Whenever we speak of peacebuilding in Mindanao, we need to be reminded that there are several narratives both from within and without of the diverse inhabitants of the place.

The first is the IPs (Indigenous Peoples) narrative. There are two narratives: the non-Islamized IPs whose narratives of their own ancestral domain, specific and tribal identity and RSD (right to self determination) that differ from the Islamized IPs that have their own narrative that follow the narratives of their Muslim neighbors.

The second is the narrative of the Muslims: There are, at least three narratives – the traditional/sultanates’ narrative that tells of their origin and the dream of a return to their traditional roles before the conquest and before colonialism. There is also the Muslim narrative that began in the 1950s that continued until the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); and last, the Moro narrative that began with Maas Nur Misuari in the establishment of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the early 1970s that continues to the present (MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front) — the Bangsamoro narrative.

The third is the Christians' and settlers’ narratives that began in the second decade of the 1900 to the third and fourth decades until the post Second World War decades of the 1950s and the 1960s reaching its zenith in the partition of the Empire Province of Cotabato in 1965 (North Cotabato and South Cotabato) and later the further division of North Cotabato into three provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat following the election of the first Christian Governor (Carlos Cajelo) of original North Cotabato in the local elections of 1971.

Is there a possibility to weave these diverse narratives in our peacebuilding in Mindanao…?

In the past (as has been observed), we have established a hegemonic synthesis– Lanao Sur vs. Lanao Norte; North Cotabato vs. South Cotabato; Maguindanao vs. North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Then we used to have Autonomous Region in Region IX and another Autonomous Region in Region XII. This was followed by ARMM. All these past attempts were hegemonic synthesis, failing to take into consideration the diversity and the many narratives of the peoples of the region.

It is worthwhile and perhaps truly creative and innovative, that these many and diverse peoples take a look at the emerging concept of Bangsamoro and see if it can be an expression of a reconciled diversity in our part of Mindanao.

There is the danger that the new political entity becomes yet another hegemonic synthesis. If this happens, then it differs NOT from its predecessors.

There is a real new opportunity looming in the horizon for all the inhabitants of this part of Mindanao… to be united and reconciled… The MILF would be put to task, because this new political entity would be MILF-led. It would be real challenge for the MILF-led political entity to weave together our narratives and ‘craft’ a Basic Law that is Not Another Hegemonic Synthesis but a structure that bears the imprint not only of our diverse identities but also of our character…

Together we can forge a shared vision and a shared future… knowing fully well that our future and true empowerment as well as prosperity are intimately tied to each other…

 Fr. Eliseo Mercado is senior policy adviser at the Institute for Autonomy & Governance. Follow him on Twitter @junmeromi. More articles from Fr. Mercado