AS I write this article, the local police in the province of Maguindanao continue to investigate the fatal shooting that happened last October 26, 2015 (Monday) in late afternoon along national highway of Tunuel, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality. A family riding a red Toyota Innova was brutally killed by unknown gunmen. I heard stories from the family of the victims that the murder may have been related to a standing family feud.
We talk about rido or family feud inside the classrooms. We talk about conflict in the study of Mindanao. We discuss it. But try to imagine your family wiped out just in few minutes. You heard the sound of gunshots coming from hi-powered firearms. Your close kin has just been killed. You saw your mom, sister, brother, and nephew shot in the head. What would you do? Anger eats you up. Revenge is inside your head. But will that help you get justice to your loved ones?
Cotabato City has been a home for my family and me. But people in the city do not feel safe because of the crimes related to rido, proliferation of firearms, and lack of peace and order. Although I agree that injustice is very widespread in different places of the world. But for a small (in terms of geographical area) city like Cotabato and more than fifty percent are Muslim Maguindanaons and Iranuns, I wonder why there is no peace and justice?
Peace advocates would say that there could be no peace without the firm establishment of justice. The more we see injustice, the more we realize the importance of establishing justice in the land. But can we really do it? Is there such thing as justice and peace? Or are they mere thoughts, abstract, or ideas?
Is rido cultural? I grew up knowing the real definition of rido. I had close relatives who were killed because of rido. Sad to say, as of today most of these cases of rido remain unresolved in terms of the legal process.
I think it is more than cultural. Family feuds happen almost anywhere in the world. Family feud was part of the plot of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Family feud also happens similar to gang war or frat war in schools or ghettos in urban areas.
A recent book entitled, Out of the Shadows (2013), mentioned an important aspect on rido. The book quoted the TAF (The Asia Foundation) research work on rido, “[C]lan feuding – or rido – is considered as the most important manifestation of horizontal violence in Mindanao. It involves retaliatory and therefore recurring acts of armed violence between families and kinship groups (clans), which are often carried out to avenge a perceived affront or injustice (Torres, 2007: 12)".
Rido has many angles and it is not just simply saying that it is cultural. We need to look at the "psychosocial aspect of violence –especially in the case of rido (Lara, 2013)”. Aside from that, we need to look into the "economic as well as political sources and functions of violence that exacerbates the incidence of rido. Thus, we need to break the idea that rido is something purely cultural or it is only happening among the Muslims or the indigenous peoples of Mindanao.
Conflict in Mindanao
As of now, peace advocates in Mindanao understand that "armed violence in Mindanao can be the product of politico-economic contestation at the community, provincial and sub-national levels. (Lara, 2013) Understanding the conflict in Mindanao requires us to review the different root causes of conflict. It is not merely about historical contestation about the Bangsamoro right to self-determination. The current reality on the ground will show that conflict happens because there are people who benefit in the status quo of political and economic situation.
Muslims view on justice
Muslims in Cotabato City
Muslims believe that the Holy Quran is guidance from Allah (SWT). We are taught in Islam that Allah (swt) has sent down the Qur'an as guidance for all of mankind, with all the rules and regulations we need to stay on the right track. We, Muslims, are proud to say that Islam is a very complete way of life. We firmly believe that every rule that is good for humanity has been ordained in the Shariah of Allah (swt). But in reality, it is different. In reality, our emotions rule our lives. Lack of understanding about Islam and justice affects the life we live in our communities.
We may talk about the philosophical definition of justice and peace for the rest of our lives, but how do we “operationalize”? How do make it a reality? Or better yet, what is “reality”?
May I remind my Muslim brethren that Allah says in the Qur'an: “Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.” (Surah An-Nahl: 90)
Another verse in the Holy Quran says that Allah Has Commanded us to be Just and Fair
“Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Al- lah is a better protector to both (than you). So follow not your lusts, lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witnesses or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is ever well acquainted with what you do (Surah Nisa: 135)”.
This verse in the Holy Quran can be applied in the situation in Cotabato City today. Clearly, our Allah has commanded us to stand for justice. Before Some so called Muslims are living in a state of ignorance of their own religion. Some so-called Muslims are only loyal, trustworthy among themselves and families. I do hope someday, Muslims in Cotabato City and in Mindanao will become true Muslims and followers of Islam and the Holy Quran.