MANY among the key stakeholders interviewed in the two-hour ANC documentary expressed hope for peace in Mindanao. But they admitted that it would mean re-building trust, the most vital element in peace-building...

The success of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland after decades of conflict, is proof that we can attain peace as long as there is willingness to listen, learn from past experiences, and restructure negotiations. David Gorman, Manila-based representative of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, reinforces need for confidence-building and a focus on nine other prerequisites. One is creating new structures and mechanisms that recognize MILF concerns by having more international support and expertise on troublesome issues.

In an earlier column, I described cases in Namibia, Serbia/Kosovo, Indonesia Aceh, and other conflict-ridden areas which Johan Galtung and the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ahtisaari successfully mediated. In most cases, the elements that Gorman cited existed — avoidance of preconditions, going beyond past achievements or agreements and focusing on the aspirations of both parties, key issues not previously discussed, and making sure that key concerns are not put off such as final status of the region, disposition of forces, and demilitarization of militias; keeping channels of communication open, to persevere regardless of difficulties; use a two-track approach, one where key stakeholders are well informed, their voices heard; as well as the other track — where negotiations are kept out of the limelight as parties become more prone to posturing than negotiating. While transparency in the dissemination of information, and articulation of various voices is encouraged, it is important to maintain privacy of the actual negotiation.

Gorman adds the element of courage and imagination in overcoming political constraints so as not to exploit divisions, as well as overcoming constitutional constraints. Finally, he emphasized need to have a detailed plan backed up by local and international community before signing of any agreement.

A lesson learned is that of ensuring that intent and procedures in peace agreements are aligned with public expectations, and to prepare the people, especially major stakeholders of possible outcomes, as well as the exercise of prudence and caution.

As Gen. Raymundo Ferrer noted in the documentary, there were earlier attacks, but the military was careful not to accuse the MILF of coddling terrorists. Its intervention was to stop fighting which broke out only when MILF commanders Bravo and Kato interpreted the MOA as a done deal and began moving into some communities. They were known to be cooperative but the MOA made monsters of them (Dolorfino). The decision of the Supreme Court and the editorials "overwhelmed the people on the ground," according to Fr. Eliseo Mercado who asked, "Where were the local Peace Councils and the police forces?"

"Moving on" must also include re-examining the Tripoli or 1996 Peace Agreement on expanded autonomy and to try to make it work. As several panelists noted, the main hurdle in its implementation was the absence of real autonomy and trust. (Sema) With the escalation of fear among many throughout the country, it almost seemed impossible to return to the past. But there was expressed hope in the evolutionary approach – that with continuing dialogue a solution that responds to authentic needs may be arrived at. Perhaps a mechanism such as an Experts’ Group which can study the problem in depth may assist the peace process, according to Irene Santiago. Mediation offered by our international experts are useful but there may be a need for a local counterpart. A change in mindset in the negotiators, one that recognizes the problem as more than legal, will be necessary, according to Jajure who described it as a centuries-old problem of a minoritized group that had been marginalized. It is having both political and economic participation in the building of a national identity (Quilop).

To move forward is to look back at past injustices and the historical past, Carol Arguillas noted and to respond to the truth and aspirations of indigenous people whose rights are not even guaranteed in past agreements including the MOA-AD, according to La Vina.

Co-conceptualizers and producers of the documentary, Steve Rood, of the Asia Foundation and the Canadian Embassy representative raised the importance of looking at the big picture – the role of various stakeholders – Peace Development Councils, business groups, the bishops, the grassroots communities in the building of sustainable, as well as the impact of the peace process in regional security. My e-mail is florangel.braid@gmail.com.