Understanding Moro identity of predicaments

Moro nationalism is a contradiction in terms if we accept the fact that the Moros are the Islamized Filipino groups.

According to Prof. A. Madale:

the term "Moro" certainly refers to the Tau Sug of Sulu, the Maguindanaos of Cotabato provinces, the Maranao of the Lanao provinces, the Sama of Tawi-Tawi, the Jama Mapun of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi, the Belegnan of Davao, the Yakan of Basilan and the Sangils of Davao Gulf.

If the above term is the so-called Bangsamoro people, then the Moros possess different and varying socio-cultural backgrounds and speak different dialects belonging to the Mindanao-Sulu ethno-linguistic groups. Similarly the colonial Filipinos possess diverse languages and dialects such as the Tagalogs, Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Sugbohanon, Hiligaynon, Aklanon, Surigawnon, etc.. etc.. However, the contradictions with Filipino is that, the national language is Tagalog in disguise of Pilipino -- and this is an imposed culture in the Philippine educational system.

Another contradictions of Moro nationalism, is that, there are Tau Sug, Yakan, Maranaos, Maguindanao who are already Christian. Likewise, an Ilocano, Cebuano, Ilongo, Chinese, Chavacano in Mindanao who are already Muslim. So, how do we label their national identity? Is this clear in the Bangsamoro constitution if there is?

Clearly to say, the cry of Moro nationalism nowadays is an outcome of the continuing past predicaments, this is a psychological defense under the conditions of prolonged inferiority complex and socio-cultural oppression, particularly colonialism and racism of the dominant pseudo-culture of the Filipino nationalism. The Moro nationalism is a nationalist identity development in the process among the oppressed intellectuals in Mindanao who are tied together by their profession of Islam, the religion of peace.

The Moro nationalism is a continuing expedition for self-determination. This type of ethnocentric nationalist consciousness is temporary an intellectual capitulation. Just like Filipinos which is a colonial (identity) name manifesting inferiority complex.