| Abstract |
This is a qualitative study which delves into the culture of politics and violence in Marawi City, an
urban community in Southern Mindanao. The location of the study has always been identified by the
Commission on Election as among the election hotspots in the Philippines.Eleven individuals,
knowledgeable of Marawi politics and culture, served as key informants in this study who were
identified through referential sampling. The sample group is composed ofcommunity and traditional
leaders, political adviser, wife of a former governor, security officers of politicians, press, and an
academician, mostly Muslims and a few Christians.
Findings in the study identify cultural practices which influence the nature of politics and election
which is characterized by violence.Their views as to how pre and post-election violence may be
reduced were solicited.Framed within the Marxist conflict and Weber鈥檚 rational-legal perspectives,
the data identify a confluence of factors in Marawi politics among Maranao,such as family
pride/status /honor(maratabat), family influence and connections, and financial capacity of
contending politicians and followers to engage in election-related violence. Typical violence during
election includes murder, firing of guns, riots and bombing.Politician supporters are the usual victims
of such atrocities. The proliferation of guns and private armies in Maranao society reinforce and
perpetuate the culture of political violence.From the viewpoint of the key informant, Marawi politics
is a fight between two or more contending powerful Maranao families.Political candidates together
withtheir allies of relatives and friends resorted to various strategies to win in an election; after all it
is the family pride/status (maratabat) which is at stake when a family member runs for an electoral
position. |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology