As I have observed in my preceding article, during the campaign for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), there was unnecessary friction, if not enmity, created between contending protagonists and advocates. In fact, in their intense adherence to their belief that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the panacea for all their socio-political maladies, the “Yes” advocates in Lanao del Sur have resorted to a backhanded, if not sacrilegious, campaign, like “If you vote ‘No,’ you are voting ‘No’ to the Holy Koran.” In simple words, the “No” campaigners were being branded indirectly as heretics which hurt them severely. It was in fact a twisted and bizarre hermeneutic but effective to the gullible unknowing.

In Lanao del Norte, for instance, there were claims of polls irregularities resorted to by political leaders employing the tradpols scheme of three Gs – gold, guns and goons — and threat of terrorism during the plebiscite campaign, ostensibly to protect and promote their selfish interests. It did not help that cadres of young mujahideens of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in their newly tailored uniforms went around the Christian-dominated towns shouting “Allahu Akbar” which terrorized and turned off even those sympathizing with their cause. (Has the MILF started the recruitment for the BARMM defense and security forces without undergoing the process defined by the law?) Public recriminations flew thick and fast in the run-up to the plebiscite. The provincial governor on national TV pointed to MILF Commander Bravo as responsible for the bombings in the different towns.

The dissent from the provinces of Sulu and Lanao del Norte and cities of Isabela and Cotabato manifested by their “No” vote is profound, an ominous sign of the deep discord in the region. If this is not addressed posthaste and tactfully, it might jeopardize the governance of the BARMM. Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan Sr., the patriarch of the Tan political clan, did not mince words when he publicly said they would rather be part of the progressive Zamboanga peninsula than mired in the BARMM. (When will the Supreme Court resolve their petition versus the BOL?) How can the wheels of administration and management turn smoothly if their cogs aren’t in harmony and bereft of enthusiasm to work in tandem with the rest of the elements?

The mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) headed by Nur Misuari, which is incidentally the faction recognized by the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has to take the bitter pill of being reduced to a mere observer in the drama of events which they have been the promoter and principal characters. Recall that the MNLF started it all and has always played the lead, if not stellar role in the struggle for a real and true autonomy, short of merdeka or independence which was their original advocacy. After they succeeded with the signing of the 1996 Peace Pact with the Ramos administration, the Maguindanaon leaders, led by then Ameril Mujahideen Hashim Salamat, now deceased, broke away from the MNLF giving birth to the MILF. There is now a reversal of fortune of sorts, with the MILF taking the center stage and the MNLF relegated to the margin.

In other words, there were physical and mental wounds inflicted on both sides of the divide which left scars that need healing to get the BARMM to a good start. The would-be administrators will have their plate full but they should have the ability to prioritize concerns. The BARMM cannot afford this disunity and nonchalance. It has to initiate conciliatory moves to unite all sectors, including the Misuari MNLF, if it wants to succeed.

The first order of the day therefore for the leaders of the BARMM will be to undertake a sincere healing process.

The BARMM leaders should, with humility, reach out to the nonconformists to find an acceptable compromise. They have proven themselves skilled and adroit negotiators outfoxing adversaries. It will be a test of their leadership to find ways to bring them on board. Then and only then can we say that BARMM has a better than good chance of getting its mission and vision into fruition.