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Attached herewith the Manifesto and some pictures of the Rally yesterday (October 02, 2008, Shawwal 02, 1429) asking the U.N. and O.I.C. to Mediate and intervene in the Muslim Mindanao long-aged conflict. The rally was started in the Plaza Bangolo of Islamic City of Marawi (Philippines) and at around 10 o’clock in the morning, at the height of hot-sunny-day, the rallysts walked and completed the said rally at the 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Armed Forces at Kampo Ranaw, Marawi City.
The Rally was organized by the Multi-Sectoral Civil populace of Lanao del Sur.

MANIFESTO

CALLING ON THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) AND THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE (OIC) TO INTERVENE AND MEDIATE TO END THE WAR IN MINDANAO AND INTERCEDE FOR THE JUST RESOLUTION OF THE BANGSAMORO STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION

When, at the dawn of the high-tech, ultra civilized 21st century, the Bangsamoro finds itself still bereft of its inherent rights and freedoms as a distinct sovereign nation, stolen as they were, under cover of “civilizing” democracy by successive colonizers;

When, after many decades of so-called peace negotiations, the Bangsamoro people wakes up to the harsh truth of the abominable situation of sustained betrayal, manipulation, lying, cheating, and killing by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines;

When, today, the Bangsamoro is subjected to another cruel war by a government that abdicated democratic government, declaring the Bangsamoro as its subjects for protection yet waging atrocious war against it, this time, right after the exposure of its base insincerity in consummating the previously agreed upon and approved Memorandum of Agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD), executed by and between the government of the republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF);

When, today, the Bangsamoro cannot find any redeeming justification for the non-existence of genocidal intent in the acts of the government of the republic of the Philippines in 1) taking side with the notorious Ilonggo land grabbers association (Ilaga) and other land usurpers, all of whom have amassed wealth in Bangsamoro territories without consent nor participation of the Bangsamoro, and some of whom also wrested control of local governance and would own the whole of Bangsamoro homeland by systematically dispossessing the Bangsamoro, and 2) unleashing disproportionately massive military forces with heavy land and air artillery for pursuing two commanders of the MILF yet indiscriminately bombing and destroying communities and villages and deliberately sowing fear and terror to the populace resulting to the displacement of thousands and thousands of innocent civilians;

When, today, the acts of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines include the incomparably contemptible authorization and distribution of 13,000 arms to civilians, many recipients of whom are

Ilaga adherents who desire above all to drive out the Moro people from their territories thereby exposing all pretensions to equal protection of its peoples by the GRP, as well as the scheme to instigate a genocidal civil war reminiscent of the dictator Marcos policy, to broad daylight;

When, today, despite the valiant resistance of Bangsamoro freedom fighters against an overwhelming war machinery and military operations of a colonial government and despite the perseverance of the great majority of the Bangsamoro to sustain and advance the struggle, the Bangsamoro civil society believes that the only remaining hope for immediate and just resolution of the conflict is in the existence of international organizations and entities sworn to maintain world peace and security by safeguarding human rights and peoples’ rights and the promotion of conflict resolution through principled, just and peaceful means;

And when, today, we, the Bangsamoro multi-sectoral members of the civil populace of Lanao resolve to adhere to the hope and trust that these humanitarian organizations, appraised of a gross crime against humanity in our region of the world will come to the aid of the victims of this unjust war, the peace-loving Bangsamoro and Filipino civil populace, alike;

With solemn prayers that this appeal finds its niche in the hearts and minds of all peace-loving citizens and organizations of the humane world, we therefore call on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Conference to jointly intervene in this Mindanao conflict, to mediate for the cessation of the war and to institute the just resolution of the grievous injustices to the Bangsamoro and their right to self-determination;

We call on the United Nations to investigate and determine the true cause and extent of the war and if the principles and purposes for which the UN exists still operates, to disregard the GRP assertion of the war as an internal affair or that the current imposition of war on the Bangsamoro is legitimate and instead afford protection of all peace-loving Bangsamoro and Filipino civil populace from the scourge of unjust war and especially to uphold and protect the Bangsamoro right to self-determination as guaranteed under UN declaration and international laws.

Issued this 2nd day of October, 2008 during the multi-sectoral Bangsamoro civil populace rally for peace at the Plaza Cabili, Islamic City of Marawi.

With the Symbolic unity of the Bangsamoro, the Holy month of Ramadan ends today, September 30, 2008. The Ulama and the local government officials of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur unite each other and hold their Eidl Fitr prayer at Quezon Avenue, most popularly known as “Banggolo” for Dansalan people. This represents the historic unity of the Bangsamoro, as the Holy month ended with out peace. They believe that this will enable them more blessings as they unite for their prayer of peace and solidarity.

The first line of the observers started at the head of the old Banggolo bridged, and ended at Land bank, or the Bato Masjid. Both young and old of this City including other Muslims who intended to pray in mass come to observe the said Eidl Fitr prayer. Muslims believe that some individuals who seek for a common purpose are more blessed than a few. This encouraged them to come in group. Early at dawn, the rain pour gently giving all the plants to shower and bathe itself as the Muslims take an early bathe early in the morning. The birds hummed as they failed too take their early vocation instead they aligned themselves as they watch on the sacred affair. They knew that this crowed is harmless in nature.

The Holy month bid goodbye to all Muslims in the world, freeing them for any restrictions but leave morale to observers. It is a 29 day of total discipline including their mind and hearts. It does refined their heart and found themselves unharmed from abstaining foods and drinks. What remains is the fear of peace and order. It leaves a question of uncertainty. Are the bombshells that showers every day in their life, week before the Holy month will go on with? No one can predict, but this actually the message of their Eidl Fitr prayer. ALLAH (s.w.t.) IS MOST MERCIFUL AND KIND, we know ALLAH provided us all his protection and
mercy…AMEEN!

source: Ranaw.com, Dr. Ali B. Panda

Marawi City, Philippines- Lanao Association of Media Practitioners (LAMP), Inc. was organized and founded on August 21,2008 at Philippine Muslim Teachers College in Marawi City.

The Officers elected are:: Dr. Ali B. Panda, President; Datu Norodin. A. Lucman, External Vice President; Atty. Ibrahim G. Macapanton, Internal Vice President; Aleem Ansaroden S. Moner, Assistant External Vice President; Datu Mindalano, Internal Vice President; Datu Macaurog Panandigan, Secretary General; Ustadz. Salman Natangcop, Treasurer; and Aleem Nasser Dimapinto, Auditor

The LAMP defines its guidelines and objectives in its media works as follows: 1. To provide only factual, correct and reliable information from authoritative sources; 2. To put data within the correct perspective and context of the Bangsamoro situation in particular and the Philippine situation in general; 3. To assist in explaining and clarifying information instead of commenting; 4. To prevent economic objectives from adding fear or confusion; 5. To help disseminate helpful messages to all concerned citizens and organizations.

Mr. Macaurog Panandigan, LAMP Secretary General, said that LAMP will: act as strong independent media; serve as the voice of truth; bring message of the Bangsamoro in the country and in the Muslim world; and serve as partner for peace and development.

Mr. Ibrahim Macapanton, Vice President of this LAMP and Chairman of the Board of the Tarompong sa Ranao Radio Forum, Inc., revealed that: “LAMP could anchor on the recent concerns in Mindanao that needs balance information.”

Malik “Abobassa” Mambuay, LAMP member and Radio Broadcaster in Marawi City, was saying that Muslim mediamen aspire to relay fair and true reports regarding issues involving Muslims because they found out of being harassed defaced by misleading reports made by fellow non-Muslim midiamen, that causing other people blaming Muslims of unlawful actions. LAMP also aspires that the plight of the Bangsamoro be known and understood through fair reports.

source: ranaw.com, Samira Gutoc

Fast So We Can be Full

There’s a bigger battle coming. And it’s a warzone without fences. Inside the hearts of millions of Muslim adults and teenagers the world over, this coming Holy Month of Fast, when they have to fight hunger and temptation, starting September 1.

Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty that the country is experiencing, there is no stopping the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Thirty days of no food, water, sex twelve hours in the daytime is mind-boggling to some. But to Muslims, it is made more meaningful this year, because they experience the suffering of thousands of evacuees in the South, Muslims and Christians alike, who are running away from armed hostilities since the imposition of a TRO on a territorial deal between Moro rebels and the government.

Fasting is one of the five pillars in Islam (aside from prayer, charity, pilgrimage to Mecca and Declaring There is One God but Allah but Muhammad is His Messanger) observed during Ramadhan. Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar year and is the month when the Holy Q’uran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and therefore is considered to be a period of spiritual glory. During this month, Muslims strive to be pure inside and out- in thoughts, words and in deeds- by fasting and conducting special rituals.

In the Philippines and even in other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, Ramadhan is a time for merry-making and gift-giving. Just like in the Christmas season of the Christians, there are a lot of activities being conducted in light of the celebration. There are contests and festivities during the night (such that daytime is the time for fasting) which includes fireworks display and food feasts. At the end of the month, Muslims have to give charity to the poor.

Truly, Ramadhan is instrumental in forging peace between those who are in conflict. It provides a time to reflect upon our past and our present. It is the time when people from different walks of life - young, old, rich, poor, men and women - are gathered together in a moment of joy and happiness and spiritual realization. It is a time when understanding is given a chance to create trailblazers towards peace and prosperity.

This is a time to share cultures through art, music and drama. Performing groups can do shows and concerts for the public. One young Moro guy is performing tomorrow evening at the Music Museum to promote peace amidst the Southern crisis. Khomenei, a Maguindanao pop artist and look-alike of Rustom Padilla, is fast creating a niche as a performer in Muslim-majority circles, especially the young.

This Ramadhan, there can be cultural shows and exchanges that would showcase the colorful and exquisite art of dance and music of the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakan, Iranun and other Muslim cultural groups in the Philippines. Through this, we open the way to reminding the youth of today about their roots and their wonderful culture thereby countering strong Western pop influence. We make them appreciate the wonders and mystique of the Mindanao Muslim culture and we invite them to preserve this culture.

Moreover, concerts can be held to showcase Muslim-rooted artists like Bamboo and Jamer of Slapshock and all the local artists who are gaining ground in incorporating local Muslim dialects in modern music . Through this, we are creating inspiration for the youth, sending them a message that Muslims can be as great if not greater than the rest of the people in the world.

It is true that fasting is not the total solution to the problems that we face today. But it cannot be denied likewise that through sacrifice , we contribute to achieving our noble aspirations as part of a nation of believers in One Mighty God, by being governors of ourselves first. This one month of hunger eventually builds the path towards loving others , a society based on sharing, making a peace for a lifetime.

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I was shocked when I came to know that Madam Dr. Aisah “HELEN” P. Acoon, President of the Senator Ninoy Aquino College Foundation, based in Marawi City, was dead by a gun shot. According to one of her closest friend I talked to, Madam Helen was shot while she was in Drug store somewhere in Tuaka Bata (Market), Marawi City around 8 O’clock this morning, by unidentified killer.

When I sent messages, thru text, to other close friends of mine as well as to some educators here, they were surprised to the incident.  It was really unbelievable! !! Her death was a big lost to the Maranaw people and Muslim in the Province of Lanao del Sur and City of Marawi.

She will be buried to their town either in the Municipality of Bubong or  Buadipuso buntong, Lanao del Sur

Dr. Acoon became our partner in various Civic Activities in the City. She was a mother, a friend of all, and a mentor—a non-negotiable profession in her life.

Like other brilliant academician, she was very active in peace advocacy, peacebuilding, youth empowerment as well as the eradication of Non-Islamic practices, such as vote-buying and the like, in the said city and province.

She left us but her memory will stay forever.

Abul Alibasa
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur