Military Governorship as a Solution to the Insurgency Problem in Southern Philippines

Abstract : The institution of a Military Governor for a limited period of time offers a viable solution to ending the insurgency problem in Basilan and Sulu provinces in the Southern Philippines. This action will unify civil and military efforts under one authority. While there appears to be a growing understanding that the solution requires a whole-of-government approach, previous efforts have failed largely due to the uncoordinated and sometimes conflicting efforts from all government stakeholders. The successful counterinsurgency pursued by the British and the United States in Malaya and the Philippines, respectively, all point out to the power possessed by a Military Governor to address both the civil and military aspects of the insurgency problem. In applying the same system to Basilan and Sulu, there is a chance of ending the conflict as it will unify the civil and military effort that is crucial to counterinsurgency. Additionally, this system also will force effective governance, which is important in alienating the people from the insurgents. To preclude a possible abuse of power, oversight should be established at the national level as well as a limitation on the time period of application.