THE ALYANSA ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (Alliance of Mindanao Youth for Peace) exists to end violence and assert the role and participation of the youth in creating a peaceful Mindanao since 2002. It was when former President Joseph E. Estrada declared the All-Out War against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In May, the 1st Mindanao Youth Peace Camp which gathered more or less 500 Lumad, Moro and Migrant youth in General Santos City committed to pursue solidarity among the tri-people youth and affirm their role in safeguarding their victories and peoples’ rights.
In our consistent efforts to fulfill human rights and self-determination of peoples in Mindanao, we, the tri-people youth felt denied and marginalized in the top-level and exclusivist peace processes in Mindanao, particularly the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace talks. As our elders shape our future, we are left without being consulted and involved which added to the uncertainties that we are already experiencing. It is akin to forcing us to be leaders without even training us to lead.
The AKMK, as a space for solidarity and unity among the tri-people youth and as the legitimate heir of the future, demands to claim our stake in the process as our right and responsibility to a peaceful and inclusive Mindanao. Particularly, we assert our participation to push our following interests: respect and recognition of our rights as young people; respect, recognition and protection of the Peoples’ Rights and Self-Determination; sustainable, pro-people and ecologically-sound economic programs/projects; cultural sensitivity and respect and recognition of vital role of women in the society; and the empowerment of the communities thru genuine delivery of social services without prejudices.
Importantly, we are in solidarity with the young indigenous peoples in the core area of the prospective Bangsamoro, the Teduray, Lambangian Youth and Students Association (TLYSA) in their call for respect, recognition and protection of their rights over their ancestral domain and the practice of their traditional justice and governance without conditions. We also support the genuine realization of the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination.
In our efforts to advance the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro, we stand by our principle of equality. It should not violate or neglect the pursuance of the right to self determination of the indigenous peoples.
As we respect and commend the efforts of our elders in building peace in Mindanao, we also would like to urge our fellow young peoples and other members of society to collectively safeguard all these victories and strengthen our solidarity in the pursuit for real peace and development in our communities. We must continue to be vigilant and critical in promoting and asserting our rights to justice and peace.
We are in Solidarity with all oppressed peoples and struggling sections/sectors/classes in the Bangsamoro, Indigenous Peoples and Philippine societies. National Liberation must also be a Social Liberation.
In the name of our ancestors, our peers and the coming generations, we have to take and wave the banner of collective actions for inclusive victories.
Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan
(Alliance of Mindanao Youth for Peace)
First Council Meeting of the 8th Council of Peoples’ Representatives
Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Mindanao, Philippines
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