Pagpati'ut - Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

This physical absence of the local chief executive gives groups the
opportunity not only to assert their authority but also to operate
unadulterated. In almost the whole of Sulu, respondents claim, that there
is little, in some parts even no government presence, save for the military.
It is the military (marines) that serve as ‘credible deterrent’ that prevents
some of the armed groups from attacking each other.
Without a dominant political leadership that inspires, there seems to
emerge a free-for-all game to claim ‘authority.’
In the local level, members of the council of elders are regarded as the
traditional and customary community leaders; these days, their function
recognized by the state, for the simple reason that they are duly elected.
As mentioned earlier, they have control over the IRA. Finally, there are the
armed groups whose source of authority is the barrel of the gun
These three groups – the elders, the Barangay, and the private armed
groups – exist parallel with each other, virtually or actually competing
to get the respect of the people and be recognized as the legitimate 25
authority.
P R E S E N T A T I O N & A N A L Y S I S O F F I N D I N G S
5. Limited political space available
Especially for the young and educated Moros, the political system
apparently provides little space for them. An interesting claim posed
by a young Moro scholar connects education with radicalization of
dissent. Accordingly, when young and idealistic Moros who are raised in
a limiting environment are given a chance to pursue higher education (in
Jolo, Zamboanga, Manila, or abroad), they will be exposed to the vast
possibilities of opportunities. When they come back and are confronted
frustration can be so severe, and hence possible actions can also be
extreme. Another respondent, likewise a college graduate, claims that he
actually entertained the thought of joining a rebel group out of frustration
and resentment.
25 Legitimacy is different from legality. The former pertains to the recognition of the
people that the leader or the policy is morally or ethically right or acceptable. It is
therefore a subjective notion that can be bestowed, but can also be recalled. Legality
concerns the compliance with existing constitution, laws, and jurisprudence.
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