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Bangsamoro’y Tagumpay: The Journey for the Right to Self-Determination Continues
- Apr 1, 2025
- Ismael Mukaram
- HITS: 1747
Today, as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) continues to evolve, the pursuit of genuine self-determination is far from over.
Historical Roots of the Struggle
The roots of the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination can be traced back to the colonial period. During Spanish and American rule, the Moro population resisted foreign domination, maintaining their Islamic faith and distinct cultural identity in contrast to the Christianized majority in the rest of the Philippines. After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, the Moro people found themselves increasingly sidelined and marginalized by a government that failed to recognize their unique history and aspirations. Economic underdevelopment, displacement from their ancestral lands, and the encroachment of settlers from other parts of the country exacerbated their sense of alienation.
The formal struggle for self-determination began in the 1970s with the formation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Under the leadership of Professor Nur Misuari, the MNLF advocated for an independent Moro state. The Philippine government responded with military force, leading to an armed conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Despite the violence, the MNLF’s efforts drew international attention to the plight of the Bangsamoro people and the legitimacy of their aspirations for self-rule.
A Path Toward Autonomy: The MNLF and Peace Talks
After years of conflict, the Philippine government and the MNLF signed the Final Peace Agreement. This agreement led to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which was intended to grant the Bangsamoro people greater autonomy over their political, economic, and social affairs. However, despite this milestone, many Bangsamoro leaders and communities viewed the ARMM as insufficient in addressing their deep-rooted grievances. The autonomy granted by the ARMM was often seen as a token gesture that did not reflect the true aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination.
The continuing dissatisfaction with the ARMM led to the rise of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which split from the MNLF in the late 20th century. The MILF took a more militant approach to securing self-determination but eventually shifted toward negotiating a peaceful solution with the Government of the Philippines (GPH).
The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)
In 2014, after years of back-and-forth negotiations, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was signed by the GPH and the MILF. The CAB marked a major breakthrough, as it included a framework for establishing a more powerful and autonomous region for the Bangsamoro people while also ensuring the preservation of national unity and peace in the country. Under the CAB, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was crafted, envisioning the establishment of a new autonomous region that would grant the Bangsamoro people genuine control over their affairs.
The Creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
The passage of the BOL in 2018 and the subsequent approval of the law through a plebiscite in early 2019 led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The BARMM replaced the ARMM, bringing with it a new system of governance and greater political, fiscal, and administrative powers. The region is governed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), a body that oversees the transition to full autonomy, including the drafting of a regional constitution and the establishment of new local government structures.
During the transition period, the BARMM, under the leadership of the MILF, has made significant strides in establishing laws, programs, and projects aimed at the gradual development of the Bangsamoro homeland.
The MILF-led government has laid the foundation for sustainable progress, ensuring that the region’s growth aligns with its unique cultural, political, and socio-economic aspirations. This includes the establishment of the doctrine of Moral Governance, which serves as a guiding principle for the current leadership to build a stronger foundation for the Bangsamoro government that will bring peace, development, and prosperity within and outside the BARMM.
The creation of the BARMM is seen as a significant achievement in the Bangsamoro people’s long journey for self-determination. With the promise of greater political autonomy, control over natural resources, and the ability to shape its economic and social policies, the BARMM offers a vision of a self-sustaining region that respects the aspirations of its people. The shift from a region of dependence to one of self-governance represents a crucial step forward in the pursuit of lasting peace and justice for the Bangsamoro.
Ongoing Challenges and the Road Ahead
However, the path to full self-determination is far from smooth. The Bangsamoro people continue to face challenges in building a sustainable and inclusive political system within the BARMM. While the region has made significant strides in addressing issues of governance, development, and security, the specter of historical injustices looms large, and old wounds remain unhealed.
One of the greatest obstacles to the realization of full self-determination is security and peace-building. Armed groups and other factions continue to operate in the region, undermining efforts at stability and development. The national government and the BARMM leadership must find ways to address these security challenges while ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind.
Another major challenge is economic development. Despite the potential of the region’s natural resources, the Bangsamoro has long suffered from underdevelopment, exacerbated by decades of conflict. Creating an environment that promotes inclusive economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development will be key to the success of the BARMM in the coming years.
Additionally, social cohesion remains a priority, as the BARMM must find ways to integrate its diverse communities, including indigenous groups, Christian settlers, and Muslims, into a cohesive regional identity. Building trust among these groups, as well as with the national government, will be essential for ensuring long-term peace and stability.
The Ongoing Quest for Justice
For the Bangsamoro people, the journey for self-determination is not just about political autonomy but also about justice. This includes the pursuit of accountability for historical wrongs, the restoration of land and resources taken from them, and the recognition of their cultural and religious rights. As the transition to BARMM continues, the government and the Bangsamoro leadership must remain committed to addressing these fundamental issues of justice.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the challenges, the journey for the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination remains a beacon of hope. The creation of the BARMM represents a new chapter in this long struggle, one that holds the promise of greater autonomy, security, and prosperity for the Bangsamoro people. The road ahead will not be easy, but with the continued commitment of both the Bangsamoro leadership and the Philippine government, there is hope for a future where the Bangsamoro people can truly determine their own fate, free from oppression, violence, and marginalization.
As the Bangsamoro journey continues, the world watches, hopeful that peace, justice, and self-determination will eventually prevail for a people who have long dreamed of a better tomorrow.
[Hadji Harris Ismael Mukaram, of Tausug-Iranun origin, is the founder and current managing director of The Moro Peace Project Promotions and Support Services, Inc., a self-funded, community-based non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and empowerment.]
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