of being a Mindanaon

Mindanao is a place where complex dynamics takes place. The place is huge and has a lot of different tribes dwelling in it. Its history is unique, and everyone in Mindanao knows that it is the only Island that has fought its sovereignty against the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. 

People from Mindanao, esp. the Moros, believe that long before the country even had its own constitution (patterned after the US), there is already an established form of government in Mindanao - be it with the Moros or the Lumads (or IPs).

The Mamasapano incident somehow articulated the hidden discrimination of Filipinos against its fellow Moros. It somehow drew out anger and hatred. Of course, I was angry with what happened to the SAF44 but I am more angry with the fact that discrimination is still there. I thought all the while that growing in Mindanao makes you one with the Moros. Growing in Mindanao makes you understand the complexity. But, I was wrong.

It was in this particular incident that I saw how discriminating my friends are. These friends whom I spent my HS with in Mindanao. They're from Davao City, Dipolog and other parts of Mindanao. But, it is also the Mamasapano incident that made me much closer to my one and only Moro classmate. 

The Senate investigation so far is being used as a political platform of some of the politicians. And Cayetano. OMG. Alan Peter Cayetano is making a fool of himself. 

Hayyy...