The Moro problem; an academic discussion of the history and solution of the problem of the government of the Moros of the Phillipine Islands, by Najeeb M. Saleeby ...

his treacherous fray. No one, however, faces death without religious wakening and fear, and the reckless juramentado can not advance
towards his grave without performing the last rites of his creed. He
would not otherwise be allowed to proceed even if he wanted to. Religion plays a secondary role in this case and no blame can attach to
the juramentado's creed. Let the Moro be heathen and he will
"go juramentado" on the strength of his faith in wooden idols before
he yields to a master or gives up his home. The juramentado is a
forerunner of hostilities and an evil sign of the times.
5. Land Ownership and Township Organization.
Granted a condition of peace in the datuship, it becomes the duty
of the government to survey the land and grant titles or allot homesteads to all worthy members of the datuship. The Moro township
is a settled agricultural community which has tilled the soil it occupies
for years and ages. Man's natural right to the land he owns is not
derived from a mere paper certificate, but from actual possession and
tilling of the soil. Moro datus do not issue titles for land, nor did
Spain attempt any action in this regard. But the present government
can, and the sooner it acts the sooner the Moros start to improve
their land. In many instances the land is claimed by the datu,
the tenant being his former slave. A readjustment of property rights
will then be found necessary and each person should get his just
dues. All this can be properly and satisfactorily arranged without
rupture or serious trouble. There is land enough for every Moro,
all that is required is the government's prompt action and strong
interest in this matter.
As soon as the Moros own titles to land and value property,
a desire for improvement begins and a better home feeling is fostered.
The fruits of their labor become secure and a sense of thrift and business quickly develops. Mutual aid and mutual benefit soon give
rise to a healthy public sentiment that grows with the advance of
education and spreads to other activities, and the reformed Moro,
conscious of his rights and awake to his interests, takes a new pride
in his township and works for its advancement.
The Most Basic Administrative Measures Calculated to Effect
the Solution of the Moro Problem.
THE RECOGNITION OF THE DATU.
In applying the principles discussed above to the actual management of Moro affairs we declare that the most basic step that
should be taken by the government of the Moro Province is the
establishment of order, real actual order that proceeds from responsible authority. The government can not deal with a mob. It
can not transact business with an irresponsible chief. The datu should
be recognized as a regular officer of state. He should be treated
and respected in a manner that makes him know and feel that he
25