HISTORY OF THE MORO AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN MINSUPALA UNDER THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

by

JULIEMER B. ABSALONMTH 4:00-5:30

Joint Communiqué – signed by the GRP and MILF to resume peace

negotiation on June 1, 2000

June 1, 2000 – MILF bombarded a municipal hall in Carmen, Davao

The war had also disturbed Visayas and Luzon

• Muslim rally was held at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo.

• Dr. Firdausi Abbas and Dr. Abdullah Madale were the frontliners

that spoke blaming the media reporting unfair actual casualties.

June 2, 2000 – Philippine military had reported that Camp Sarmiento

was to fall

The military moved into the Camp Bushra area in Lanao del Sur to

pursue air and land assaults.

Filipino flag was planted to symbolize the government’s sovereignty.

June 7, 2000 – military reported that Camp Sampaguita was next to fall

June 14, 2000 - military’s aerial bombardment of Camp Raja Muda was

suspended because of heavy rain

June 30, 2000 – peace rallies in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City was

held. No-to-war campaigns was made and slogans pertaining to it were

posted all over walls even in MSU Marawi.

July 8, 2000 – MILF had an assault on the military camp

July 9, 2000 – Pres. Joseph Estrada announced the “Fall of Abu Bakr”

saying “the biggest rebel stronghold fell into government hands at 11

a.m.”, but the MILF said “Even if Abu Bakr is taken, the armed struggle

will continue”.

“Fall of Abu Bakr” was not really victorious. Gun fires and

bombardments still continued, bombs were dropped into the roads and

fields, few houses were burned.

MILF forces scattered. Eid Kabalu, their spokesperson, said “We will still

be here. Even if it takes a long time”.

Their resistance continued. MILF invaded the lives of innocent people,

homes and cornfields were set into fire, belongings were taken and even

evacuation centers were also attacked. Thousands of evacuees lost their

homes and lands.