The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sign the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) at the Malacañang Palace on October 15, 2012. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)
For years, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been burdened by negative stereotypes, often labeled as a region harboring government adversaries and breeding terrorism and violent extremism.
Despite these harsh words and deep-seated doubts about its success, the region has remained resilient, standing the test of time and demonstrating unwavering perseverance in sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process. This is evidenced by its continuous progress and impact on the lives of the Bangsamoro people through its programs and services, ensuring long-lasting peace and socio-economic upliftment.
On October 15, 2012, the Government of the Philippines (GPH), under the administration of then-president Benigno Aquino III, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), a preliminary peace accord that created the autonomous political entity named “Bangsamoro.”
The creation of the autonomous region was made possible in accordance with the supreme law of the land—the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Under Section 15 Article X of the Constitution, there shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.
FAB Signing
The FAB has played a crucial role in maintaining lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland, and has opened tons of opportunities for the Bangsamoro people.
As emphasized, the agreement’s establishment of the “Bangsamoro” political entity eventually resulted in the enactment of Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)—the governing law that created the BARMM.
In 2012, MILF Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who is also now the Chief Minister of the BARMM, mentioned during the accord signing that the FAB signifies the “restoration” of what is due to the Bangsamoro people.
“The FAB is the most important document in the chapter of our history—a landmark document that restores to our people their Bangsamoro identity and their homeland, their right to govern themselves, and the power to forge their destiny and future with their very hands,” he stressed.
Among the main features of the agreement are the establishment of “Bangsamoro”, basic law and powers, revenue generation and wealth-sharing, territory, and basic rights.
It also emphasized normalization, focusing on transforming conflict-affected areas into peaceful and progressive communities.
“It is through normalization that communities can return to conditions where they can achieve their desired quality of life, which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society,” the FAB stipulates.
Former President Aquino stated that prior to peace negotiations, a number of people felt “alienated” by the system, allowing them to realize that “articulating their grievances through the barrel of a gun” was the only way out.
“We cannot change this without structural reform. This is the context that informed our negotiations throughout the peace process. And now, we have forged an agreement that seeks to correct these problems. It defines our parameters and our objectives while upholding the integrity and sovereignty of our nation,” said President Aquino.
He added that the accord would transform the lives of the ex-freedom fighters into catalysts of change.
“It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aspire for a separate state. This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning workstations, and opening doors of opportunity for other citizens,” the President continued.
Sustainable peace
The Bangsamoro and the National Governments collectively work on maintaining a conflict-free BARMM, beneficial to all the inhabitants of the region.
On July 22 this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (PBBM) Jr. recognized the significant transformation of the BARMM to a generally peaceful region.
“The improved peace and order situation, good governance—not to mention high hopes and confidence amongst its people—all contribute to the reasons why BARMM’s poverty index has significantly decreased since 2018,” President Marcos highlighted during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In September 2024, the BARMM recorded a 1.5 percent inflation rate, making it the fourth lowest across the Philippines.
CM Ebrahim expressed his optimism about strengthening the partnership of the transitional government with the National Government.
“These milestones are crucial for advancing our governance and autonomy. We look forward to continued collaboration with the national government to build on these successes and work towards a prosperous and peaceful future for the Bangsamoro people.”
With the active involvement and cooperation of all the stakeholders and the Bangsamoro people, there is no doubt that lasting peace across the autonomous region will be a success. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
