Pagpati'ut - Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

While, all things equal, there is nothing wrong with this set-up, the question
that comes to mind is sustainability and rootedness of the settlement. If
the holder of peace lies with the individual, what happens if the individual
has a change of heart What happens if the holder succumbs to illness
It is to the advantage of both the leader/ peace holder and the community
to strengthen existing mechanisms so that the responsibility in sustaining
peace would be with the people rather than individual leaders.
C O N C L U S I O N
mayor of Panglima Estino to which Barangay Punay belongs to is said to
practice his own style of leadership. The combatant-turned-statesman of
Silangkan also has his leadership style that endears him to his people – a
need be, to protect and advance the interests of his people.
Whether these styles of leadership comply with the democracy and good
governance tenets of the national government is something that perhaps
needs a second look. But the more relevant question here is – what is
the most appropriate style of leadership and governance framework for
localities like Sulu, taking in serious consideration the historical context
economic condition of the people, their level of education, and the level
of political sophistication (i.e., the level of appreciation as regards the
intricacies of the political system).
A generalist and sweeping imposition of a prescribed brand of political
system might not work. A very localized and relativist brand might not also
be ideal. A middle ground position, one that takes in serious consideration
the history and context of the peoples, but at the same time is concerned
with developing common and agreeable political standards and rules, is
what is needed.
The authors believe that the Moros have proven their resilience in resisting
the direct imposition of the state. A clear proof of this is the fact that
until now, while state institutions exist and are acknowledged in Moro
communities, they are appropriated and reinterpreted in most cases,
municipalities, the leader (whether Mayor or Barangay Captain) performs
the function of executive, legislative, and judiciary. While this practice may
seem questionable in the eyes of someone who is brought up to believing
that “check-and-balance” should be observed at all cost, the counter
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