The Moro Armed Struggle in the Philippines: The Nonviolent Autonomy Alternative Macapado Abaton Muslim

The "Moro problem" involves Muslim separatism and violent conflict in the southern Philippines. Philippine Muslims, known as Moros, have been considered "trouble makers" in Mindanao by a succession of Philippine governments. The historical roots of the Moro problem can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period. In Dr. Peng Hui's paper, she discusses this problem from three perspectives: modernization vs. marginalization, the prototypical Moro image and the link between the clientelist political system and Muslim clan system. She argues that the Moro problem is probably the most important domestic issue facing the Philippine government and that the collision between northern-dominated electoral politics and southern tribal politics will continue for a long time to come. Key words: Moro Problem; Marginalization; Moro Image; Clan System