Displaced by War and Vilified as Terrorists, Moros Keep Alive Struggle for Self-Determination

Displaced by War and Vilified as Terrorists, Moros Keep Alive Struggle for Self-Determination

Advocates of the Moro people’s struggle for self-determination say the Aquino administration must first render justice to the victims of human-rights violations during the Arroyo regime before it can talk peace.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — Patta Hoyo, a 21-year-old tricycle driver, was arrested on Nov. 3 in front of Tierra Pura subdivision in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. He was charged with kidnapping in relation to the Dos Palmas incident that happened ten years ago when he was only eleven. He is now detained at the Basilan Provincial Jail together with 15 others.

Muhamadiya Hamja was first arrested on Sept. 30, 2001 and was implicated in the Basilan and Palawan kidnappings. After almost four years in jail, he was found innocent and had been released on June 30, 2005. On Nov. 28, 2008, Hamja was again arrested for the same charges and is still languishing at the Basilan Provincial Jail despite a release order from the court.

Their only fault? Both of them are Moros.

In an interview through email, Kawagib secretary-general Bai Ali Indayla said the government’s response to the sentiments of the Bangsamoro people has always been to conduct an all-out war. She said the new Aquino government is no different from the previous ones in terms of its lack of sincerity in addressing the root problems of the Bangsamoro people and its continued denial of their right to self-determination..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2010/12/30/bangsamoro-people-vilified-as-terrorists-displaced-and-still-struggling-for-right-to-self-determination/