Peace spoilers

While the country is still in a euphoric state over the signing of the fourth and final portion of the peace agreement between the MILF and the government, trouble erupts in Maguindanao instigated by the BIFF, that breakaway group headed by Umbra Kato. This was not exactly unexpected. When you're not invited to a party, it's either you crash it, or you create trouble. For the BIFF, they chose the latter.

We mentioned the success that both sides achieved in the recent signing of the normalization annex in Kuala Lumpur, which proved to be one of the hardest hurdles to overcome as it entailed the armed faction of the MILF to lay down their weapons. When you have been fighting for decades, that isn't an easy thing to do. I laud the MILF for agreeing to do so, and giving the elusive peace a chance to thrive in war-torn Mindanao. I heard that tears were shed as the documents were signed, an indication of how hard the discussions must have been for all parties concerned. A victory indeed for everyone, especially the people of Mindanao who have grown weary of war. It is now time for peace, and progress. It is now time for Mindanao to show how developed it can be.

But not so fast, according to the BIFF. No sooner than the ink drying on the documents have they initiated attacks, prompting the military to respond in kind, and once again, throwing parts of the region into war. Families once again flee the violence, wondering once more when they can return, and hopefully, more permanent this time. Which is why no less than the President has ordered that the BIFF and other wannabe troublemakers and peace spoilers such as the MNLF-Misuari faction and other hindrances to peace be crushed once and for all. And crushed they must be, lest we have an Afghanistan or Iraq on our hands.

Such is the caveat that has been issued by those monitoring the region. Like the saying goes, you cannot please everyone. There will always be those who want more. In terms of wealth and power, influence and territory. Just as the Taliban other Islamist insurgents continue to thrive in Afghanistan and Iraq, even years after the supposed cessation of hostilities. That isn't something this country can afford. Hopefully the MILF will play a part in culling the BIFF, as they have said so before. Hopefully those who still cling to the notion that only through violence can peace be achieved, realize that it is not so.

The peace process may still have a long way to go. But it is best that these outright hindrances to peace be eliminated right away. We cannot be distracted by these troublemakers. We need to focus on the prize-a prize that the people of Mindanao have waited for so long. Something I hope, everyone is willing to fight for.