GOVERNMENT PEACE
TREATIES WITH MUSLIM
FILIPINO
OVERVIEW
The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB)
is a final agreement signed between the Government of
the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
on March 27, 2014 at the Malacañang Palace in Manila.
Under the Agreement, the Islamic separatists would turn
over their firearms to a third party which would be
selected by the rebels and the Philippine government.
The MILF agreed to decommission its armed wing, the
Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). In return,
the government would establish an autonomous
Bangsamoro. Power sharing was central point to the
autonomy redesign.
Peace was declare in the Philippines after nearly 40
years of conflict that has left tens of thousands of
people dead. The agreement signed on Thursday was
between the separatists group Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) and the government under
President Benigno Aquino III. The faction is the
country’s largest Muslim rebel group which has been
fighting for autonomy.
The current ARMM charter lists 14 areas that
are outside the powers of the regional
legislature. In this comprehensive peace
agreement, the parties lists 81 powers
categorized into reserved for the central
government, exclusive to the Bangsamoro, and
concurrent with or shared by the two sides for
power sharing. Of the 81 powers, 58 are
devolved to the Bangsamoro, nine are reserved
to the central government, and 14 are shared.
The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
and Four annexes, namely on Transitional
Arrangements and Modalities, Revenue
Generation and Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing
and Normalization, together with the Addendum
on Bangsamoro Waters, will be included in the
comprehensive agreement. The Armed Forces of
the Philippines has raised red alert status on
March 24 in preparation for the event.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, MILF
chair Hadji Murad Ibrahim, and Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Razak are among the key
people expected to be present at the signing of
the agreement.
INTRODUCTION
The peace talks between the Philippine government
and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that
began in 1997 will enter the critical stage in February
2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the parties begin
negotiations to arrive at a common understanding
about the substantive issues of the conflict. This round
is a milestone in a drawn-out peace process often
derailed by allegations of the MILF’s links with
terrorist organizations, two major wars, sporadic
skirmishes, and charges and countercharges of
violation of the cease-fire agreement forged by the
parties on July 18, 1997.
Both sides made concessions to get to this stage.
Despite protests from hard-liners, the Philippine
government repositioned its troops away from
rebel strongholds and withdrew arrest warrants
against the leaders of the MILF for alleged
involvement in bombings throughout the country.
For its part, the MILF provided information to
neutralize groups engaged in kidnappings in an
effort to disprove allegations of its links with
terrorist organizations particularly with Abu
Sayyaf, a local terrorist group engaged in the
widely publicized kidnappings of foreigners, and
Jemaah Islamiyah.
Background
In pursuit of their goal of liberating Bangsamoro, the
MNLF engaged the government forces in extensive
armed collisions, peaking in the early 70s when the
rebels’ blitz-like operations brought them control of a
substantial number of municipalities surrounding
Cotabato City and its airport complex. This prompted
the Marcos regime to beef up military presence by
deploying almost three-fourths of the army in most
Muslim parts of Mindanao. Things took a different turn
in 1976 when Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
brokered an agreement that led to the signing of the
Tripoli Agreement introducing the concept of an
autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao. On August 1,
1989, under the mandate of the new 1987 Constitution,
Congress enacted Republic Act 6734[10] authorizing the
creation of the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
However, out of the 13 provinces and 9 cities that
participated in the plebiscite,[11] only the provinces of
Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi
opted to become part of the ARMM. The ARMM was
formally established on November 6, 1990.[12]
Instead of bringing the Muslim leaders together, this
agreement further fragmented the MNLF,[13] because
some factions within the group preferred independence
over autonomy. Thus, a group of officers led by Hashim
Salamat broke away[14] and formed the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue their
armed struggle for an independent Bangsamoro (Moro
nation) in Mindanao.
Though the combined strength of these two rebel
forces has not reached a point of posing any real
threat to the government in Manila, their existence
—and the reasons for their resilience—certainly
brings many headaches for the government. For
nearly five decades, five presidents have tried to
completely end these two rebellions, utilizing
both force and diplomacy. So far, no combination
has succeeded. Perhaps the most remarkable effort
to bring closure to these movements was that of
the Ramos Administration, which tried to reach
out to both the communist and Muslim rebels
through peaceful means. There were many
efforts to reach peace with Islamist separatists
Framework
Agreement on
the
Bangsamoro
The Framework Agreement on the
Bangsamoro is a preliminary peace
agreement signed in the Malacañang
Palace in Manila on October 15, 2012.
The agreement calls for the creation of an
autonomous political entity
named Bangsamoro, replacing
the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) which was described
by Former President Benigno Aquino
III as "a failed experiment“.
Origins
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and
the Philppines held peace talks in Kuala
Lumpur in Malaysia from October 2–6.
On October 7, President Aquino announced
that the two parties have agreed to sign a
preliminary peace agreement which calls
for the creation of an autonomous political
entity named Bangsamoro, superseding the
Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM).
He criticized the ARMM as a "failed
experiment" that did not address issues
such as electoral fraud, political patronage,
poverty, war and warlordism. Aquino stated
that structural reform is necessary, with the
creation of Bangsamoro solving these
issues while upholding national
sovereignty. The agreement was reached
after 32 peace talks between the two parties
that spanned a period of nine years.
Reaching the Agreement
The peace talks between the MILF and the
Philippine government had been brokered by Malaysia
since 1997. After 2009, the negotiations were also
supported by an International Contact Group (the ICG).
[17]
The ICG represented an innovation in peace process
support, in that it was a hybrid body composed of both
states and international non-governmental organisations
(INGOs). The members were Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the
United Kingdom, and Japan, The Asia Foundation, the
Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Muhammadiyah,
and Conciliation Resources. When the Asia Foundation
became an official member of the Third Party
Monitoring Team in 2012, the Community of
San’Egidio from Italy replaced the Asia Foundation in
the ICG.
On January 24, 2014, Philippine government chief
negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferer and MILF chief
negotiator Mohagher Iqbal signed a peace
agreement in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement
would pave the way for the creation of the new
Muslim autonomous entity called "Bangsamoro"
under a law to be approved by the Philippine
Congress.
The government aims to set up the region by
2016. The agreement calls for Muslim self-rule in
parts of the southern Philippines in exchange for a
deactivation of rebel forces by the MILF. MILF
forces would turn over their firearms to a third
party to be selected by the MILF and the
Philippine government.
A regional police force would be established,
and the Philippine military would reduce the
presence of troops and help disband private
armies in the area. In the Agreement, the
government committed to change a 37-year
autonomy experiment whose current version,
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM), has failed to live up to the Moro
people's aspiration for freedom from a highly
centralized government.
BIOGRAPHY OF A
PROMENENT FILIPINO
José Protasio
Rizal Mercado y
Alonso Realonda
Activist, Journalist, Poet, Doctor
On June 19, 1861, José Protacio Rizal Mercado y
Alonzo Realonda was born in Calamba Laguna,
Philippines. A brilliant student who became
proficient in multiple languages. José Rizal studied
medicine in Manilain1882,he travelled to Spain to
complete his medical degree.
While in Europe, José Rizal became part of the
Propaganda Movement, connecting with other
Filipinos who wanted reform. He also wrote his
first novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not/The
Social Cancer), a work that detailed the dark
aspects of Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines,
with particular focus on the role of Catholic friars.
The book was banned in the Philippines, though
copies were smuggled in. Because of this novel,
Rizal's return to the Philippines in 1887 was cut
short when he was targeted by police.
Rizal returned to Europe and continued to write
releasing his follow-up novel, El Filibusterismo
(The Reign of Greed) in 1891. He also
published articles in La Solidaridad, a paper
aligned with the Propaganda Movement. The
reforms Rizal advocated for did not include
independence—he called for equal treatment of
Filipinos, limiting the power of Spanish friars
and representation for the Philippines in the
Spanish Cortes (Spain's parliament).
Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892,
feeling he needed to be in the country to effect
change. Although the reform society he
founded, the Liga Filipino (Philippine League),
supported non- violent action, Rizal was still
exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao.
During the four years Rizal was in exile, he
practiced medicine and took on students.
CARLOS
P.
ROMULO
Carlos P. Romulo was an esteemed Filipino
diplomat, statesman, writer, and journalist.
Born on January 14, 1899, in Camiling,
Tarlac, Romulo rose to become one of the
most influential figures in Philippine history.
Romulo's career encompassed a wide range of
accomplishments. He graduated with honors
from the University of the Philippines, where
he studied law, and later pursued postgraduate
studies at Columbia University in New York.
His academic achievements set the stage for
his illustrious future in public service.
During World War II, Romulo played a vital role in
the Philippine resistance against the Japanese
occupation. He skillfully used his journalistic
expertise to broadcast news and updates on the war,
passionately instilling hope and unity among
Filipinos.
Following the war, Romulo's exceptional diplomatic
skills were recognized on the international stage. He
represented the Philippines in various crucial
diplomatic missions, including serving as the
country's delegate to the United Nations. As the
president of the fourth session of the UN General
Assembly in 1949, Romulo delivered a renowned
speech advocating for peace and decolonization,
solidifying his reputation as a strong advocate for
international cooperation.
Apart from his diplomatic work, Romulo
was a prolific writer and author. His
autobiography, "I Walked with Heroes,"
was a bestseller that provided insights into
his eventful life and his interactions with
world leaders. He also wrote influential
columns for major newspapers, sharing
his perspectives on global affairs and
championing Philippine interests.
Carlos P. Romulo's accomplishments
were widely recognized throughout his
lifetime. He was the recipient of
numerous prestigious awards, including
the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism and the
United States Presidential Medal of
Freedom. These accolades reflect the
global impact of his work and his
unwavering commitment to the
betterment of the Philippines and the
world.
Carlos P. Romulo's legacy continues to
shape the Philippines' diplomatic
landscape and serves as an inspiration
for future generations. His dedication to
public service, his eloquent advocacy for
peace and independence, and his
remarkable achievements as a diplomat,
journalist, and writer have firmly
cemented his place as one of the most
prominent figures in Filipino history.
RAMON
MAGSAYSAY
PRESIDENT ( non-us ) ( 1907-1957 )
Ramon Magsaysay became the seventh
president of the Philippines in 1953, and
is credited with restoring law and order
during the Philippine crisis of the 1950s.
Born in the Philippines on August 31,
1907, Ramon Magsaysay was the seventh
president of the Philippines (1953–57),
best known for successfully defeating the
communist-led Hukbalahap (Huk)
movement in his country and his popular
appeal. He died in his country in 1957.
Ramon Magsaysay was born Ramon del
Fierro Magsaysay in Iba, a city in the
Philippines, on August 31, 1907. After
attending the University of the
Philippines, Magsaysay transferred to the
Institute of Commerce at José Rizal
College (1928-1932), where he received a
bachelor's degree in commerce.
At the start of World War II, Magsaysay
joined the motor pool of the 31st Infantry
Division of the Philippine army. He was
promoted to captain, and was involved in
clearing the Zambales coast of the
Japanese before to the landing of American
forces there.
Magsaysay was elected to the Philippine
House of Representatives in 1946, and was
later re- elected to a second term. During
both terms, he was chairman of the House
National Defense Committee.
Magsaysay was elected to the
Philippine House of Representatives
in 1946, and was later re- elected to a
second term. During both terms, he
was chairman of the House National
Defense Committee.
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