Divide and Conquer: Pawns in the Bangsamoro Homeland
The strategy of “divide and conquer” has been a longstanding tool used by powerful entities to maintain control over regions and populations. In this approach, the primary intent is to split a united populace into factions, often through misinformation, manipulation, or fostering internal conflicts, rendering them less capable of challenging the status quo. In the context of the Bangsamoro Homeland, this manipulation continues to play a significant role, with the people being used as pawns in a larger game of control and dominance.
Imagine a scenario where different clans, ethnic groups, and political factions within the Bangsamoro region are urged to prioritize their own interests.
External powers or local elites might exploit existing historical grievances, ethnic loyalties, or religious differences to deepen divides. For instance, certain groups might be encouraged to believe that their specific identity or land rights are under threat, leading to protests, armed clashes, and political instability.
While these conflicts consume energy, resources, and attention among the Bangsamoro people, the real beneficiaries, external governments, foreign investors, or corrupt local elites continue to manipulate policies and economic resources behind the scenes. They maintain the status quo of control over land, resources, and political influence, effectively keeping the people occupied with internal strife rather than united against overarching challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment, and marginalization.
This divide and conquer tactic ensures that the Bangsamoro community remains fragmented and less capable of collective action. Instead of organizing for true self-determination, the people are distracted by ongoing conflicts, often rooted in manipulated historical grievances. Meanwhile, those who benefit from the division consolidate power, continue resource extraction, and influence regional policies—keeping the Bangsamoro Homeland under a cycle of instability and dependency.
In the game of divide and conquer, the people of Bangsamoro are often mere pawns, manipulated into fighting each other while external and internal benefactors carve out dominance. Recognizing this pattern is crucial for fostering unity, promoting genuine peace, and empowering the Bangsamoro community to navigate beyond manipulation towards self-determined progress. True resilience lies in uniting against common challenges and resisting efforts to divide, so that everyone can move forward together. Allah knows best. (Note: This article is shared by BMN/BangsamoroToday with the author’s permission, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr.)
