solidarity for the cause of peace. Sad to note, however, only Chairman Nur Misuari of the MNLF did not come and instead flew out to Jakarta on a personal visit. He did not even care to acknowledge receipt of the invitation letter, which was personally handed to him in Zamboanga City by an MILF special emissary. Fair enough, Chairman Muslimin Sema of a rival MNLF faction had, at least, sent an official representative, his son-lawyer. Thank you, brother!

(September 1-7)

Individuals, while they have so many in common, possess individual differences, especially in their thoughts and actions. Since organizations are run by men, then it is also natural that organizations emerge from time to time, and more seriously, they differ in their outlook and orientations. Men who grasp this well will find little problem in dealing with so many organizations in their midst. It is a matter of handling and identifying who has in their agenda the higher interest and collective aspirations of their people.

(August 16-22)

It is not a joke or a picnic to start a revolutionary, nay jihadic, struggle. It is a lifetime job and commitment that only the most dedicated and iron-willed can stay through to the end.  Even then, these are not the only prerequisites for staying on and succeed. Those in the MILF had it started in 1972 (with the MNLF) and to this day they still have a long way before they can claim the MILF is strong and ready to engage the “enemy” in a final showdown.