Muslims, leftists clash in Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines - Hours before the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Bangsamoro peace deal at Malacañang yesterday, supporters of the peace pact clashed with National Democratic Front (NDF) militants in Mendiola.

At least 10 persons were reportedly injured in the incident that occurred at about 10 a.m. when around 100 militant supporters of the NDF, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, arrived near the Mendiola peace arch where more than a thousand Muslims were praying and reading the Koran.

Ground commander Superintendent Bert Esusan downplayed the incident, describing the incident as a mere misunderstanding between the two groups.

But a witness told The STAR that before the encounter, the Muslims were praying quietly as they waited for the historic signing of the peace agreement.

He said the mood was also festive as the Bangsamoro supporters celebrated what they called a chance to finally bring lasting peace in Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro peace caravan started Wednesday night and continued until yesterday.

By around 10 a.m., the witness said, more than 100 NDF supporters, mostly wearing masks, arrived chanting and waving their red banner.

They also brought loudspeakers that drowned out all other sounds in Mendiola, including the voices of the praying Muslims.

Musa Sultan, a leader of Saksi Islamic Radio Forum based in Lanao, said they did not know that the other group was a supporter of the communist movement.

Sultan said when they arrived at Legarda, a group carrying red flags blocked and tried to prevent them from joining other groups who were praying.

He said they went to the area to pray and thank the international groups who supported the peace deal, and they did not know some had wanted to create trouble.

“We can’t understand why they want trouble… we’re tired of that, we want peace,” he said as he called on other groups to stop opposing the peace agreement.

The Muslims watched and waited for the NDF supporters to finish expressing their grievances.

The NDF supporters reportedly shouted “Mabuhay ang Kilusan,” to which the Muslims responded with “Allahu Akbar” (Glory to God).

“That sparked the clash,” the source said.

The NDF supporters reportedly fled toward Morayta street as the Muslims pursued them.

The arrival of the police ended the trouble.

At least 10 NDF supporters were reportedly found injured along the streets leading to Morayta. None of them filed a complaint with the police.

After the clash, the Bangsamoro supporters resumed their prayer rally.