Isu Autonomi Masyarakat Islam di Selatan Filipina: Rundingan Awal di Zaman Presiden Corazon Aquino, 1986 - 1987

The Issue of Autonomy for the Muslim Community in Southern Philippines: Early Negotiations during the Presidency of Corazon Aquino, 1986–1987

Abstract

Pergolakan di selatan Filipina yang melibatkan tuntutan masyarakat Islam terhadap keadilan dalam politik, sosial dan ekonomi telah berlangsung begitu lama yakni sebelum dan selepas kemerdekaan Filipina. Meskipun masyarakat Islam pada awalnya merupakan penduduk majoriti di wilayah tersebut, hak dan kedudukan mereka semakin terhakis akibat daripada polisi kerajaan yang mengutamakan kepentingan penduduk Kristian. Penindasan kerajaan pusat terhadap masyarakat Islam dilihat begitu ekstrim terutamanya ketika di era pentadbiran Presiden Ferdinand Marcos. Meskipun telah banyak rundingan dijalankan ketika era Presiden Ferdinand Marcos dengan Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) sehingga membawa kepada Perjanjian Tripoli pada tahun 1976, namun kandungan perjanjian tersebut tidak pernah terlaksana. Setelah Presiden Corazon Aquino mengambil alih pentadbiran Filipina, rundingan baharu disambung semula dengan kedua-dua pihak bersetuju untuk menjadikan wilayah autonomi sebagai penyelesaian berbanding kemerdekaan. Kajian ini menjelaskan bahawa rundingan awal di era Presiden Corazon Aquino menjadi pemangkin usaha kerajaan pusat Filipina untuk merealisasikan pembentukan kerajaan autonomi Bangsamoro. Ketegasan Presiden Aquino untuk menjayakan wilayah autonomi tersebut menjadi antara faktor utama Akta Republik 6734 dapat diluluskan dalam tempoh tiga tahun lebih pentadbirannya. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif untuk menganalisis pelbagai rekod dan sumber termasuklah sumber primer dan sekunder. 

The conflict in the southern Philippines, involving the demands of the Muslim community for justice in political, social, and economic spheres, has persisted for a significant period—both before and after the country’s independence. Although the Muslim population originally constituted the majority in the region, their rights and status have gradually been eroded as a result of government policies that prioritised the interests of the Christian population. The central government’s oppression of the Muslim community was particularly severe during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos. Despite numerous negotiations taking place during Marcos’ era with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), culminating in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, the provisions of the agreement were never fully implemented. When President Corazon Aquino assumed leadership of the Philippines, negotiations were resumed, with both parties agreeing to pursue autonomy for the region as a solution, rather than full independence. This study argues that the initial negotiations during President Corazon Aquino’s administration served as a catalyst for the central government’s efforts to establish an autonomous Bangsamoro government. President Aquino’s firm commitment to the autonomy agenda was a key factor in the successful passage of Republic Act No. 6734 within just over three years of her administration. This study adopts a qualitative approach to analyse a range of records and sources, including both primary and secondary materials.