南部フィリピン紛争 : 宗教的民族概念の形成と再定義をめぐって

Abstract

This study discusses the reasons for the formation of the concept of Bangsa Moro as a separate semi-religious nationality and the manner in which it was transformed since its inception. It focuses on the political thoughts of young Islamic intellectuals who were educated in Middle Eastern Islamic universities and established a strong influence among the Muslim communities in the Philippines. These intellectuals initially considered the Philippines as their homeland and aspired to implement social reforms on the basis of Islamic ideas to secure the future of the Muslim society in the Philippines. However, the increasing marginalization and militant aggression in the late 1960s compelled some of them to support the armed revolutionary movement. The concept of Bangsa Moro was created to express a nationality that contains both territorial and religious elements. Since the mid-1980s, non-separatist liberal Muslim intellectuals and activists reinterpreted the concept of Bangsa Moro, and they are now using the term “Bangsamoro” to express the identity of a Muslim citizen who actively participates in the reformation and development of the society. The term serves as an ideology to legitimize the demands of the Muslim citizens for the provision of social justice for marginalized people in Southern Philippines. In addition, the term “Bangsamoro” is officially used by the Philippine government to express the identity of Muslims and other original inhabitants of Southern Philippines. The term is also adopted as the name of a new autonomous political entity to be formulated. However, the mere formulation of a new autonomous government will not be sufficient to solve the conflict which is rooted in the indignation of the Muslim masses about insecurity, inequality, and injustices. Implementing meaningful reforms to ensure their survival and security is the key to resolving the conflict.