Philippines marks massacre anniversary - 26 March 09

Summary

In the southern Philippines, Muslim women's traditional weaving of Malong tells stories of a troubled past. The Jabid Massacre, where 200 Muslim men were trained for a secret mission and massacred, is a dark chapter in their history. This event sparked a 40-year conflict, leading to poverty and displacement. The incident is absent from official history books, widening the gap between faiths. The community seeks closure and understanding to build a solid foundation for peace.

Takeaways

• 📜 Weaving a Malong is a sacred tradition for Muslim women in the southern Philippines, with each piece representing a story.
• 🏝️ The history of Muslims in the Philippines is troubled, with a significant event being the Jabid massacre, where 200 men were trained for a secret mission and later massacred.
• 🔍 The Jabid incident, which occurred 41 years ago, is not well-documented and is not part of the official history books, leading to a lack of understanding and ongoing tension.
• 🗣️ The Jabid massacre is a pivotal event for Filipino Muslims, symbolizing exploitation and maltreatment, and has fueled the call for secession.
• 👥 Only a few survivors, like 68-year-old Jibin Arula, are left to tell the tale, making their testimonies crucial for preserving the history and memory of the event.
• 🛡️ The aftermath of the Jabid incident led to the formation of Muslim armed groups and a 40-year conflict with government forces, resulting in poverty, deaths, and displacement.
• 🏢 The construction of the largest mosque in the country has been halted due to a foundational error, mirroring the stalled peace talks between armed groups and the government.
• 👶 Muslim children in the region grow up with uncertainty and are taught about the Jabid incident, which is not part of the curriculum for other Filipino students.
• 🤝 The script emphasizes the need for both sides to confront the events that sparked the conflict to achieve closure and build a solid foundation for peace.
• ⏳ The situation is described as an open wound that needs to be addressed for the sake of healing and moving forward, highlighting the urgency of acknowledging historical injustices.

Q & A

What is the significance of weaving a Malong for Muslim women in the southern Philippines?

Weaving a Malong is a sacred ritual and tradition for Muslim women in the southern Philippines, passed down from generation to generation, with each piece telling a story.

What historical event is mentioned in the script that took place 41 years ago?

The script refers to a secret mission by the government to take Saba from Malaysia, which involved training a team of young Muslim men, known as the Jabid fighting team.

What is the Jabid massacre, and how is it connected to the Muslim community's history?

The Jabid massacre refers to the event where around 200 men from Mindanao were brought to train as part of the Jabid fighting team and were subsequently massacred. This event is seen as a manifestation of how Filipino Muslims have been exploited and maltreated.

Why was the government's plan to take Saba from Malaysia kept secret?

The government's plan was kept secret to avoid international scrutiny and to maintain national security. When the plot was discovered, the government denied its existence to save face.

What was the outcome of the Jabid massacre in terms of accountability and investigation?

No one was held responsible for the Jabid massacre, and there was no real investigation into the incident, leaving the Muslim community with a sense of injustice.

How has the Jabid massacre influenced the Muslim community's relationship with the government?

The Jabid massacre has led to the formation of Muslim armed groups and a 40-year conflict with government forces, resulting in poverty, deaths, and displacement for the Muslim community.

Why is it important for Muslim children to learn about the Jabid incident?

Learning about the Jabid incident is crucial for Muslim children to understand their history and the struggles of their community, as it is not included in official history books and contributes to misunderstandings between faiths.

What is the current situation regarding peace talks between the Muslim armed groups and the government?

The peace talks are currently stalled, with the script suggesting that the construction of the largest mosque in the country has also been halted due to issues with the foundation.

What does the script suggest is necessary for lasting peace between the Muslim community and the government?

The script implies that lasting peace can only be achieved when both sides confront the events that sparked the conflict, such as the Jabid massacre, and work towards closure and understanding.

What is the significance of the Malong in the context of the Muslim community's history and culture?

The Malong is not only a traditional garment but also a symbol of the Muslim community's rich cultural heritage and storytelling, representing their resilience and identity despite historical challenges.