Catalog Page

“MILF-BMA PRIMER”

To begin with, the fourteen [14] stars circling the Crescent represent the fourteen Bangsamoro tribes namely: the Tausug, Manguindanao, Maranao, Iranun, Sama, Yakan, Badjao, Jama Mapun, Kolibugan, Sangil, Bangingi, Melebugnon, Kalagan and Balik Islam. The Crescent symbolizes the light of Islam that were embraced by the Bangsamoro tribes in the 13^th century. The Kris stands for unity, bravery and the undying Moro resistance from colonization. And the gold color inscribed in the Kris highlights the Moro Royalty. The colors green and white signify prosperity and purity respectively.

Combination of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance [MILF-BMA], a newly formed organization to spearhead the establishment of Bangsamoro Federal Republic in South Philippines. Its propaganda wing is the Bangsamoro International Solidarity Movement for Independence [BISMI] and its military wing is the Bangsamoro Revivalist Armed Forces [BRAF]. It was formally organized in October 2, 2002 at Zamboanga City, Philippines.

DECLARATION OF THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT-BANGSAMORO MUJAHIDEEN ALLIANCE [MILF-BMA]

On this momentous day, the MILF-BMA came into being with a handful of committed and freedom loving Moros as its organizers and officers. This newly formed but old movement aims to unify all the 14 Bangsamoro tribes namely: Tausug, Manguindanao, Maranao, Iranun, Sama, Yakan, Badjao. Jama Mapun, Kolibugan, Sangil, Bangingi, Molebugnun, Kalagan, and Balik Islam.-BMA PRIMER”

The success of the MILF-BMA, Bi-Awnillah, shall establish the BANGSAMORO FEDERAL REPUBLIC whose propaganda wing shall be the Bangsamoro International Solidarity Movement for Independence [BISMI] and its military wing shall be the Bangsamoro Revivalist Armed Forces [BRAF].

Having gathered and assembled ourselves in this historic event, we, the Bangsamoro:

Aware that palliative and cosmetic solutions offered and applied by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to resolve Mindanao problem both in the past and the present have utterly fallen short of achieving positive results as evident in the failure of the experiments in Muslim autonomy from the Tripoli Agreement to Jakarta Accord of 1996.

Nothing further the intransigence of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines toward sincerely and seriously addressing the root cause of the Mindanao problem, which is the right of the Bangsamoro people to self-determination and independence.

Cognizant of the fact that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines has been invariably engaged in disposing us of our traditional and ancestral lands, increasing the influx of settlers from Luzon and Visayas, and is bent to use war and subterfuge as instruments of colonial policy to achieve the complete colonization of our homeland and the eradication of our way of life;

Conscious of the power struggle between and among the Filipino political and economic elites that has time and again victimized the Bangsamoro people with the latter always ending up being demonized as villains to prop up the image of persons in position of power or perpetuate their stay in power as in the case of Estrada’s all-out war or Marcos martial rule;

Adhering to a common ideological belief that our homeland is an amanah [trust] from Allah, and as such it is our duty and responsibility to recover what is left of it from the Filipino colonizers in order to establish therein the Authority Allah, and

Determine, henceforth, to finally end the war in Mindanao by addressing its very root cause.

We assert that historic records themselves bear us out that our people have consistently opposed, with all means available to them, this illegal and immoral usurpation of our homeland and its annexation into the so-called Philippine Commonwealth and eventually into the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946. In this regard, we recall the fully documented petitions of our forefathers, which sought to rectify this gross injustice committed on our people.

This historic document was a petition to the US Congress demanding that 50 years after the grant of independence to the so-called Republic, a plebiscite be held in Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan to allow the people in these islands of Luzon and Visayas, remain a territory of the

or be granted their separate independent state.

This famous document contained the legitimate grievances of our forefathers against the acts of discrimination and injustices by the Filipinos under the so-called Philippine Commonwealth. Said document emphatically appealed to the US government and the American people not to include Mindanao and Sulu in the grant of independence to the Filipinos.

RECALLING the malevolent Treaty of Paris of 10 December, 1898 forged between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain which illegally and immorally annexed the great Bangsamoro people and their homeland in what is now known as “Republic of the Philippines”.

Recalling further the July 4, 1946 proclamation of Philippine Independence by the United States Government which unjustly transferred the colonial administration of the oppressed Bangsamoro people into the hands of the newly proclaimed Philippine government.

Conscious of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 212 [111] on 10 December 1948 which enshrined peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of all peoples, and of all universal respect for, and observance of human rights and fundamental freedom for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

Convinced that the United Nations Resolution on the Granting of Independence to Colonized Countries and Peoples UN Resolution 1514 [XV] 947^th plenary meeting 14 December 1960 was and still unimplemented by the Philippine government with determination. This constitutes as viewed from world legal perspective a gross violation of the Resolution and deliberate disregard of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in which Philippines is a major signatory.

Bearing in mind the United Nations Resolution 1654 [XVI] on the situation with regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonized Countries and Peoples [10066^th plenary meeting 27 November 1961] which called upon States concerned to take action without further delay with a view to the faithful application and implementation of the Declaration but which the Philippines did not comply with as to alienable right for self-determination of the colonized Bangsamoro people.

Mindful of the stern refusal of the Philippine colonial government in not implementing the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2200 A [XXI] of 16 December 1966 [International Covenant on the Civil and political Rights] which provides: “all peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely can determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”, which is a denial of this universal right and principle of self-determination;

Strongly urged the United Nations Special Committee of 24 on Decolonization to call upon the Philippine government to immediately terminate its presence and wrap up its unintelligently consented authority in the Bangsamoro Homeland and pave the way for the conduct of UN-supervised Referendum in fulfillment of our fundamental rights to freedom and self-determination.

Appeals to the United Nations to justify/implement its December 14, 1960 Resolution, vis-à-vis, the Bangsamoro people, being victims of western colonialism which reduce them to what they are today, a non-self governing nation. This is to expeditiously enrich universal freedom and international peace and rectify historical injustices done against the Bangsamoro people in the light of their legitimate struggle to national self-determination.

Earnestly appeals to the conscience of mankind for their kind understanding and support as the Bangsamoro people are finally decided to the last option left to them in order to achieve their aspiration for total peace, justice and development and freedom pursuant to their malleable right as a people being guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations.

1. That only just, meaningful and permanent solution to the Mindanao problem is the complete independence of the Bangsamoro people and the territories they now actually occupy from the Republic of the Philippines;

2. That pursuant to this declaration of the Bangsamoro independence and in the spirit of justice and human brotherhood, we also extend recognition and support to the same right to self-determination for the indigenous highland tribal communities and the Christian settler peoples of Mindanao if and when they so opt to exercise this right.

Adopted this 2^nd day of October 2002 corresponding to ___________________at Zamboanga City, Bangsamoro Homeland.

When the Secessionist Movement was conceived it was in the great land of Egypt back in the early 60s organized by the twelve young guys of the three ethnic tribes of Tausug, Maranao and Maguindanaon, to mention two figures for recollection and enlightenment, among them were SALAMAT HASHIM and SHARIFF MOHSIN JULABBI.

Sometimes in 1972 when the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) had been revived in Malaysia, brother NUR MISUARI suddenly appeared, joined the rank of the Round Table whereby eventually became member and automatically took the lead; became its Supremo upon the maneuver of the Central government of Malaysia

With the organizational mandate and in good faith for the first time after eleven years away from home SM JULABBI entered Philippines, organized orderly the Movement, sent some dedicated young boys/recruits from the Zamboanga peninsula, the three provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with the batch 300/2 for military training..

Through the changing of time, very unfortunate, conflict of leadership arouse between Misuari’s faction, the so-called PARKAI (Parhimpunan Kabangsahan Anak Islam) and the Cairo group; the counterpart called MIM (Mindanao Independence Movement) which resulted to the reconciliation of the Marcos regime wih the so-called Magic Eight of Sulu to include the, late GERRY MATBA of Tawi-Tawi, Ustadz KALBI TUPAY of Basilan, and SALIH WALI of Zamboanga peninsula. Big numbers of the groups were not merely recruits but also close relatives. In that respect, SM JULABBI got no chance to be left behind. So, what he did, adopted the lay low policy to the extent of accepting the commission-ship to the AFP as an infantry officer with certain agreement/understanding thru the initiative of the elders, in guise, not necessarily jeopardizing his profession as an Azharite; product of Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.. During his ten years of service, SM JULABBI enjoyed lot of privileges incomparable to many junior officers, with honor, respect and dignity to reckon with.

One year and half after his commission-ship, SM JULABBI wore again his revolutionary uniform managed to penetrate darkness; joined the MNLF Panel in the peace negotiations that resulted to the signing of the 1976 historic Tripoli Agreement. No bragging, SM JULABBI together with SALAMAT HASHIM were among the framers of Tripoli Accord. One year and a half interruption of his being an active CC member of the MNLF considered a great lost to him. Alhamdu Lillah, SM JULABBI regained back his reputation and dignity after the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Accord up to present. And is proud to say that he is what he is till he closes his eyes upon the light of the world. Because of Salamat’s constant various invitations urging SM JULABBI to join him in his crusade consequently he suffered the lost of his coming back to the fold of Prof. Misuari’s faction in 1984; coincided with the birth date of the MILF.

After reconciliation with Prof. NUR MISUARI, as an MNLF man, SM JULABBI’s services in guise, lasted more or less ten years with the AFP until finally got discovered.

During his tenure of office, SM JULABBI was free to move attending conferences both here and abroad, being accorded as prominent figure

If that commission-ship of strategy considered surrender according to SM JULABBI, so be it! He has nothing to do with his detractors Granting he surrendered to the government 100 times as per allegation of his detractors, but at last he became revolutionary again as he has been in the past and the present time. It does not matter. As a matter of fact he struggles in the way of Allah, fights for the Lord of SALAMAT not for SALAMAT, much better than yours, following the teaching and guidance of the Prophet of Islam, MUHAMMAD, (pbuh): “The best kind of Jihad in the Way of Allah, a statement of truth before an unjust ruler”.

الحديث الشريف: " أفضل الجهاد في الله كلمة الحق عند ملك جائر "

He thinks you will agree with him when he says they were the very first ones – The Magic Eight of Sulu, the Gerry Matba’s , Salih Wali’s, The Camlian’s groups of the entire Western Mindanao – who broke away from the mainstream of the MNLF then followed by the SALAMAT’s MNLF, the Reformists of DIMAS PUNDATO, the MILF, ASG, etc. Would that sound unpleasant to ears; bother the conscience of his detractors, he says?

According to SM JULABBI he would not had been convinced many times in (1976-84) by brother Salamat to join him if he was a man of dishonesty, hypocrite, traitor according to your malicious belief. But because of none of the above has incarnated in his personality Ustadz SALAMAT did not hesitate to take him to his side being the same product of the same Alma-mater; drunk from the same fountain of knowledge. In fact several letters/documents, groups of envoys of different caliber were sent by brother Salamat one after the other to persuade him to have solid stand and solidarity with him in the past. Here comes a salamagan guy to disown him. Who is he by the way? He is nothing, Prof. Julabbi says..

Prof. Julabbi has had disowned the MILF long before but no way to detach it from him because of those previous agreements still binding on him, otherwise he would be liable to condemnation as what the authority believe. As a result of that they in the MILF-BMA met officially the GRP Panel on 05 October, 2003 based on the memorandums / instructions of both the Palace and the DND. Should his detractors have a complain or rather sentiment on this connection they are entitled to file it with the government, ask them to stop recognizing SHARIFF M. JULABBI with his MILF-BMA and the groups allied/affiliated with IT. Otherwise that would be a stumbling block to your peace agreement He let his detractors know, he did not ask to have a peace talks with the GRP, instead he discouraged them to confront him, but they rushed up to see him urging Prof. Julabbi not to abandon the negotiations. And then now you are saying there is no such MILF-BMA. On the contrary, MILF-BMA is very much alive different from that of the Maguindanaon-Iranun Liberation Front (MILF) of yours; exclusive for you. Just to refresh your mind he quotes again FROM THE STANDS, by DOMINI M. TORREVELLAS, Viewing Malaysia, who joined the “Malaysian International Visitors Program (MIVP) organized by the Institute of Strategy Studies (ISIS)

Malaysia

, published with the Philippine Star (OPINION) Saturday, June 5, 2004.

“As to his country’s hosting of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, Tan Sri Noordin Sopiee, chair and CEO of ISIS, Malaysia, and one of the his country’s leading political scientists and economists said his government did not want to do it on the ground that the Muslim problem in Mindanao must be solved by the government of the Philippines, but President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo requested Malaysia’s mediating role.

“He does not think that reaching an accord will solve the Muslim problem in Mindanao. For sure, the talks are useful in that the demands of both parties are being brought out in the open. But the solution goes deeper-the root causes of discontent must be addressed-poverty, poor education, lack of infrastructure. Unless these are resolved, Dr. Sopiee does not see light at the end of the tunnel for Muslims in Mindanao.”

“He points to the lack of representation of all the Moro tribes in the peace talks. Right now, the composition of the MILF panel consists of rebel leaders from Maguindanao, and none from the Tausug,and Maranao tribes. An accord reached only with the MILF from Maguindanao will only result in resentment, and possibly armed resistance from the MILF-Bangsamoro People’s Army.” Dr. Sopiee was referring to the MILF-BMA’s Army.

During his encounter with Bert Gonzales and Prof Rudy Rodil a week ago in Davao with the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) after the latter’s briefing on the UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF THE GRP-MILF PEACE TALKS as of 08 February 2005 Prof. Julabbi stood up twice to react on the matter and quoted all the statements of Tan Sri Dr. Noordin Sopiee. All his colleagues present in the august body admired his reaction and appreciated very much that he has brought out the matter to the open. He was so candid and frank in saying that the recent conflict in Sulu is carried out already by the Unified Command Bert Gonzales spoke only for two minutes but did not touch the GRP-MILF peace talks, the on going war in Sulu just to avoid Julabbi’s reaction and left immediately.

When some sectors of society feel that there are stumbling blocks to the signing of peace agreement, in the senate where Prof. Julabbi had been twice in January and February in the company of some friends as an ordinary visitor with no identity some prominent figures asked him to write as urgent, PGMA coursed thru them. Hence the dated 1^st February letter made and brought by him personally on 07 February coincided with the armed confrontation in Sulu whose contents came true. But to his surprise why is it deviated or reached first its original copy, the hands of a US official! You, his detractors better study that!

In the course of his tour of duty in the three SEA countries in August and September, 2004 as ambassador of good will Prof. Julabbi wrote letters to some authorities of the two countries of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia and handed them over personally out of fear and hesitation on behalf of the people of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo to give final solution to Sabah problem once and for all, has reminded them of the tradition of Prophet MUHAMMAD (pbuh) as follows: “Whoever unlawfully usurps even one span of someone’s land, Allah will collar him with seven earths on the Hereafter”.

الحديث الشريف: " من ظلم قيد شبر من الأرض توقه من سبع أرضين يوم القيامة "

As to your attempt of expanding your influence as far as our region and utilize our boys to be under your command Prof. Julabbi suggests envelop first your lost provinces into a single large Cotabato empire as had been in the past. To recruit our warriors to fight for you alone you will not succeed, you better stop that. For all you know our men are there with you purposely to take by all means their rights and privileges you have usurped from us. You have been using us for two decades already and that is haram. You preferred to equip with arms your small boys and women for your forbidden propaganda who are not supposed to be in the battlefield, to our best and dedicated warriors. As I have said in the past we will fight our enemies even with no RPG from you., says Prof. Julabbi

He has been offered to lead the BIM (Bangsamoro Independence Movement) of no peace negotiations at all and have accepted it in principle but what hinders him much is the MILF- BMA has been tampered on him.. Exert your effort to take that away from me thereby you have the right to say there is no such MILF-BMA in existence or I call you a great liar, Prof Julabbi says..

You have issued on June 20, 2003 policy statement, renouncing and denouncing terrorism as anathema to the teaching of Islam, and therefore does not have a place in the struggle for an Islamic system of government.

US Policy: The United States is concerned about the links between the MILF and the International Terrorists Organizations and asks that those links be severed immediately. To satisfy the US government give them more justification not only by words that uttered most often than not, opposite to your deeds and action.

For your reference Prof. Julabbi asks you to better read the book authored by MARIA A. RESSA, Jakarta Bureau Chief, CNN, “THE SEEDS OF TERROR’. I have many references I can provide you with, for you to know your PLACE in the history of terrorism, concentrate more on THE SEEDS OF TERROR, so that you better know who you are. I have full knowledge covered with documents and actual research with experiences about you, your so-called 13 Major Camps, your linkage to the JI, AL-QAEDAH, ASG, ISLAMIC MOVEMENTS here and abroad. You better stop getting severe conflict with me, otherwise I expose you to the whole civilized world. Stop Salih Balaomol and Ed il-adha kabalu lambasting me now. Enough is enough. I tell you, they are nothing. Let them concentrate more on fighting the enemy of Islam and make a genuine justification that you are not terrorists. I repeat keep the mouths of this two bloody poor guys shut. My Islam is better than theirs, Prof. Julabbi says.

It is worthy of mention, SM Julabbi went on to say, that he was in constant communication/contact with his university-mate Salamat Hashim from 1976 to 1984 either in person, by personal envoys/colleagues or by hand carried letters. In 1979 they met with each other trice right at Mecca, KSA.. Immediately after he came back home from abroad, three separate delegations composed of former university-mates were dispatched one after the other to have met SM Julabbi somewhere in Region 1X. In 1986 both Salamat Hashim and SM Julabbi traveled separately from the two points of origin; Pakistan and Philippines and made Mecca as their rendezvous In that holy land of Mecca where the former bestowed upon the latter burden of responsibility by making him as first man on line as number ONE responsible for Western Mindanao and Palawan when someone in the MILF Political Affairs, it so happened, who used to hold the post temporarily, refuses to vacate.

At Mecca, first week of October, 1986 was a meeting date of the MNLF-MILF factions arranged by the Muslim World League on the initiative/instruction of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to patch up differences for Unification as well as mutual understanding on behalf of the Bangsamoro people. Because of that SM Julabbi was urged to stay behind to represent the Region, but unfortunately Butch Aquino and Norberto Gonzales arrived at Jeddah, KSA with personal letter from then President Corazon C. Aquino inviting Prof. Nur Misuari for a meeting/talks to be held inside the country particularly Jolo, Sulu. As a result of that, Misuari preferred coming back home to meeting with us at the MWL premises/main office, Mecca, KSA, not sanction by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Hence, the three members of the MILF Panel namely, Engr. Alexander Lucman, Ustadz Mohammad Hj. Abdullah, SM Julabbi at the appointed date were left behind at the rendezvous without counterparts whatsoever from the MNLF side which caused both the RABITA and the OIC so furious.

At home sometimes in 1987 SM Julabbi was chosen as one of the five members of the Committee on Procurement of arms, MILF together with Dr. Gorge who was then abroad at that time. In addition, SM Julabbi was chosen as Vice President for Western Mindanao and Palawan, Islamic Party of the Philippines (IPP), political wing of the MILF and as one of its fifteen executive members to include Dr. Gorge. Upon the discovery of reality of the true person of SM Julabbi, all these allegations shall turn to futile maneuver and shall boomerang to his hypocrite detractors as bomb shell drops on their heads thereby sympathy of the people will vanish away. Now people learn to realize that these detractors are fake Mujahideen after only of personal aggrandizement.

Again an appointment made for SM Julabbi effected March, 1990 as an urgent need of the MILF to strengthen its propaganda and agitational machinery in order to bolster its image and more importantly to hasten the political consciousness of brothers and people towards our avowed objective. For this reason, the MILF CC contemplated to add another important task upon SM Julabbi's shoulders by appointing him to a job similar to the task assigned to Sharif Zain Jali of the MNLF whose area coverage consist of the Zamboanga peninsula, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Palawan.

Admiration and praises of the Bangsamoro people from all over the country have come as waves to appreciate SM Julabbi the way he talks over the media, televisions on behalf of the MILF in those days had elapsed. While abroad no less than brother Mohagher Iqbal sent letter of appreciation to SM Julabbi for a job well done after he had watched him, making reaction, on the television. But very unfortunate enough, through the chronological changing of time, these admiration, praises and appreciations reciprocated by his detractors not only with jealousy but with anger, hatred and indignation, by making false accusations to discredit him for his expel from the mainstream of the MILF; branding him as an inorganic member.

It is a great mistake to lambaste your brother in public and a sign of stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy. For a period of almost twenty years as subservient to the MILF hierarchy is something unforgettable in SM Julabbi's experience with them in the struggle. SM Julabbi has finally turned off his tune upon the receipt of the MILF leadership instruction dated 26 June 2002 to desist from allowing any member of the media to interview him in the name of the Maguindanaon-Iranun Liberation Front (MILF). Immediately upon that directive SM Julabbi never speaks for them anymore.

To his annoyance SM Julabbi was lambasted again recently by bloody poor Jun Muntawil, a coward head of the MILF Secretariat by accusing him using pseudonym of their Maguindanaon-Iranun Liberation Front when the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance (MILF-BMA) has come into existence publicly and legally for a couple of years ago. As a matter of fact, whenever SM Julabbi is cornered by both foreign and local media/correspondents and even at the main offices/headquarters of the ABS-CBN, ANC-CHANNEL as well as RADIO NG BAYAN, Manila he managed to have gone on the air as special guest for 40 minutes and for two hours championing both the MILF-BMA and SS&NB respectively. What more accusation his detractors want to add to make him down?

" له معقبات من بين يديه ومن خلفه يحفظونه من أمر الله " (الرعد: 13:11)

" For him, there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the command of Allah " (Surah Ar-Ra'ad: 13:11)

For heaven sake and in the name of the oppressed Bangsamoro people, Prof. Julabbi wants this accusation of one another to halt but march forward together of different directions for the same objective; struggle to carry on the battle of destiny of our people; live as freemen and die as martyrs.

Nothing will happen if we will not move, either for better or for worse. Our life on this planet, earth is limited. Every human being is bound to die; make a journey to the land of no return. It is undeniable fact that we are vicegerent of God; responsible for all affairs, mandated to play individual roles for the welfare and interest of mankind irregardless of creed, religion and belief.

We are in conflict for many years back fighting each other for recognition, liberation, freedom and supremacy because of the remnant of colonization imposed upon us by foreign invaders.

There is no denying the fact, as recorded in history, that we, the Bangsamoro have never been subjugated by any foreign invaders. Very unfortunate enough when the Philippines gained its independence in July 4, 1946 from the US Imperialists our very own Mindanao had been annexed immorally and illegally into a Philippine Political Entity.

Hence, as an obligation and duty we raise up arms; continue the struggle of our forbears for several centuries back against now the Manila colonial government. Based not only on all treaties entered into between the various Moro Sultanates and foreign powers including the Wilkes Treaty in 1842 between Sulu and the United States but also the REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4166 (The Law Phil Project, Arellano Law Foundation, Republic Act no. 4166 August 4, 1964 CHANGING THE DATE OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ), we, the Bangsamoro are duty bound to drive out the AFP-PNP elements that have no business fighting us who are not aware that they are fighting in a foreign territory. AN ACT CHANGING THE DATE OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM JULY FOUR TO JUNE TWELVE, AND DECLARING JULY FOUR AS PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC DAY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION TWENTY-NINE OF THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE,.

Since by virtue of R.A. 4166 Mindanao and Sulu are no longer a part of the Philippines we can already declare independence, as entitled and have the right, similar to General Aguinaldo’s historic Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898.

With the passage of R.A. 4166, the two Sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao can now restore their lost kingdoms without legal impediment and asking the United Nations International Court of Justice for a judicial review of the December 10, 1898 Treaty of Paris. The Republic of the Philippines must now return a territory that was illegally incorporated by virtue of the 1946 proclamation (not declaration) of independence by the United States of America.

We described the Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo as a lost kingdom, but continue to exist and is recognized as an independent and sovereign state by no less than America. Just recently, last September 20, 2003, the Sultanate adherents of Sulu celebrated their 613^th Anniversary with no less than her Excellency, the Madame President as their honored guest. The Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo anti-dated the coming of Spanish colonizers by some 135 years. When Gen. Aguinaldo declared independence, we in Mindanao were still fighting the Spaniards. How can we be a part of the first Philippine Republic? So, the incorporation of Mindanao and Sulu to the Republic of the Philippines by America when she granted us independence on July 4, 1946 was illegal. The cession of Mindanao and Sulu to the Republic of the Philippines was also illegal for where can you find a vendor selling a property she does not own? We call this an international scandal.

With regards to the on going GRP-MILF Peace Talks we believe there is no guarantee to the signing of final agreement as envisioned by your administration. A widely circulated political package allegedly leaked from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) as proposed solution to the Bangsamoro problem. It is sad commentary to state that the government’s proposal is an instrument of surrender as is an insult to the patriotic and freedom loving Bangsamoro people. The Bangsamoro people had never surrendered to the colonial power for more than 377 years of conquest and colonization.

The proposal supersedes all past and present agreements entered into between the GRP and the MILF. Moreover, in substance and in form the proposal has never incorporated or included all GRP-MILF agreements, resolutions and joint statements embodying the parties commitments as solution to the Bangsamoro problem.

At this juncture, we, in the MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT-BANGSAMORO MUJAHIDEEN ALLIANCE (MILF-BMA) an umbrella of the hereunder listed groups:

11. MILF-BMA of the Ustadz/Prof. SMJ, the mainstream a separate entity from that of the MILF (MAGUINDANAON – IRANUN LIBERATION FRONT) of Central Mindanao have nothing to do with the on going GRP-MILF negotiations as it is being dominated by these two tribes whose exclusive sentiments do not reflect the entire sentiments of the fourteen Bangsamoro tribes of Mindanao. With the composition of the MILF Panel, the Secretariat as well as the Technical Committee, Tan Sri Dr. Noordin Sopiee, chair and CEO of ISIS, Malaysia and one of his country’s leading political scientists and economists said, and I quote: “As to his country’s hosting of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, Dr. Sopiee said his government did not want to do it on the ground that the Muslim problem in Mindanao must be solved by the government of the Philippines, but President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo requested Malaysia’s mediating role. He does not think that reaching an accord will solve the problem in Mindanao. For sure, the talks are useful in that the demands of both parties are being brought out in the open. But the solution goes deeper - the root causes of discontent must be addressed – poverty, poor education, lack of infrastructure. Unless these are resolved, Dr. Sopiee does not see light at the end of the tunnel for Muslims in Mindanao.”

“ He points to the lack of representation of all the Moro tribes in the peace talks. Right now, the composition of the MILF Panel consists of rebel leaders from Maguindanao, and none from the Tausug and Maranao tribes. An accord reached only with the MILF from Maguindanao will only result in resentment, and possibly armed resistance from the MILF-Bangsamoro People’s Army. “

“FROM THE STANDS” By Domini M. Torrevilas - - - Viewing Malaysia, The Philippine STAR .(OPINION) Saturday, June 5, 2004.

It is worthy of mention that some groups involved in our struggle such as, AFP-PNP (Bangsamoro) elements, active and inactive services, MILF-Integrees, Ulama, Royal Army because of Malaysian actuation towards us; their insincerity with us which put us in dilemma. UNDER THE CRESCENT MOON: REBELLION IN MINDANAO, By: Marites Danguilan Vitug and Glenda M. Gloria, p. 174 says as follows: “In Sabah we had a common camp (with the MNLF), “ recalls Intengan,. “We helped in training the MNLF in political struggle. They were strong in the battlefield but weak in political struggle so it was a trade-off. They trained us militarily and helped us in arms supply. We did jungle maneuvers, training on explosives and demolition.” Intengan remembers that the MNLF received financial support at least twice a year from foreign countries. But it was clear to him that Malaysia itself did not want the MNLF to win but merely to continuously harass the Marcos government, which was then contesting Malaysia’s sovereign claim over Sabah.

As a consequence Ustadz/Prof. SHARIFF M. JULABBI, Ameer, MILF-BMA and concurrent PM, SS & NB had toured recently in August & September 2004 in the 3 SE Asian countries, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam & Singapore with personal letters of appeal coupled with authentic documents with candidness handed over with no fear and hesitation to some authorities of the said countries headed by YAB DATO’ SERI ABDULLAH BIN HAJI AHMAD BADAWI, PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA which herewith attached some, which is self-explanatory.

One of the most stumbling block agenda to solving the Mindanao conflict to be tackled in the forthcoming official resumption of peace talks is the “ANCESTRAL DOMAIN’ refers to the Bangsamoro Homeland .which is not exclusively to Camp Abubakar El-Siddique of Maguindanao. TO HELL WITH THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT FINAL AGREEMENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

Being left behind the MILF-BMA in the Peace Talks is a great pleasure and a blessing in disguise to us.. When a conflict / misunderstanding happened between Ustadz SALAMAT HASHIM and Prof. SHARIFF M. JULABBI in the high echelon of the MILF hierarchy one year before he closed his eyes upon the light of the world the latter erased totally from his mind the intention to come to the negotiating table forever which is, to his personal opinion, useless as well as meaningless. USTADZ HASHIM made an attempt to patch up differences by sending envoys to PROF. JULABBI but the initiative has turned to failure until he succumbed to death. May his soul live in peace!

According to some legal minded people, being part and directly involved in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks as the MILF Panel Adviser from 1997 to 2002, that PROF. JULABBI can’t make an excuse by not availing of himself to negotiations because of all previous agreements entered into between the GRP and the MILF are binding on him. Otherwise, he is liable to apprehension as well as condemnation. Hence, the MILF retained but became MONSTER because of the BMA (BANGSAMORO MUJAHIDEEN ALLIANCE) affiliation, according to USEC LT GEN ANTONIO SANTOS (Ret), DND.

Through the initiative of prominent individuals in Manila with of course, the go-signal and consent of both the Malacanang Palace and the Department of National Defense the immediate dispatched of the GRP Panel composed of five members whose Chairman USEC LT GEN ANTONIO SANTOS (Ret), DND, Adviser Gov. of the two provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi / COMSOUTHCOM, AFP /AMBASSADOR / MINISTER, MINISTRY OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS / REAR ADMIRAL ROMULO ESPALDON (Ret) took place on 2^nd October 2003 to have met officially the MILF-BMA Panel headed by PROF SHARIFF M JULABBI at Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City in an exploratory talks whose members represented the eleven groups who opted to go beyond their Jakarta Accord of September 2, 1996 not merely in retaliation to the move of the Philippine Government to have jailed PROF NUR MISUARI but determined to go back to their original stand which is to regain their usurped rights and the sovereignty of the two Sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao. Firmed on their stand no longer mindful of the Jakarta Accord when the MNLF Mujahideen of Nur Misuari headed by USTADZES KHABER MALIK & BASHER JAILANI, HJ JULAMRI MISUARI met recently with PROF JULABBI at Panamao, and by CMDR PAPA, CMDR TAHER USMAN SALIH, CMDR QAYED / MNLF CHAIRMAN at Indanan, 1^ST and 2^nd districts of Sulu respectively made their pledge of allegiance to carry on the crusade till victory is achieved. To them the 1996 Jakarta Accord is no longer in existence; has been broken already by the Philippine Government; turned into pieces upon the detention of their Chief, PROF NUR MISUARI languishing in jail up to now without trial.

Conniving with the Philippine Government, the then PM MAHATHIR MOHAMMED had turned over the MNLF Chief in conspiracy to them instead of exiling him to any member state of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). That’s why anger, hatred and indignation of the MNLF Mujahideen turned now directly to both governments of Malaysia and the Philippines. So, don’t blame them if they have changed their course of action. To us we welcome them wholeheartedly to march forward with us, join hand in hand to break the chains under the yoke of slavery or oppression and die as

martyr or live as freeman. Justified wars to be waged by the MNLF Mujahideen in the entire Mindanao or Philippines as a whole is to be considered already Wars of the MILF-BMA. Starting long before or today as now being known, the legitimate and justified fight of the MNLF elsewhere in the country is now attributed to the MILF-BMA. Many problems to be solved in Mindanao by the government that have became stumbling block to the peace process. One of which is the rampant catching fish illegally in our rich fishing ground being undertaken by the multi nationals of local and foreign vessels whereby their catches being brought to Luzon and Visayas then exported abroad with no benefits, in return, to the AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM). Pity for our local government and small fishermen who are deprived of their own rights and privileges!

Likewise, illegal logging and exploitation of our very own resources being operated by opportunists from Luzon and Visayas are so rampant. These syndicates are being led, in the forefront, by the CONSINJI FIRM / CONCESSION (DACON) occupying vast land in the triple SB of Zamboanga Del Norte area whose numerous security guards equipped with assorted sophisticated firearms are harassing frequently the native inhabitants; resulting clashes or armed confrontation very often between the Moro rebels and AFP elements / CAFGUS who are their backed up supporters. The Arroyo government has to stop these anomalies and atrocities should the Madame President is determined with sincerity to resolve, one way step forward, the conflict in Mindanao.

We are not dictating the Madame President what to do. Prerogative is hers, but for her own good based on our opinion, we give her guidance for enlightenment that she might be able to finish her term.

The Bangsamoro People’s General Assembly pass a resolution granting the MILF full power and authority and unconditional mandate to pursue the ongoing peace talks with the government and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive negotiated political settlement of the Mindanao conflict and the Bangsamoro problem.

The two-page resolution was unanimously approved on May 31, 2005 by the representatives of the nearly three million delegates, assembled in a plenary, from all over the country to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) General Consultation.

The General Consultation on May 28-30 2005 was organized by the largest Muslim revolutionary group to seek a new and fresh mandate from the Bangsamoro people on the current MILF and Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) peace talks.

Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chair of the MILF, told Luwaran that the mandate granted the MILF was “truly overwhelming” even as he said “no final agreement will be inked contrary to the real aspiration of the Bangsamoro for freedom, justice and homeland.”

Ed Kabalu, Spokesperson on the MILF, interpreted the General Assembly Resolution No. 001-05 as “putting in the hands of the MILF the future of the Bangsamoro people.”

The Chairman of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel Mohagher Iqbal, for his part, said the mandate given us is “a matter of life and death responsibility before our people and the Almighty Allah.

No political demand, however, was singled out in the resolution.

The GRP-MILF peace talks is now on the verge of discussing the “new political formula” pursuant to the principles stipulated in the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of June 22, 2001 following the “substantive and comprehensive consensus” reached by both parties on the ancestral domain aspect during the 6th Exploratory Talks two months ago.

Recognizing both the peace and negotiation between the GRP and the MILF is for the advancement of the general interest of Bangsamoro people including the indigenous people, the resolution urges both parties to negotiate with mutual trust and sincerity, and with respect for the identity, culture and aspirations of all people of Mindanao.

Al Haj Murad, in his message during the general consultation, appealed to the Christians and to the Filipino people in general to cast aside distrust over the Bangasmoro Muslims and forget the unfounded fear that their legitimate rights will be trampled upon by a Bangsamoro-led governance.

“Here and now, let me assure that all peoples will have equal-footing, equal access to the rights and benefits the GRP-MILF peace process may offer. The dividends of peace will be shared by the whole constituency in our homeland regardless of tribal or religious considerations,” he said.

The Resolution finally mandated the MILF leadership and Central Committee to oversee the peace process in consonance with the internationally recognized fundamental rights of all Peoples to determine own culture and political status, and inherent rights to develop, exploit, and enjoy the benefits of natural wealth and patrimony for mutual benefit.

“PANEL TO PANEL”

Mr. Chairman, distinguished counterparts, colleagues, friends, ladies & gentlemen:

Even though how careful you are it’s going to happen inevitably to your life as inscribed in a ‘Tablet Pressured’, you can do nothing but to admit the Law of Divine Providence as human being governed by circumstances. “Such was the practice approved of God among those who live aforetime no change wilt thou find in the practice approved of God”.

(لوح المحفوظ)" سنة الله في الذين خلوا من قبل, ولن تجد لسنة الله تبديلا "

To trace our biography; the history of our life, both I and Ustadz SALAMAT HASHIM, the Founder of the 1984 MILF have been together from the very start of the Moro Liberation Front that was conceived, way back in the early 60’s at the Great Land of Egypt, as the nucleus members of the ”Round Table”. But, unfortunately because of interruption which was unavoidable, pushed us to find our exit to look for another ways taking along with us our very own principles to struggle for the destiny of the Bangsamoro Ummah.

With the New Substitute Front (The MILF) I’ve been always subservient in a sincere manner to the Supremo of the hierarchy for the past 18 years and never thought of breaking away from him for I believe I possess the same principle with the guy I’ve been together under the portal of the same Alma Mater (Al-Azhar University) and drunk together from the same Fountain of Knowledge.

But to some extent maybe because of hatred and jealousy owing to the competition for supremacy of which I am innocent for no justification whatsoever, I was urged to keep silent, compelled to step down to just a mere member of the organization. Should there be a justification then I would have made a declaration likened to Khaled Ibn-el Walid, the great warrior and general of Islam. With regards to me I fight not for SALAMAT but for the LORD of Salamat. With our new Front now I venture to declare I shall fight to the end under no circumstances to make the Words of God supreme.

With my old and new comrades now I would like to be understood that I have my own policy and principle which do not deviate from the Teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophetic Traditions and I am determined to live and die under the banner of Islam no matter how the times change chronologically and always frank and candid as ever as I used to be and serious in all my undertakings.

I know among our midst there many radical/hardcore stick to no negotiation; come to the extent of questioning the pattern how the war in Mindanao is being fought as they have observed that the two Fronts have adopted a “fight-negotiate-fight-negotiate” type of their strategy. What is the reason behind it, they asked?

Not only because of my direct involvement in all levels of negotiations between the GRP and the MILF which started in July, 1997 up to present and the previous agreements entered into bound on me, but the following Qur’anic verses of the Surah Al-Anfal as well as the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad Ibn Abdillah (pbuh) provide us with the

" وان جنحوا للسلم فاجنح لها وتوكل علي الله انه هو السميع العليم " (الأنفال: 60)

“But if the enemy incline towards peace, make peace with them, and put your trust in God: for He is the One that hears and knows all things”.

" وان أرادوا أن يخدعوك فان حسبك الله، هو الذي أيدك بنصره وبالمؤمنين "

Answer: “Should they seek to deceive you, Allah is all-sufficient for you. He has made you strong with His help and rallied the faithful round you, making their hearts one”. (8:62)

" ان شر الدواب عند الله الذين كفروا فهم لا يؤمنون الذين عاهدت منهم ثم ينقضون عهدهم في كل مرة وهم لا يتقون " (الأنفال: 8:55,56)

“For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: they will not believe. They are those with whom thou didst make a covenant but they break their covenant every time and they have not the fear of God” (8:55-56)

“Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of God and your enemies” (8:60)

" وأعدوا لهم ما استطعتم من قوة ومن رباط الخيل ترهبون به عدو الله وعدوكم "

When the GRP-MILF peace talks started in July 18, 1997 at Cagayan de Oro City it began with the signing of the Agreement of General Cessation of Hostilities whose areas of Coverage shall be in effect in the provinces, cities, and other places in Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan.

And halted temporarily after the signing of the last Agreement on the 7^th day of August, 2001 at Putrajaya, Malaysia that based on the following Agreements entered into between the GRP and the MILF which became our Terms of Reference:

1. GRP-MILF Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities dated July 18, 1997 including its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997.

2. General Framework of the Agreement of Intent between the GRP and the MILF dated August 27, 1998.

4. Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks between the GRP and the MILF signed on the 24^th day of March, 2001 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

5. Agreement of Peace between the GRP and the MILF signed on June 22, 2001 at Tripoli, Libya.

In this respect we are ready to negotiate with no fear. Our war is a War of Destiny of our people and Ideology, and it does not know any geography and frontier. We must, in our way of ideology, embark on a major mobilization of the Bangsamoro combatants in the entire archipelago.

Our peace talks if there is formal one in the near future should base on a primary objective of the attainment of a just comprehensive and lasting peace under the rule of law and in accordance with the mutually acceptable principles instead of the constitution will be used as bases for peace negotiations to avoid collapse or short live of it as embodied in all terms of reference.

To pave the way for immediate normalization of the situation in Mindanao as has been agreed upon by the two parties (GRP-MILF) mentioned in the Article VI of the Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks we are very much willing to push through with the peace process and to undertake relief and rehabilitation measures of the evacuees and joint development projects in conflict-affected areas as we have been empowered and authorized to establish a project implementing body which will have the power and function to receive and disburse private and GRP funds as well as to determine, lead and manage.

Policy Statement had been issued on June 20, 2003, renouncing and denouncing terrorism as anathema to the teachings of Islam, and therefore does not have a place in the struggle for an Islamic system of government.

Assistant Secretary James Kelly of US Department in a June 18, 2003 letter to Ustadz Salamat Hashim in response to his May 20, 2003 letter to US President Bush:

The US recognizes that the Muslims of Southern Philippines have serious, legitimate grievances that must be addressed.

government’s serious interest in seeing to the successful conclusion of the peace efforts in Southern Philippines.

The US wishes to see an end to the violence in the Southern Philippines and in working to assist the GRP in addressing the root causes of that violence.

1. The annexation of the Bangsamoro homeland into the Philippine Political Entity.

The only solution to the problem in the Bangsamoro homeland is the separation of the Bangsamoro people into a separate independent state and the re-establishment of the Bangsamoro Islamic Federal Government.

The talks must base on the proper discussion, with sincerity/honesty, of all treaties entered into between the Moro Sultanates and the USA + the Republic Act No. 4166 passed on August 4, 1964, an Act changing the date of Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, and declaring July 4 as Philippine Republic Day, further amending for the purpose section 29 of the revised administrative code, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations (UN).

To our belief by virtue of R.A. 4166 alone Mindanao and Sulu are no longer a part of the Philippines we can already declare independence, as entitled and have the right, similar to Gen. Aguinaldo’s historic declaration of independence on June, 1898. The Republic of the Philippines must now return a territory that was illegally incorporated by virtue of the 1946 proclamation (not declaration) of independence by the USA.

The MILF-BMA came into existence because of the appeal of the government to have it retained by me on the ground that all previous GRP-MILF agreements are binding, by all means, on me being part and directly involved as MILF Panel adviser for a period of four years over (between 1997 & 2002).

Not known to many, the Philippine government has created a GRP Panel composed of five prominent personalities then (Exploratory Talks) with their counterparts of eleven different figures representing eleven groups allied with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance (MILF-BMA) as an umbrella, that took place on 5 October, 2003.

As a result, the MILF was retained by me despite my being reluctant to come to the negotiating table again. The question, how come the BMA being now attached to the MILF with different and separate entity from that of the MILF in Central Mindanao? The answer, is that the MNLF as a whole do not recognize the MILF as it is the creation of the Maguindanaon, Iranun tribes solely and exclusively for them alone. Maguindanaon Iranun Liberation Front (MILF). As manifested in the statement of Tan Sri Dr. Noordin Sopiee, chair and CEO of the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and one of his country’s leading political scientists and economists said, and I quote: “As to his country’s hosting of the GRP-MILF Peace Negotiations, Dr. Sopiee said his government did not want to do it on the ground that the Muslim problem must be solved by the government of the Philippines, but PGMA requested Malaysia’s mediating roles”. “He does not think that reaching an accord will solve the problem in Mindanao. He pointed to the lack of representation of all the Moro tribes in the peace talks. Right now, the composition of the MILF Panel consists of rebel leaders from Maguindanaao, and none from the Tausug and Maranaw tribes. An accord reached only with the MILF from Maguindanao will only result in resentment, and possibly armed resistance from the MILF-Bangsamoro People’s Army. Unless these are resolved, Dr. Sopiee does not see the light at end of the tunnel for Muslims in Mindanao”.

True to his comments, the official resumption of peace talks has not yet started, suddenly the conflict (AFP-MORO Hostilities) broke out on 7 February, 2005 in the Sulu archipelago and possibly escalate into some parts of Mindanao which may result to the cancellation of the Peace Talks.

Because of the prevailing situation in Sulu we’ve decided to put all our facilities/camps such as Tubig Gantang with half portion of Mt Sibalu & other half belongs to Punay, Mt Puhagan that had become the battleground of Parang Sabyls Ibba and Mahmoud during their resistance time against foreign invaders, Camp Sahbog-Macupa, Luuk (all MILF-BMA registered Camps) at the 1st district) to include our warriors under the command of Ustadz Khaber Malik. The same privilege/authority/ granted to Cmdr Qayed Ajibon, Chairman, MNLF to utilize all our belongings/elements under his command and responsibility in the 2^nd district of Sulu based on our mutual defense understanding in fulfillment of our Unification.and Solidarity.

It is understandable that every faction has its own autonomy, not necessarily take command from the high echelon of the MILF-BMA hierarchy. Every Mujahid is entitled to wear his unit patches and name plates under any whose front.with one objective, the liberation of our usurped homeland, the so-called ancestral domain.

"áÞÏ æáíÊ Úáíßã æ áÓÊ ÈÎíÑßã ÝÇä ÃÍÓäÊ ÝÃÚíäæäí æÇä ÃÓÃÊ ÝÞæãæäí æÃØíÚæäí ãÇ ÃØÚÊ Çááå æÑÓæáå ÝÇä ÚÕíÊ ÝáÇ ØÇÚÉ áí Úáíßã"

" ÃÞíãæÇ ÏæáÉ ÇáÇÓáÇã Ýí ÕÏæÑßã ÊÞã ÏæáÉ ÇáÇÓáÇã Úáí ÃÑÖßã "

“Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from wrong”

"Whoever unlawfully usurps even one span of someone’s land, Allah will collar him with seven earths on the Hereafter”

"ãä Ùáã ÞíÏ ÔÈÑ ãä ÇáÃÑÖ ÊæÞå ãä ÓÈÚ ÃÑÖíä íæã ÇáÞíÇãÉ"

“The best kind of Jihad in the Way of Allah, a statement of truth before an unjust ruler”

"ÃÝÖá ÇáÌåÇÏ Ýí ÓÈíá Çááå ßáãÉ ÇáÍÞ ÚäÏ ãáß ÌÇÆÑ"