CORREGIDOR, CAVITE (18 MARCH 2022) – In line with Proclamation No. 0001, series of 2021, issued by Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, declaring every March of the year as “Bangsamoro History Month”, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPOS-BARMM) commemorated the 54th Anniversary of the Jabidah Massacre at Mindanao Garden of Peace, Corregidor Island, Cavite.
The Bangsamoro History Month banners the theme “Strengthening BARMM through the lessons of the past and the promises of the future.” The observance highlights the long history of the Bangsamoro and some of its most unforgettable chapters, including the Bud Dajo Massacre, the Jabidah Massacre, the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the inauguration of BARMM, and inaugural Session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, among others.
“The Jabidah narrative would become the seeds of the modern Bangsamoro struggle,” Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim stated in his message during the commemoration.
The 54-year old tragedy (Jabidah Massacre) served as the triggering point of the Moro Rebellion in Mindanao during the Marcos era. In fact, it pushed the Former Governor Udtog Matalam of Cotabato to call for the independence of Mindanao from the Philippines and formed the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM). Further, Former Lanao Del Sur Congressman Haroun Alrashid Lucman filed an impeachment complaint before the Congress but unfortunately failed to gather enough congressional support and resulted to its ultimate dismissal. As a result, he became convinced that Muslims should rule themselves in Muslim Mindanao instead – a conviction that led him not to seek his re-election and instead established the Bangsamoro Liberation Organization (BMLO) after the end of his term in 1969. Another breakthrough of this tragedy was the formation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and, subsequently, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – the organization that is currently leading the Bangsamoro Government. “This incident would not only expose the realities of covert military operations but would go on to set the fire of what would become a unified Bangsamoro consciousness,” the Chief Minister explained.
The commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre is a form of recognition of the despairs experienced by the Bangsamoro. It is an initiative towards healing the past, reconciliation, and unity of all the peoples in the country.
According to Minister Hussein P. Muñoz, “The BARMM Government and the entire Bangsamoro, will continue to commemorate, and enliven the sacrifices of the Bangsamoro Martyrs.”
