Can Muslim Religious Leaders Unite?

In December 2006, the administration attempted to push for the constitutional change process by convening the House of Representatives of the Philippines and the Senate of the Philippines into a Constituent Assembly or “con-ass” (one of the three modes of which the 1987 Constitution could be amended). This move was widely opposed by civil society organizations as well as the public. Immediately, the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the El Shaddai movement, the Jesus is Lord Movement (JLM), the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), and even the normally reclusive Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) announced the organization of a prayer rally to oppose the attempts to railroad charter change. A few days before the rally, reacting to the pressure from the various religious leaders, then Speaker Jose de Venecia, announced that he is putting a stop to efforts pushing for charter change.
Two things are clear from the example above: (1) that religious organizations have the potential to influence the actions and policy of government, and, (2) that while all major religions spoke out in this particular national issue the Muslim religious leaders were prominently absent.
While there is debate as to whether the religious should flex their influence in the realm of politics, there is no doubt that religious leaders, when united, can play a significant role not just in their own communities but in the whole country as well. The potential impact of a united and organized Ulama in terms of promoting peace, development and democracy in Muslim Mindanao is tremendous. An organized Ulama can also amplify the Moro voice in the national discourse.
This is then the question confronting the Ulama (Muslim religious scholars) today: can they go beyond tribal and political differences to move towards the creation of a united national federation? Will the Ulama unite for the Ummah?
The Ulama

The Ulama is the body of Muslim scholars trained in Islam and Islamic law who are the interpreters of Islam’s sciences, doctrines and laws. They are also considered as the chief guarantors of continuity in the spiritual and intellectual history of the Islamic community. Described as the learned men of Islam, these are scholars who possess the quality of Ilm, “learning” or the “the ones possessing knowledge” in a wider sense. From the ulama typically emerge the religious teachers of the Islamic community (ustadzes), theologians (mutakallimun), canon lawyers (muftis), judges (qadis), professors and high state religious officials like the shaikh al-Islām. In a narrower sense, ulama may refer to a council of learned men government appointments in a Muslim state.  It has pivotal roles in ascertaining peace, ensuring stability and forwarding development in Islamic communities.
The Ulama are ubiquitously present in Muslim communities and it characteristically represents the consensus of the immediate Ummah or community of Muslims. In the Philippines alone there are thousands of ulama who provide spiritual assistance to communities. As such, Islamic communities respectfully look up to the ulama for spiritual guidance and moral directions. Interestingly, each ulama reflects the various and unique socio-cultural and political orientation of each community it serves.  Aligned together, a network of unified ulama in the Philippines can bring about a celebration of this diversity and at the same time a collaborative coalition that can bring about positive change and progress for Muslims.
A unified Ulama can become a potent force not just in terms of the Muslim faithful but in terms of peace and development in Mindanao as well as providing a learned and strong articulation of the Moro voice in the national discourse.

Empowering the Ulama Project
Recognizing the crucial impact and the influential roles of the ulama as catalysts for peace and development, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) has always involved the ulama in consultations and forums. In response to their request as well as PCID’s continuous advocacy work of furthering and enriching the study of Islamic and democratic political thought and the search for peaceful solution to the conflicts affecting the Muslim communities of Mindanao , PCID has embarked on a three (3) year Empowering the Ulama Project. With an omnibus slogan, “One Message, One Ummah,” the main thrust of the project is to facilitate national and regional networking among the numerous ulama in the Philippines. By building strong links, the ulama will be more efficient in tackling Islamic matters and its potentials as spiritual leaders will be boosted. This project was made possible by the support of the British and Netherlands Embassies.
First National Ulama Summit
After a series of consultations held in Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Manila and with the Balik Islam community, some 187 ulama from all over the country attended the First National Ulama Summit held at Bayview Park Hotel last January 28-30, 2008. Paramount to this summit is the move to establish a national organization that can be utilized for the advancement of the Muslim communities in the Philippines.  Such unity is crucial for the promotion of peace and development in the Muslim areas—a united ulama can work better for a common cause. Likewise, an amalgamation of Muslim religious leaders is considered to be “a command of Allah in the Holy Qu’ran.”
The two (2) day summit featured lectures from highly respected and well-known Muslim scholars from here and abroad: including Muhammadiyah Chair Dr. Prof. HM Din Syamsuddin, Nahdlatul Ulama’s Dr. Masykuri Abdillah, Prof. Haji Maarouf Bin Haji Salleh of Singapore’s MUIS and Dr. Muneer Fareed of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Workshops and open sessions were also done to give all the ulama participants the opportunity to express their views and positions on issues. What emerged as a common and resonating concern is that the

…disunity destroys not only the Ulama but the Ummah as a whole. Ummah refers to the community of Muslim believers. Conversely, the unity of Ulama who are regarded as learned and models in the community can also result to a strong and powerful Muslim Ummah because it will provide the Ummah proper guidance with regard to the true teaching of Islam. But to be able to even start the process of unification, all participants agree that it is imperative to emphasize brotherhood by setting aside their personal interests, as well as tribal, group and political differences (PCID National Summit of Ulama in the Philippines: “One Message, One Ummah 2008: 2).

As such, it is vital that the participating ulama will shed their garb of differences and instead embrace a sense of solidarity. In this context, the summit was able to gain a consensus among the ulama to establish an umbrella ulama federation that will involve the various ulama groups already in existence. The federated and “umbrella” nature of the proposed organization was intended to ensure the autonomy of these existing groups while fulfilling the need for a united national ulama group. An eleven (11) member technical working group (TWG) was formed to propose the structure that will embody the ideal of the participants to create a united ulama group. The different regions nominated two (2) representatives from the following areas: Zamboanga, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Luzon/Visayas/Metro Manila. One will come from the Balik Islam community, one from the aleemat (Muslim women religious scholar) group and one from PCID.
With a mandate from the participants of the first Ulama Summit, the TWG, in a meeting last April 2008, produced a set of bylaws outlining the organizational mechanism for Ulama unity.
The bylaws were subjected to various consultations with the Ulama from all over the country. The consultations held in Manila, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Sarangani Province produced substantive debates and recommendations for amendments but also generated a consensus for the adoption, in principle of the bylaws. The bylaws outlined the provisions on, among others, membership and organizational structure (specifically regional and sectoral representation in the governing board).
Second National Summit of the Ulama of the Philippines.
The Second National Summit of the Ulama of the Philippines will gather more than 200 Ulama from 115 local and regional organizations who are expected to approve the bylaws and thereby launch the historic first federation of Ulama organizations. The historic event is going to be held on January 26-30, 2009 at the Imperial Palace Suites.  Besides launching the first federation of Ulama groups, the summit will also feature respected Islamic scholars and leaders from the region will give lectures on “Islam and the Challenge of Modernity”, and, “Southeast Asian Islam”. Invited speakers are Prof. Dr. Abdullah Saeed of the University of Melbourne, Dr. Hisham A. Hellyer, a principal fellow at the International Institute of Advance Islamic Studies, Dr. Endang Turmudi, Secretary General of Nadhlatul Ulama of Indonesia, and Dr. Anwar Abbas of Muhammadiyah also from Indonesia. The 214 Ulama expected to attend the summit from all over the country will also discuss issues such as: the peace process, governance and electoral reforms in ARMM, economic development and livelihood, da’wah , human rights and women. In this regard, resource persons have also been invited including: Atty. Camilo Montesa, Jr. from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP); Commissioner Rene Sarmiento of the Commissions on Elections, Atty. Leila de Lima of the Commission on Human Rights, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and Atty. Mehol Sadain, former commissioner of the COMELEC.
During the closing dinner ceremonies on January 29, 2009, former President Fidel V. Ramos will deliver the keynote address as well as preside over the oath-taking ceremonies of the newly elected officers of the Ulama federation.

Some Clarifications Re: Open Letter to the Pope

The government, through Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, yesterday responded to the open letter to Pope Benedict XVI signed by various Muslim and Christian groups and handed over by Ms. Amina Rasul, lead Convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (www.pcid.org.ph). Dureza said the government is “grateful there is such an initiative from the private sector,” but added: “it is not necessary to go to the Pope because it is the commitment of our President and the government to move forward in our peace process with armed groups.”

Secretary Dureza said the request of the Muslim groups led by Rasul should not send a wrong message to the Pope. “I think they are giving wrong information to the Pope. The government is after those people who committed criminal acts. They destroyed villages and killed people in Lanao del Norte and Central Mindanao. The police and military are not attacking communities, they are after the criminals,” he added.

As one of the many non-Muslims who signed the letter, I think it is important to clarify the nature of the open letter. First, it is difficult to understand why government, while saying it is grateful for private sector initiative, has become so defensive about a letter to the Pope appealing for the end to the crisis in Mindanao and seeking His Holiness’ help in convincing both the GRP and MILF panels to return to the negotiating table.   National leaders, peace advocates and Mindanao civil society organizations have petitioned the UN Secretary General and other international organizations to help bring the peace process back and end the humanitarian crisis in Mindanao.

Second, it is not a letter from Muslims Filipinos only.   In fact, there are more Christians who signed it than Muslims. The open letter is still attracting more signatories.  The interfaith nature of the letter came in the wake of Ms. Rasul’s participation to the 1st Catholic-Muslim Forum in Rome on November 4 to 6. The signatories include Bishop Nathanael Lazaro, chair of National Council of Churches in the Philippines and General Superintendent, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en las Islas Filipinas; former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, former DILG Sec. Cesar Sarino, former CSC Chair Karina Constantino-David, former senators Santanina Rasul and Vicente Paterno, former Commissioner on Human Rights Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, Fr. Eliseo Mercado of Kusog Mindanaw,  Ms. Maritess Guingona-Africa of the Peacemakers Circle, Ms. Irene Santiago and Ms. Margie Moran-Florendo of the Mindanao Commission for Women, former UP President now Kalayaan College president Dr. Jose Abueva,  UP Law Dean Atty. Marvic Leonen and Ateneo School of Government Dean Antonio Lavina, Ustadz Esmael Ebrahim of the Darul Ifta Assembly of the Philippines, Professor Clarita Carlos and Ramon Casiple, Institute for Political and Economic Reform, among many.

Third, the government claimed that “wrong information” has been given to the Pope. The letter does not pin blame on one party.  The letter began by saying that “peace and justice have long been denied the minorities of the Philippines – both our Muslim brethren and our indigenous peoples’ communities.” Is this not true?

The letter continued: “Over the last two months, more than 100 have been killed and 600,000 have become refugees. Since the Supreme Court has issued a decision on October 14 that the MOA-AD is unconstitutional, we fear for the resurgence of a war of attrition between the MILF and government.” Even if government contests the number, is there any doubt that lives of innocent people have been lost and disrupted because of the conflict?

The letter then appealed to the Pope thus: “We hope that Your Holiness could help us bring peace and justice to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao by expressing concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis and appeal for restraint for the protection of all civilians, as well as for the opening of access for the provision of speedy humanitarian assistance to the affected population.” The letter also appealed to the Pope to “help us convince the government of the Republic of the Philippines and MILF to go back to the peace negotiation table as soon as possible. We believe that it is imperative that both government and the MILF share the responsibility (underscoring supplied) for moving the peace process towards a sincere dialogue that reflects heavily the hearts and minds of all people who are affected by the escalating war in Mindanao.” Is government objecting to the letter’s plea for help in terms of ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Mindanao?

The government’s seemingly “defensive” reaction to the letter is truly baffling. We sincerely hope the government does not label this endeavor by well-meaning peace advocates as another destabilization plot—as it often does to anyone who opposes it. Why is government fearful of His Holiness adding his voice to calls for peace in Mindanao?

Finally, government talks about authentic dialog. What authentic dialog with communities can ever transpire if the same communities are under siege? Civil society organizations and community leaders in Mindanao have been appealing to both parties to immediately declare a ceasefire so that the lives of the people can go back to normal and then consultations can proceed.

We can appreciate the role of a government to pursue justice and maintain peace and order; which is the justification of this government in pursuing the MILF commanders. But capturing those commanders cannot be an end in itself. It cannot be the primary objective of any peace policy. One cannot destroy the peace in order to restore it. On the contrary, “there is no way to peace, peace is the way.

“THE GRP-MILF PEACE AGREEMENT, FEDERALISM AND THE MINDANAO CONFLICT”

What do Muslims think of federalism? Will federalism bring about peace? How can we situate federalism in the context of the impending signing of an agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)? Will it not exacerbate rather than bridge the gap in the distribution of resources? Will it not lead to the ‘Balkanization’ of our already fragmented country? Is the country ready for federalism?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed in the Islam and Democracy Media Forum organized by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (www.pcid.org.ph), with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The forum will be held on August 8, Friday from 8.am. to 11:00 a.m. at Club Filipino’s Centennial Room.

The monthly media roundtable discussions, which started in July 2007, are aimed at providing a venue for the discussion of issues affecting Muslim communities and at the same time allow the media firsthand access to opinion makers, scholars, officials and other personalities deeply involved in Muslim issues.

With the intention of speeding up the economic development of the nation, and addressing the cause of rebellion and the ethnic conflicts in the South, Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. filed a resolution, supported by a dozen administration and opposition senators, calling for a shift to a federal system of government. Sen. Pimentel’s resolution has renewed public debates on whether the country is prepared to go federal.

The perceived failure of autonomy—given through the signing of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement—and continued dissatisfaction of the Moro over the iniquitous distribution of wealth and resources in the country have pushed a good number towards rebellion and calls for independence. Federalism is seen as a reasonable solution—short of independence but more substantive than autonomy—to the Mindanao conflict.

Bangsa Moro Parliament files case before international human rights body

(From Samira Gutoc)

The Bangsa Moro Parliament rejects the finding of the military Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) clearing the soldiers in the cold blood murder of innocent Muslims in Jolo Island in the Southern Philippines.

“The finding is expected. It is one of so many that we cannot really trust this military for its insensitivity to civilian justice and for its gross irresponsible partnership in preserving its chain of command, no matter the crime,”Dr. Firdausi Abbas, Secretary General of the Parliament said.

The Bangsa Moro Parliament fears that the military is now projecting its popularly perceived anti-Muslim program in its pursuit of known terrorists in the Southern Philippines, as manifested by its refusal to define who the Abu Sayyaf are while conducting its military operations in Muslim areas.

Seven civilians, all defenseless Muslims, including two children and a pregnant woman plus a government soldier were killed in the operation last February 4, 2008 in remote village in Maimbung, Sulu.

“The irony of it all,” the Parliament said, “the victim soldier who was gunned down was an MNLF integree, part of the implementation of the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement of 1996 when the government signed with the Moro National Liberation Front the agreement to stop the war in Mindanao. The soldier was on a vacation. And to alert the assaulting military men, he shouted “papa alpha”, meaning that he was also an army man but just the same he was ignored and mercilessly pummeled down to death.”

The Bangsa Moro Parliament Committee on Justice conducted an inquiry of its own into the incident and found the military men involved in the murderous killing incident. It refuted the military that the victims were caught in a crossfire, saying that there was no such encounter between the government and the Abu Sayyaf but a plain cold bloodbath.

“The military’s hatred against the Muslims is now reaping its worst madness. It is the invisible bullet that overshadows peace in the Southern Philippines and this is the callous intangible that haunts President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her propaganda against extrajudicial killings,” the Parliament said.

To give justice to our people, especially the families of the victims, the Bangsa Moro Parliament’s Committee on Justice will file a complaint with the International Commission on Human Rights against the AFP and the government.

PCID CONDEMNS ATTACK ON CONGRESS, CALLS FOR RESOLVE AND CAUTION

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) expresses its shock and condemnation over the deaths and injuries resulting from the explosion at the House of Representatives. The attack which initially appears to be a deliberate brutal act is a direct attack on one of the country’s democratic institutions and should be denounced by all peace-loving citizens.

No political end or belief system can justify such dastardly act.

We call on law enforcement authorities to exhaust all legal means to put the perpetrators to justice. We commiserate with the families of those who have been victimized by this brutal attack. We particularly mourn the death of a brother in faith, Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar who passed away as a result of the blast.

Occurring on the heels of the Glorietta blast and in the context of current political turmoil, the explosion will definitely add to the political instability the country is currently experiencing. More importantly, we call upon the media, politicians and other concerned parties to exercise caution in assigning blame to a particular group for the attack before a thorough investigation has been conducted. Let us not repeat the mistake of hurriedly blaming, arresting and incarcerating Muslims for all acts of terrorism (as many did after the Glorietta blast). Wrongly labeling or accusing a group as terrorists is as much a cowardly act as the attack on Congress itself.

We appeal to everyone to exercise sobriety and resolve. If the intent of this act is to sow fear, let us not be afraid. If the motive is to derail our resolve to fight corruption and injustice, let us be steadfast in our convictions.

Press Statement by the PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY November 14, 2007

PCID Secretariat (632)5326068

mkfi@pldtdsl.net

www.pcid.org.ph

Peace and Integration

In its continuing efforts to provide a voice for our marginalized Muslim brothers and sisters, the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), through the assistance of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), launched the Islam and Democracy Media Forum last July. The monthly media roundtable discussions are aimed at providing a venue for the discussion of issues affecting Muslim communities and at the same time allow the media firsthand access to opinion makers, scholars, officials and other personalities deeply involved in Muslim issues.

For the month of November, Ms. Fatima Irene Rasul will present her paper on “peace and integration: lessons from the grp-mnlf experience”. The issue of reintegration is probably one of the most crucial phases in ensuring the success of the implementation of peace agreements. The Philippine Government and the MNLF considered the integration of the MNLF forces into the AFP and the PNP as the most successful aspect of the peace agreement. Lessons can be learned from its problems and the partial success with respect to the 1996 Peace Agreement between the government and the MNLF. Ms. Rasul will assess the state of integration of the MNLF combatants into the AFP – a crucial pillar of the 1996 Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF. It will look into the status of the former MNLF fighters, how they have fared in the years following their absorption into the AFP, the costs and benefits of this process, and how this impacts on the overall picture of peace and development in Mindanao. With the pending completion of the peace talks with the other rebel group—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front—learning the lessons of the MNLF integration process becomes doubly significant.

In view of this, we would like to invite you to join the said forum which will be held on November 28, 2007 (Wednesday) starting 8:30 am at the Gabaldon Room of Club Filipino in San Juan City. Our secretariat will get in touch with your office to confirm your attendance. Should you have any inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us at 531-3522; 532-6058 (Telefax) or email at mkfi@pldtdsl.net