NEWS
28March
Advocates warn peace process at risk on 12th CAB anniversary
- Mar 28, 2026
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 243
In the statement dated March 27, 2026, signatories representing civil society, academe, labor groups, and the business sector said what should have been a milestone of consolidation has instead become a moment of uncertainty.
“The signs are clear. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has raised uncertainty on who it can engage as a credible government counterpart. The Government Implementing Panel remains underpowered, and direction across agencies is unclear,” the statement read.
Advocates cited stalled core commitments including decommissioning, socio-economic support packages, camp transformation, and security sector reforms such as disbanding private armed groups. They noted that the national government has yet to fully integrate the CAB into its governance framework, with some actions overriding or diluting Bangsamoro-specific provisions.
The statement highlighted a contrast between the Philippines’ international presentation of the process as a peacebuilding model—including in its bid for a United Nations Security Council seat—and realities on the ground, emphasizing the need to restore credibility locally.
“Trust is eroding. Mixed signals, delays, and public silence are fueling uncertainty. Internal governance challenges within the Bangsamoro also require urgent attention, as cohesion, transparency, and accountability are essential to sustaining public confidence,” the advocates said.
They called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take decisive action to refocus the process, including reconstituting government peace leadership under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) led by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. The statement noted that “where leadership results in uncertainty, delay, and loss of trust, accountability and course correction are necessary.”
The Government Implementing Peace Panel must be fully empowered, and a clear, time-bound plan should be issued to complete normalization and work toward an Exit Agreement within the current administration’s term, the advocates added.
They also called on the MILF to maintain firm internal leadership, organizational discipline, and strengthen inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
“That this anniversary passes without clear direction or meaningful commemoration is itself telling. It reflects a deeper failure of prioritization,” the statement said.
The advocates emphasized that their call is not to undermine the process but to prevent its erosion. “The window to secure these gains within this administration is narrowing. We call on both the Government of the Philippines and the MILF to act now—decisively and responsibly—to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and deliver on long-standing commitments,” they said.
“What is at stake is not only the success of an agreement, but the credibility of the Philippine state to deliver on peace.”
Signatories include groups such as the Al Mujadilaa Women’s Association, Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, Initiatives for International Dialogue, and the Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations, among others.
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