The Mindanao Conflict and Peace Process

 The Mindanao conflict in the southern Philippines is a longstanding and multifaceted struggle rooted in issues of historical injustice, political marginalization, and cultural identity. It primarily involves the Moro people, an indigenous Muslim population in the region, who have long sought greater autonomy and recognition of their ancestral rights. The conflict traces its origins back to the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, who aimed to expand their Christian empire into Mindanao. The resistance of the Moro people against colonization persisted through Spanish, American, and later, Philippine rule. This led to deep-seated animosities, with the Moro people feeling excluded and oppressed by both colonial and post-colonial governments. After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, successive administrations in Manila pursued policies that marginalized the Muslim population in Mindanao, including land resettlement programs that favored Christian Filipinos from the northern islands. These policies resulted in the displacement of many Moros, further exacerbating tensions between the Muslim and Christian populations. By the late 1960s, growing dissatisfaction culminated in the formation of Moro separatist movements, notably the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1969. The MNLF, under the leadership of Nur Misuari, sought to establish an independent Moro state. The group’s armed struggle intensified in the 1970s, leading to widespread violence and a heavy military response from the Philippine government.

The conflict became more complicated as other factions emerged. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) broke away from the MNLF in the late 1970s, advocating for a more Islamist ideology and the establishment of an Islamic state in Mindanao. At the same time, the communist New People's Army (NPA) also operated in Mindanao, further complicating the security situation. The conflict spiraled into one of Asia's most enduring insurgencies, with an estimated 120,000 lives lost over several decades. The region also became economically stagnant, with its rich natural resources underutilized due to the instability. A critical turning point in the Mindanao conflict came in 1976 with the signing of the Tripoli Agreement between the MNLF and the Philippine government, brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). While this agreement established the foundation for Moro autonomy in principle, its implementation faced significant challenges, as both sides disagreed over the details. This led to continued violence and factional splits within the Moro movements. The creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989 was an attempt to address the calls for autonomy, but it was widely seen as a failure, as the region remained poorly governed and underdeveloped. The ARMM lacked the political and economic powers necessary to address the root causes of the conflict.

Efforts to revive the peace process gained momentum in the 1990s, with a renewed focus on negotiations. In 1996, the Philippine government and the MNLF reached a final peace agreement, which led to MNLF leaders assuming key political positions in the ARMM. However, this peace deal was not universally accepted, particularly by the MILF, which continued its armed struggle. The Philippine government, under successive administrations, continued to engage in negotiations with the MILF, culminating in the signing of several agreements that paved the way for more substantial peace efforts in the 2000s. The turning point came in 2014, when the Philippine government, led by President Benigno Aquino III, and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). This landmark agreement marked a significant milestone in the peace process, as it aimed to establish a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which would replace the ARMM. The CAB recognized the Moro people’s right to self-determination and provided for more robust governance structures, greater fiscal autonomy, and a more equitable share of the region’s natural resources.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), passed in 2018, operationalized the CAB and laid the groundwork for the creation of BARMM, which was formally established in 2019. The BARMM is designed to have greater political and economic powers compared to its predecessor, the ARMM, including control over its budget, natural resources, and justice system, while remaining part of the Philippine state. The peace process was further bolstered by the decommissioning of thousands of MILF fighters, who were integrated into civilian life, and the establishment of a transitional government in the BARMM, led by former MILF leaders. Despite these significant milestones, challenges remain in ensuring lasting peace in Mindanao. One major issue is the presence of breakaway factions and extremist groups that have rejected the peace process. These include the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which splintered from the MILF, and groups affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Maute Group. These factions continue to carry out violent attacks in the region, threatening to undermine the peace process. The 2017 siege of Marawi by ISIS-aligned militants, which led to the destruction of the city and the displacement of thousands, underscored the fragility of peace in Mindanao. Moreover, the economic challenges in the region persist, with poverty and underdevelopment fueling discontent among the population. While the BARMM government has made strides in governance and development, it faces significant obstacles, including corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of infrastructure. The success of the peace process ultimately depends on the ability of the BARMM to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of the people in the region, addressing the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and the lack of political representation.

The international community, particularly through organizations like the United Nations, the OIC, and neighboring countries such as Malaysia, has played a crucial role in facilitating the peace process in Mindanao. These actors have provided mediation, funding for development projects, and technical support to ensure the sustainability of the peace agreements. However, ensuring long-term stability in Mindanao will require not only the successful implementation of the peace agreements but also addressing the broader socio-economic challenges that have fueled the conflict for decades. In conclusion, the Mindanao conflict is a deeply rooted struggle that has evolved over centuries, driven by issues of identity, marginalization, and political autonomy. While significant progress has been made through peace agreements and the establishment of the BARMM, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The ongoing threat of extremist violence, coupled with persistent poverty and underdevelopment, means that the peace process must be accompanied by sustained efforts to improve governance, promote economic growth, and address the grievances of the Moro people. Only through comprehensive and inclusive development can the region hope to achieve long-term peace and stability.