Philippines and MILF accelerate peace efforts ahead of BARMM elections

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are intensifying efforts to fulfill commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as the region prepares for its first parliamentary elections on September 14.

Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento stated that both parties have resumed substantive engagements across political and normalization tracks. The normalization process includes security, decommissioning, socioeconomic development, and transitional justice. Joint mechanisms have already established guidelines for ceasefire-related functions during the upcoming election period.

However, the peace process faces significant challenges. The watchdog Climate Conflict Action (CCA) has warned that rising political tensions, persistent gun violence, and extremist threats are casting a shadow over the electoral process. CCA reported that an ambush on Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s convoy in August highlighted deepening political divisions within the MILF. Additionally, despite an election gun ban, data indicates continued gun-related incidents and deaths in the region, alongside concerns regarding voter education and potential electoral manipulation.