Vitug Vlogs: Memories of Jabidah massacre

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler’s editor at large Marites Vitug looks back on a historic event 45 years ago that sparked the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao.
Here’s her video blog.

On March 18, 1968, young Filipino Muslim men being trained to invade Sabah were killed by the military. 
It was a secret mission that got exposed.
Many of the trainees were shot dead and burned; their bodies dumped into the sea.
This gruesome murder—known as the Jabidah massacre—sparked the Muslim rebellion that led to thousands of deaths and set back our country’s development.
Till today, we are still trying to find peace in Mindanao.
And just as the government is finally coming close to a peace deal with the Muslim rebels, trouble erupts in Sabah.
This time, armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu who sailed into the island and claimed it as theirs are fighting a guerrilla war. 
Many have been killed by the Malaysian authorities.
This crisis has made peace more elusive.
Memories of Jabidah are, once more, in our midst.
This is Marites Vitug for Vitug Vlogs.

– Rappler.com