Philippines: Muslim Politician from Mindanao: Catholic education helped me in the commitment to peace

Manila - "Receiving a Catholic education has helped me to respect the different faiths and to engage in dialogue for peace in Mindanao." This was the statement from Nabil Tan, a Muslim, deputy governor of ARMN (Autonomus Region in Muslim Mindanao) for 17 years engaged in the peace process between the Philippine government and separatist rebels MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front).

Despite ARMN being Muslim majority, out of 50 schools 18 are run by Catholics. There are many families of Islamic faith who choose a Catholic education for their children.

Nabil Tan was born in Sulu in 1959 and attended Notre Dame Catholic School from kindergarten to high school. Upon graduation from high school he enrolled at the Philippine Muslim College where he graduated in law.  

"The education and the Catholic values that I have received since childhood influenced my whole life - affirmed the politician – I have kept them alive in my mind to lead a righteous life through my work and serve the people and the poor in the light of faith in God".

  Tan says that in his school, sharing and respect for different faiths was one of the key elements. "I remember our teacher, an American, made Muslim and Christian students recite morning prayer,  each according to his faith - he says - this happened in my village where I and my family shared with neighbouring Christian Christmas celebrations and we exchanged gifts. In turn, Christians celebrated Ramadan. "

According to Nabil Tan the situation in Mindanao started to change in 1974, when Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu started the war against the Philippine army. Since that time, most foreign investors have left the region, causing a sharp rise in unemployment and poverty. In fact, Tan says that one of the main reasons for the war is the lack of economic resources and services for the population. Young Muslims prefer the ranks of the MILF rather than "working with a corrupt and unjust government." He adds that "the government in addition to pursuing a dialogue with the MILF should encourage economic growth and enhance human and spiritual capital of the Christians and Muslims that characterizes the region." Tan says the only way for this to happen is to bring a permanent peace to Mindanao.

The Muslim majority region of Mindanao has been the scene of a conflict between Philippine army and Islamic extremist groups for more than 40 years. They have for centuries demanded rule of the island to establish an independent Islamic state. The clashes have affected millions of people regardless of faith, causing between 2008 and 2009 over 750 thousand refugees. Catholic Church and Islamic organizations, like the Forum of bishops and ulema (Bishop Ulama Forum), for years have continued to propose a way forward for dialogue.