By Abdullah M. Qutb

February 5, 2010 - This was the reaction of a political officer of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officer based in the Province of South Cotabato after hearing ousted president Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s message last January 27 in Koronadal City.

Estrada, who is again seeking presidency come May national and local elections under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), was in Koronadal City last Jan. 27 to facilitate the oath taking of his party lineups in the Province of South Cotabato.

In his speech, Estrada boasted that during his term he was about to eliminate threats of communist insurgency and Moro rebellion and that he was able to conquer Camp Abubakar, the largest MILF camp, in his 2000 all-out-war policy.

“This military victory,” he added, “was a step towards an implementation of a genuine peace and development initiatives in Mindanao.”

However, he was ousted by “only 2 million demonstrators in EDSA” that led to the non-fulfillment of all his visions in Mindanao.

On the issue of the current peace process between the government and the MILF, Estrada is opposed to the creation of a future state for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao because “Mindanao is not only for the Bangsamoro people alone.”

“No single sector owns it because it (Mindanao) is for the whole Filipino nation. I will not allow separation of even an inch of the Philippine territory,” Estrada emphasized.

Reacting on this statement, the political officer, who requested anonymity, called on Estrada “to shut up, zip his mouth and refrain from resorting to black propaganda especially in relation to the Mindanao situation.”

“Estrada should act as a politician and prove to the people that he is qualified for presidency rather than act as a movie actor. Politicians are public servants while actors are entertainers. He should distinguish between these two separate things,” MILF officer said.

Meanwhile, an activist in Metro Manila disclosed that since his ouster on January 20, 2001, Estrada financed most of the destabilization plots against the government.

Estrada declared an all-out war against the MILF in 2000 to avenge the death of his nephew (one report said, son out of wedlock), 1st Lt. Don Alfonso Javier, who was slain in an encounter with MILF troops in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on March 15, 2000.
Then, after capturing the lower portion of Camp Abubakar, Estrada celebrated the “military victory” by holding a pork and beer feast at the former MILF’s headquarters, in gross disrespect for Muslim religious practices.