A Textbook Approach to the Zamboanga Conflict

The instability in Mindanao arising from secessionist or separatist activities is a major headache that is being passed on from one administration to the next. Last year, the Aquino government provided an initial cure to it via the conception of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a germinal step towards the creation of an autonomous political entity in Mindanao to replace the ARMM or Autonmous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

However, the current siege of Zamboanga City by Nur Misuari’s MNLF combatants is a crystal clear defiance of such government initiative.

It is very apparent what the aim of the MNLF is: complete separation or independence of the Muslim region from the government, and not just mere autonomy. By marching into Zamboanga, the MNLF has revived the call for a separate Muslim state, and has sent a very strong message to the present government that it is dead serious in achieving it, even at the expense of human life.

But even before the Zambonga siege, Misuari already announced unceremoniously the independence of the Bangsamoro region last August 12, 2013, which the Aquino administration simply brushed aside.

  

This crisis has prompted me to revisit a textbook in Political Science, for I have read before in one of its pages something about our country’s government structure which makes the separation of Mindanaoan provinces an absolute impossibility, theoretically speaking.

The Philippine government operates under a unitary system, in which the government is the central repository of power or authority to govern subordinate provinces.

In my own words, this system runs through the representation of the central government by the different local government units in all our provinces. Hence, the government wields its power all throughout our archipelagic nation through the respective operations of the various local government units.

Reading in between the lines will help us construe that a separate Muslim state is not politically viable at this point in history. Under the unitary system, every province is tied to the national government and cannot operate on its own. Not economically viable too if I may add, since local government units rely heavily on the national government for financial resources.

This is in stark contrast with a federal type of government, wherein constituent states are given their own governing power. But unfortunately, our government set up is not of this type.

In our country, we have provinces, and not states. Bow.

Political Science by Dr. Sonia M. Zaide

Most of the time, if not all the time, we have to revert to the basics in order to fully understand complicated issues.

So gather all your textbooks. Remove all the dust and mildew, and start your own reading campaign for a better understanding of issues that are currently plaguing our nation.

Now you know why a separate Muslim state is a no-go.