The Moros have long defended their right to self-determination. Since the Spanish colonization of what the conquistadores would later call the Philippines, up to the American occupation, Moros in Southern Philippines have battled invaders who sought to violently subdue them, in order to get hold of the resource-rich land and resources of Mindanao. Manila-based governments have engaged the Moros alternately in war and peace, and it wasn’t until recently, under the administration of Pres. Benigno Aquino III, that peace seemed to be within reach.
The peace was broken, however, on January 25 when members of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force launched an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The incident burst into the national consciousness, so to speak, and drew attention to the fragile peace that has been holding in Mindanao for at least three years now.
Not many have properly explained the history behind the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination and explored the implications of the war to the people. This timely documentary is an attempt to discuss the roots of the conflict and present a deep understanding of the Bangsamoro’s struggle to attain genuine peace and autonomy.