A GROTESQUE EXAMPLE
By Ramesh A. Dataya, Copyright 1999

Man’s struggle for independence has a very long history; so long, in fact, that it may even be considered as old as humanity itself. It’s as if oppression takes place almost every where – whether in a huge country such as America or a small one such as the Philippines. It’s as if tyranny is a certainty in life, even in a place where there is supposedly democracy. It’s as if man’s patience can never be thick enough to forgive and forget the atrocities committed to them by the people supposedly above them.

History is littered with several accounts of people fighting and even risking their lives for independence. Of course, that it is understandable. The thought of being oppressed, harassed and maltreated is enough to draw these people to fight for their rights, independence and democracy. As a result, hundreds of tyrants who once ruled supreme were overthrown, and realizing in the end that it is never right to make foolishness out of the will of others – no matter how low their stature may be.

The recent incidents in East Timor – a former Portuguese colony that has been occupied by Indonesia since 1975 – are the latest examples. Pre-dominantly Christians, East Timor has had to endure over two long decades all the rules, laws and regulations of Indonesia, which is primarily a Muslim-dominated country. Putting ourselves into the their shoes, we can easily understand all their sentiments about being subjugated to the laws, ethics and culture that they were never accustomed to. This by itself epitomizes the form of tyranny in East Timor. And this is the very same element that drove the majority of East Timor to chant and demand for one thing: INDEPENDENCE.

Some time ago, Indonesian president B.J Habibie heeded this call and agreed to hold a referendum to determine whether or not to give independence to East Timor. Though he was personally against it, Habibie succumbed to worldwide pressure, aware that they may fall into the wrong side of several pro-democracy countries if this referendum would not be held. Organized by the United Nations (UN), the referendum pushed through last August. Of course, the majority of people in East Timor voted for independence overwhelmingly, thus becoming the latest would-be beneficiaries of independence and the inspiration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its’ own drive to secure Independence in some parts of the Philippines.

Of course, the MILF took advantage of the ‘East Timor example’. In fact, in a recent issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, an official of the MILF was quoted as saying that East Timor’s referendum for Independence serves as an eye-opening example for the MILF to follow. Not only does a referendum like this will help improve the MILF’s dream of independence (yes, and not just full autonomy) for Mindanao, but it also poses as the most peaceful option for them and the Philippine government. After all, a peaceful way to gain independence will always be the better way.

But not long after the MILF issued their statements, violence suddenly erupted in East Timor. Pro-Indonesia militia, angered with the turn out of the referendum, unleashed a torrent of violent escapades that shocked not only the nation, but also the rest of the world. Several innocent people were mercilessly killed and slaughtered; hundreds of residences were burned – including that of Noble Peace Prizewinner Bishop Carlos Belo – and worse, a frightening brand of racial cleansing emerged.

These pro-Indonesia militias simply cannot accept that Indonesia had lost grip of East Timor, and thereby resorting to commit dastardly acts to intimidate and thwart East Timor’s plight for Independence.

What was once considered as a peaceful way to gain independence, what was supposed to be the most humane way to secure freedom, instead resulted in violence of a terribly huge magnitude. Yes, It is genocide. Yes, It is racial cleansing. And at worst, it is a clear violation of both the rights and will of the people.

The recent incidents in Indonesia only show that no matter how peaceful the process to determine or yield independence, there will always be resistance. And this resistance can be so violent – as the East Timor crisis clearly shows.

Should the Philippine Government and the MILF agree to hold a referendum like this, both sides should not undermine the consequences that may follow. After all, the judgement of many cannot satisfy the minds of everyone. For example, should Mindanao vote "Yes" to independence, expect the millions of Christians and other non-muslims to protest this vehemently. Soon there will be genocide and violence will surely erupt. It is also possible that the Philippine Government – which obviously doesn’t want to lose any part of the Philippines – would even take sides with these protesters and lend them support in their bid for an all-out war. This was exactly what happened in East Timor.

Should Mindanao vote "No", the MILF and its’ millions of supporters have no recourse but to continue their rebellion. After all, losing in a referendum like this surely doesn’t mean one’s surrender.

I am totally for independence for Mindanao, but I want it to be achieved in a very, very peaceful way. All men have emotions, and I am no exception. I do not want to see people fighting and killing each other. I do not want to see blood spilled out there in the streets and hatred painted in the faces of people with opposing ideas. And I do not want to see people ganging up on someone just because he dreamt of independence.

These are the scenes to be seen in East Timor – a country that truly deserves the right to be free. And simply put, I do not want to see these scenes happening right here in my homeland. I do not think that what transpired in East Timor is very inspiring, for it is actually a grotesque example to all people dreaming of independence.

Racial cleansing is a very cruel experience, one that shows the evil side of man. The would-be sight of my Muslim brothers being killed and butchered is appalling. It is this that we fear. And it is this that people of this peace-loving Homeland do not want. In my opinion, the East Timor crisis only warns us to be more careful in our approach to be free and to be independent from the chains of a long, cruel tyranny.

Yes, we might have to wait a little longer to achieve our freedoms, but that’s much better than having none at all. After all, the pursuit of freedom is a matter of patience and the desire – not violence and bloodshed.