Mindanao Muddle : Insight into the conflict
 

January 2nd, 2008 by Rebecca Henschke  Print This Post/Page

Philippines INTRO (web)_3.JPGThe Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippines Government say they are on the path to signing a final peace deal early next year.

Both sides say they are close to reaching an agreement on what the Muslims call ‘ancestral domain’; land that historically belongs to them on the Island of Mindanao.

This would put an end nearly three decades of fighting. However, observers are warning that even if an agreement can be reached, it will be very difficult to implement.

There are many potential spoilers, the presence of pro-government civilian militias, long running clan wars and the large population of Christian settlers.

In this investigative series Rebecca Henschke takes a look at the Mindanao Muddle.

 

Mindanao Muddle: The historical roots of the conflict

January 1st, 2008 by Rebecca Henschke
 

Philippines_historic_conflict__web_.JPGThe Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippines Government say they are on the path to signing a final peace deal this … more

 

Mindanao Muddle : The child fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

December 11th, 2007 by Rebecca Henschke
 

MILF_rebels_2__web_.JPGThe MILF, the largest rebel group in South-East Asia, has been fighting for decades for an autonomous Bangsamoro homeland on the island … more

 

Mindanao Muddle : Fighting the hidden war in the hearts of the people

December 11th, 2007 by Rebecca Henschke
 

Philippines_inter_faith_ed__web_.JPGThe Philippines government says it has reached an agreement with the country’s main Islamic separatist group on boundaries for a Muslim homeland. The … more

 

Poverty is the Enemy in Manila’s War Against Terrorism

December 11th, 2007 by Rebecca Henschke
 

Philipine__web_.JPGWelcome to island Paradise’ is the sign that greets visitors to Baslian Island, in the Southern Philippines. However there are no longer … more

 

Clan Warfare Taking Place at an Alarming Level in Southern Philippines

December 11th, 2007 by Rebecca Henschke
 

Philippines_clan_warfare__web_.JPGClan wars, known locally as ‘rido’, are alarmingly widespread in the Southern Philippines. That’s according to a recent study carried out by … more

 

Do You Want to Live Tomorrow? Threats Part of the Job for Journalists in Mindanao

December 11th, 2007 by Rebecca Henschke
 

Philippines_Media__web_.JPGMindanao in the Southern Philippines is one of the most dangerous place to work as a journalist in the world; second to … more

 


ON AIR THIS WEEK
 

Bangladesh stops rice subsidy program amidst sky-high prices: In Bangladesh there are mounting fears of a famine after the government stopped providing subsidized rice this week. Prices of all essential goods have almost doubled this year, putting staple food well out of reach of millions of people. Adding to the suffering is the fact rice storehouses are not releasing their stock in attempt to maximize their profit.  As Michael Leung reports, the government wants people to eat potatoes as a solution to the crisis.

Urban and Organic farming a way out of the food shortage crisis in the Philippines: With rice prices hitting record highs, tensions are rising across the Philippines.  As part of its efforts to cut wastage and consumption, the government has urged restaurants to offer their customers the option of having just half the rice they normally get. However, NGO groups say the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed. Madonna Virola meets with a group who believe returning to organic urban farming is one way out of crisis.

Asia Calling : Your Window on Asia