Bangsamoro CSOs gather in Cotabato City to shape rules for landmark transitional justice law

COTABATO CITY — Civil society leaders from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gathered today at Al Nor Hotel here for a consultation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 89 (BAA 89), also known as the Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Act.

​Delivering a key address at the event, Guiamel Alim, Chairman of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), reaffirmed the commitment of regional civil society organizations to support the full operationalization of the landmark law and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (BTJRC).

​Alim recalled the words of Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal, who described transitional justice as the "heart and soul" of the peace agreement. He emphasized that BAA 89 is far more than routine legislation, as it directly addresses decades of historical injustices, massive human rights violations, land dispossession, and systemic oppression suffered by the Moro people.

​While noting that regional legislation cannot fully substitute for national-level obligations, Alim highlighted BAA 89 as a critical initiative by the regional government. He pointed out that while the Philippine Congress has failed to enact national TJR legislation since 2019, BARMM has stepped forward to establish its own framework for truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence.

​Alim specifically praised the inclusion of the Civil Society Forum under BAA 89, which institutionalizes civil society's role in guiding and monitoring the work of the regional commission. He urged all attending leaders to actively contribute their perspectives during the consultation to ensure the IRR reflects the needs and realities of communities across the region.