Philippines Close to Peace with Southern Muslim Region's Rebels

In an article titled, "Philippine Disarmament Clears Hurdle to Mindanao Peace, Growth" from bloomberg.com, posted on January 26, 2014, authors Joel Guinto and Clarissa Batino outline what seems to be a very promising peace accord with Islamist rebels in the Southern region of the Philippines. This has important implications for America on many levels. One of the most important right now would be economic, insofar as, if this peace accord goes through, then the Southern Philippines would contribute as much as $300 Billion more to their GDP. As a very reliable ally with the United States in the region, this would prove as an advantage. Another more minor result of the peace accord would mean wonders for tourism in the region, as tourism in the Southern Philippines has suffered since the kidnappings of Americans and Australians about 30 years ago by Islamist radicals.

I know from personal experience that the Filipino population love Americans and still have great respect for the American system and way of life. Even in popular vacationing spots in the Philippines, the government has enforces very harsh laws regarding the mistreatment of tourists – especially Americans. Many famous Americans have invested in the Philippines and the Filipinos want to keep it that way – expanding the possible zone for more investment would only help their cause.

The accord is still not final, however, and could fall apart if other less significant rebel groups try to undermine the peace talks. Hopefully, this will go through and open an otherwise limited market for economic opportunity – as well as cut down the violence in the highly Muslim populated area.

By Christopher M. Vacek