Mindanao is one of the three
islands of the Philippines and is the second largest in terms of land area. The
largest city in the Island is Davao City and so far one of the most peaceful
and prosperous in the area. Since Mindanao was establishes, it’s been known to
be the mainland of Muslims and as the years went on, the area has been a known
to be the main site for separatist movements causing wars and fights between
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyafs and the Philippine Forces. Continuous battle in the area cost at least
10,000 people their homes and another 10,000 their lives.
In the history of Mindanao and
its endless struggle to be free as an independent Island, it has been estimated
that at least 930,000 were affected or displaced since 2000. It was during the
term of President Joseph Estrada (13th President of the Republic of
the Philippines) that this biggest displacement happened. During his time as a
president, he created a policy of “All Out War” against the militant forces in
the Island.
Since then, on and off talks of
peace, lowering arms and leaving the civilians out of war had been continuous affecting
more and more people in the process. Kidnapping, beheading, and ambush are
still among the common news in Mindanao especially in the Central Area
including Basilan and Jolo, Sulu.
Just a few weeks ago, another
news of ambushes and fighting’s has been reported again in the area and an
estimated 20 people from both the government and the militant side had been killed
in the combat. News like these easily gets forgotten though because they seem
to be a regular thing that goes on TV when in fact every man that fall means
another lost brother, lost father or a lost friend.
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