The Filipino Muslim Discourse.

a note by Yusuf Morales,PhD

Introduction : It is a given fact that only 30-40 per cent of Muslims now reside in Mindanao. the 60-70 percent now live in either Luzon and Visayas and abroad (as Overseas foreign workers). This in itself presents a different context to an argument that Muslims are primarilly based in Mindanao and Basulta (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi) migration and displacement has diffused the Filipino Muslim population throughout the country. Historical basis: Given the fact that Muslims prior to the arrival of the Spaniards had established kingdoms and communities outside of Mindanao, primarilly the Luzon based kingdoms of Tundok, Kota Seludong, Balayan and Macabebe. This shows the historical reality that Muslims existed not only in Mindanao. A second reality is that a huge percentage of Filipinos from Luzon and Visayas have embraced Islam, earning the term "balik-Islam" (reverts to islam). One can look at the Balik Islam context in two ways : first, these people are merely returning to their original roots as Muslims before the arrival of the Spaniards, and second it is the assumption of an identity which is both Filipino and Muslim. This discourse therefore, appears separate from the Separatist struggle of the Bangsamoro movement in Mindanao. Philosophical Basis: Like the Indigenous peoples, Filipino Muslims, whether Moro (claiming cultural roots from Mindanao) of Balik Islam (reverts) both have a primal right to be called first peoples alongside the Lumads. Although there may be a slight historical disconnect with the dissolution of the Muslim kingdoms of Luzon and Vishaya, but with the inlfux of ethnic Filipino Muslims and the gradual increase of reverts, this discourse has made it more pronounced than ever. Using the term Islamized IP's may not be far off, since Muslims were originally Indigenous peoples professing another faith before embracing Islam. Political Stance: The state as much as in the present era of Islamophobia and Muslim groups engaging in Violent extremism, would view Muslims with suspicion and doubt. considering that the Ethnic Muslims (moros) have managed to carve out political arrangements with the state, there is as much as a big question as to how should non-Mindanao based Filipino Muslims should engage with the state? Considering that Filipino Muslims are part and parcel of this country, irrespective of the point as to what name or identity that we ascribe unto ourselves. Where and what are we looking at. The Filipino Muslims should look at engagement with the Filipino state from a persepective of "taking our rights back" and should view the state as one who needs to understand and that Filipino Muslims "must be understood". This means that the Filipino Muslim should active participate and engage with the state both in a discourse and a dialogue that while it seek to fully understand its identity, it also seeks understanding and public space in the Philippine Society.