As the armed conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues in Mindanao, the Baguio City government is anticipating a possible influx of Muslim migrants to the city.
BY CYE REYES
Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat.com
Vol. VIII, No. 31, September 7-13, 2008
BAGUIO CITY (246 kms north of Manila) — As the armed conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues in Mindanao, the city government is anticipating a possible influx of Moro migrants to the city.
According to Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas, although the city is not prepared for a possible increase of Muslim migrants from Mindanao resulting from the armed conflict, it is still opening its doors to them.
Fariñas said there is no law that prevents in-migration though this should be regulated.
“We cannot help it if they would decide to live here anyway our city is very conducive for living but it should be regulated through legislation,” he said.
But according to Abdullah S. Macarimpas, the director of the Office on Muslim Affairs-Cordillera Administrative Region (OMA-CAR), the expected increase in Moro migration because of the conflict in Mindanao is just speculative.
“This is just speculative and imaginary because President Joseph Estrada’s all-out-war policy during his time did not result in a very significant increase in out-migration from Mindanao, and the situation then was worse than now,” said Macarimpas.
At present, there are 5,000-6,000 Moros residing in the city, 98 percent of which are Maranaos, one of the three major Muslim tribes. The other two tribes are the Tausugs and the Maguindanaons.
The Maranaws mostly come from Lanao del Sur, which is not affected by the present conflict in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, military and police authorities said during the Regional Peace Council meeting in Banawe, Ifugao said government peace-keeping forces would be on the look out for possible “terroristic” activities in the region.
Macarimpas said it is saddening that Muslims are still being stereotyped as terrorists and linked with terrorism.
“This is again speculative. There were Muslims here already even prior to the martial law and there was no reported incidence of terroristic violence by Muslims except for petty crimes,” reacted Macarimpas.
“This is their second home and they will protect it and preserve it,” added Macarimpas. Northern Dispatch / (Bulatlat.com)
