The Moro conflict in the Southern Philippines, also known as the Mindanao conflict, is a complex and prolonged struggle in Southeast Asia. It stems from the predominantly Muslim Bangsamoro people’s resistance to external domination and central government control.
Despite numerous peace agreements and initiatives, the conflict remains unresolved due to socio-political dynamics, historical injustices, poor governance, and the influence of powerful political families.
The conflict began during the Spanish colonial era and continued during the American colonial period. The Jabidah massacre in the late 1960s inflamed tensions and led to the formation of armed separatist groups, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The conflict has severely impacted the region’s economy and stability, discouraging investment and exacerbating poverty. Philippine administrations have attempted to resolve the conflict through military action and peace negotiations.
Apart from the Philippine government, the international community is also found to be directly or indirectly involved in resolving this conflict.
Interestingly, Malaysia’s involvement in the Mindanao peace process dates back to the 1970s when it served as a mediator between the Philippine government and various Moro insurgent groups, particularly the MILF.
Historical tensions over the disputed territory of Sabah initially influenced Malaysia’s engagement and affected bilateral relations. During the Cold War, Malaysia supported the MNLF as a counter to Philippine claims over Sabah, while the Philippines backed insurgents to challenge Malaysia’s claims. This backdrop set the stage for Malaysia’s later role as a mediator, driven by its interest in regional stability and security due to its proximity to the conflict zone.
However, in the early 2000s, Malaysia formally transitioned into a mediator role. The peace process gained momentum with the establishment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in 2004, led by Malaysia, to oversee ceasefire agreements between the Philippine government and the MILF. This marked a significant shift, as Malaysia began to facilitate negotiations, providing neutral ground for dialogue and helping to bridge differences between the conflicting parties.
As mentioned, a series of significant peace negotiations have been taken to resolve this conflict, for example, the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, which granted autonomy to 13 Mindanao provinces; unfortunately, it was not fully implemented, leading to disillusionment among the Moro people.
Subsequently, in 1996, President Fidel V. Ramos signed a peace agreement with the MNLF, creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). However, this agreement was criticised for failing to address self-governance and economic development issues. The turning point in Malaysia’s mediation efforts came with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed in October 2012, which was a landmark achievement in the peace process.
Malaysia celebrated this agreement as a significant diplomatic success, laying the foundation for greater autonomy for the Moro people and enhancing its reputation as a regional peacemaker. In March 2014, Malaysia’s role was further solidified by the subsequent Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which continued to facilitate discussions and assist in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
In 2019, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) came into existence with the signing of the CAB, which served as a significant context for preparing the Bangsamoro for the first parliamentary elections under the BARMM approach, scheduled for May 12, 2025.
The agreement aims to address historical grievances, disarmament, and a transitional government, and the upcoming elections will serve as a test of peace and democracy in the region, as they will allow citizens to choose their leaders for the first time since the establishment of BARMM.
Malaysia’s involvement in the Bangsamoro elections, while not directly confirmed, still influences the outcome in several ways based on Malaysia’s ability to navigate the complexities of the Mindanao conflict and its commitment to facilitating dialogue, positioning it as a key player in regional peacebuilding efforts. Like other peace agreements, the CAB’s implementation has faced challenges such as delays, funding shortages, and resistance from certain sectors.
Despite efforts by the Philippine government and the international community, the Southern Philippines faces significant challenges in maintaining peace due to the entrenched system of clan politics, which has led to corruption, nepotism, and inter-clan violence. These conflicts, known as “Rido,” disrupt the peace process and hinder the region’s development.
Militant groups and violent extremism also pose threats to peace, with groups like Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) establishing links with international terrorist organisations. These groups pose a threat to the region’s security and public confidence, making it difficult to achieve lasting stability. The slow pace of implementing peace agreements and unrealistic expectations among the local population further complicate the situation.
High hopes for improvements in social services, infrastructure, and security greeted the establishment of BARMM. However, the population, particularly ex-combatants who have yet to fully reintegrate into society, has become frustrated due to the slow progress. Funding shortfalls, implementation challenges, and political rivalries have strained the relationship between the BARMM government and the national government in Manila.
To sustain the peace process, both governments must focus on delivering tangible benefits to the population, such as improving access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The international community also plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts.
Achieving lasting peace in the Southern Philippines is a complex and ongoing process that requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and historical grievances. The formation of BARMM is a significant step forward, but much work remains to ensure that the peace process leads to tangible improvements in the lives of the people in the Southern Philippines.
Sustained commitment and cooperation from both the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro leadership, along with continued international support, are crucial for overcoming the enduring challenges and building a stable and prosperous region.
Only by addressing these deep-seated issues and fostering inclusive development can the cycle of violence be broken and a lasting peace achieved.
Colonel Mohd Tarmizi Basri is a senior officer in the Malaysian Armed Forces and is currently attending the National Resilience Course at the National Resilience College, Putrajaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
