CORREGIDOR ISLAND- President Benigno Aquino sees a repeat of history in the current conflict in Sabah, comparing the Marcos plan to destablize and invade Sabah with the armed attempt of the Sulu sultanate to stake its claim on the territory.
In his speech during the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Jabidah massacre on Monday, Aquino said that those behind the latest attempt to occupy Sabah are using Moro lives to advance self-interest while the plotters are living comfortable lives.
He also cited its effect on the livelihood of Filipinos in Sabah.
"May nagsusubo pa rin sa kanila sa panganib, ipinapain ang kanilang kaligtasan, habang ang mga pasimuno naman ay kumportableng nanonood mula sa malayo," he said.
"Sa halip na sabihin sa kanilang, 'Umuwi na kayo, mahalaga ang buhay ninyo,' sige pa rin ang pag-uudyok, sige pa rin ang panggagatong, na tila ba mga piyesa lamang silang pineperdigana para sa kung-anong nakakubling layunin."
"Ang masasabi ko po: Kung para sa iba ay barya lamang ang buhay ng mga mga Moro, ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino- barya lamang na puwedeng isangkalan para sa pansariling interes- para sa akin, mali ang pananaw na ito."
Aquino said that just like the Jabidah massacre, the bloody conflict in Sabah was a "tragedy."
He reiterated the need for peaceful means to address grievances.
Aquino said he has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice and the Executive Secretary to conduct a study and propose a "roadmap" towards a "peaceful resolution" to the country's claim to Sabah.
He has also instructed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to recognize as a historical landmark the Garden of Peace being built at the site of the Jabidah massacre in Corregidor to honor the lives of those killed.
The Official Gazette, he says, has also published online a timeline and history about the Jabidah massacre.
He said that acknowledging the massacre is a way of recognizing the sacrifices of the Muslims as part of the country's national narrative.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
