This issue fixates on three important themes: history, development, and government. In the historical theme, Sales scrutinizes Spanish-Moro relations in the context of Zamboanga between 1598 and 1899. Such relations were characterized by bloody encounters and Spanish influences on Zamboanga inhabitants. These influences echoed through songs, dances, and language. In fact, chavacano is still being spoken today. Next, in the developmental theme, Abaya-Ulindang discusses the issue of land which has caused various conflicts in Mindanao over the years. The author explains how the land conflict stems from the resettling of former Huk members through EDCOR, or the Economic Development Corps. Their presence triggered several issues, which are all rooted in the differences in perceptions towards land ownership between the two entities. In particular, these differences are predicated on the Torrens system of land titling vis-a-vis the Moro concept of communal land ownership. All these prompted violent encounters, producing negative effects on the peace process in the region. Abaya-Ulindang also provides resolutions to such land conflicts in the paper. Lastly, in the governmental theme, Lingga examines the political thought of Salamat Hashim, the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front of MILF vis-a-vis the concept of Bangsa Moro state and government. The author reports on how any attempt to solve the Mindanao conflict without the establishment of an Islamic state and government is an exercise of futility according to Hashim.

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