Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cotabato City (Agenzia Fides) – Among society in Cotabato and neighboring provinces, there is great fear and indignation at what in Mindanao they call “war road”: violence between paramilitary groups and the proliferation of various militia groups. These armed forces belonging to clans with strong political or ideological-religious reference (defined by "Muslim" or "Christian" antagonism), are often manipulated by the interests of powerful men in local areas or by corrupt members of the army.
The climate of violence, lawlessness and impunity makes life difficult for the people of Mindanao. The incident of kidnapping and barbaric execution of 46 people in the province of Maguindanao has gained the attention of the international press. Filipino President Gloria Arroyo has declared a state of emergency for an indefinite period in the southern provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City to prevent further violence among the clans (especially among the Mangudadatu and Ampatuan, long-time rivals). Thousands of soldiers have been deployed and the government has assured that they will make "every effort to punish those responsible with the utmost rigor."
But the issue is upstream, Fides learns from Fr. Eliseo Mercado, of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Professor at Notre Dame of Cotabato and well-informed on the area of Mindanao: "There is no doubt that the proliferation of illegal small arms in southern Philippines is the main problem, which contributes to an increase in the number of wounded and dead, to human rights violations, and to fueling the war between rival gangs."
The point is that even the civilians have begun to arm themselves to defend themselves from the violence that abounds. It is estimated that over 1.1 million illegal weapons without a license are in circulation in the Philippines, a large majority of the percentage being in the South. In addition, there are 1.8 million legally held weapons in the entire nation. According to data from the Filipino police, 97% of crimes recorded between 2004 and 2008 were committed using illegal weapons. "It's a phenomenon that helps to create instability and deteriorates peace and public order," notes Fr Mercado.
Recently, the government issued an "amnesty" in which the owners of illegal weapons that had them registered would not have penalties incurred. But the results were not satisfactory, indicating that most of the weapons are in the hands of criminal gangs. "This is an important issue, that the new legislators and the new government (elections are in 2010) must urgently address," notes the missionary. "It is the future and social peace in Mindanao.”
The world's biggest exporter of small arms is the United States, from whence come the vast majority of the weapons found in the Philippines. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton publicly declared that its government will work to stop the proliferation of small arms in the world. "It is a position we welcome, hoping that it could affect the plight of the Southern Philippines," said Father Mercado. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2009)
