ON the 56th anniversary of the Jabidah Massacre, a solemn call for transitional justice and healing resonates through the corridors of peace advocacy groups in Mindanao.
The tragedy, etched into the annals of history on March 18, 1968, marked a pivotal moment in the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination, shedding light on enduring injustices that demand redress.
Gus Miclat, Executive Director of Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), emphasized that the commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre transcends mere remembrance, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing quest for peace and justice in the Bangsamoro region.
Miclat underscored the historical significance of the massacre, attributing it to the oppressive actions of the Philippine government under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
March 18 holds dual significance as Bangsamoro Freedom Day and part of Bangsamoro History Month, symbolizing both resilience and the collective memory of a people striving for autonomy.
Integral to this pursuit of justice is the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), where the normalization annex established a Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). Tasked with addressing historical grievances and human rights violations, the TJRC stands as a beacon of hope for reconciliation.
Miclat urged solidarity among stakeholders, stressing the urgency of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs. He called upon the government to heed the recommendations of the TJRC, emphasizing that sustainable peace hinges on genuine acknowledgment and redress of historical injustices.
Miclat also reiterated the imperative of national healing, emphasizing the collective responsibility to forge a path towards a democratic, progressive, and peaceful Mindanao and Philippines. As the nation commemorates the Jabidah Massacre, the call for transitional justice reverberates as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Bangsamoro people. (CBC)
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