BARMM
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| BARMM | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bangsamoro Autonomous Region |
| Settlement type | Autonomous Region |
| Capital | Lamitan |
| Established | 2019 |
| Area km2 | 11156 |
| Population | 4200000 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Subdivisions | Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City |
BARMM The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is an autonomous region in the southern Philippines created to replace the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019. It encompasses a diverse archipelago and mainland territory on the island of Mindanao and includes municipalities and cities with histories tied to the Moro conflict, the Moro National Liberation Front, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The establishment followed peace negotiations mediated by international actors including the United Nations, the Norwegian government, and the European Union.
History
The territory's history is linked to precolonial polities such as the Sultanate of Sulu and the Sultanate of Maguindanao, resistance to the Spanish Empire and the American colonial administration, and 20th-century movements including the Muslim Independence Movement and the Bangsa Moro Liberation Front. Postwar developments saw the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under the Republic Act No. 6734 and amendments via Republic Act No. 9054, followed by renewed negotiations culminating in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Philippine government during administrations of President Benigno Aquino III and President Rodrigo Duterte. Key events include the 2014 signing in Malacañang Palace, the 2019 plebiscite, and subsequent inauguration under the transitional leadership of figures associated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and politicians from Cotabato City.
Geography and Administrative Divisions
The region spans parts of Mindanao and numerous islands such as Basilan Island, the Sulu Archipelago, and the islands of Tawi-Tawi. It borders provinces like Zamboanga del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and maritime boundaries with Palawan and international waters near Malaysia and Indonesia. Administrative divisions include the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the chartered city of Cotabato City; seats and municipalities reference capitals such as Lamitan, Marawi, Jolo, and Bongao. The terrain features the Lanao Lake, coastal plains, and mountain ranges like the Mount Ragang massif and river systems including the Pulangi River and Maguindanao River.
Government and Politics
The political framework resulted from the Bangsamoro Organic Law establishing a parliamentary-style regional government with a chief minister and a parliamentary assembly; transitional institutions included the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Political actors span the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, leaders formerly associated with the Moro National Liberation Front, and Philippine national parties represented in the House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines. Interactions involve the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, provincial governors such as those from Basilan and Sulu, municipal mayors from Cotabato City and Marawi, and traditional authorities including datus and sultans linked to the Sultanate of Sulu. Electoral contests reference the Commission on Elections and national oversight by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in constitutional questions.
Economy
Economic activity includes agriculture centered on crops common in Mindanao such as rice and corn produced in provinces like North Cotabato-adjacent municipalities, coconut production in Basilan and Sulu, and fisheries around the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea. Trade corridors connect ports in Cotabato City, Jolo, and Bongao to markets in Zamboanga City, Davao City, General Santos, and international destinations including Kota Kinabalu and Tawau. Development initiatives link to the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and bilateral partners like Japan and Australia supporting infrastructure, microfinance, and post-conflict reconstruction. Economic challenges involve displacement after the Marawi siege and impacts on commerce from insurgent activity tied to groups such as Abu Sayyaf and factions of ISIS-Philippines.
Demographics and Culture
The population comprises ethnolinguistic groups including the Maguindanaon people, Maranao people, Tausūg people, Yakan people, and settlers from Cebuano and Hiligaynon communities. Predominant religions include Islam with local jurisprudential traditions, and Christian denominations represented by missions from the Roman Catholic Church, Iglesia ni Cristo, and various Protestant bodies. Cultural heritage reflects sultanates like Sultanate of Maguindanao and artistic forms such as the kulintang ensemble, traditional weaving like that of Yakan weavers, and festivals associated with towns like Kakarong, while historical architecture includes remnants of forts and colonial-era structures in Jolo and Isabela City. Educational institutions include regional campuses of the Mindanao State University, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, and vocational programs supported by organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO.
Security and Peacebuilding
Security dynamics involve the demobilization and integration of former fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front into regional structures and the disarmament programs overseen by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Counterterrorism operations have targeted groups such as Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and ISIS-affiliated cells, with coordination from international partners including the United States and regional cooperation with Malaysia. Peacebuilding programs engage entities like the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, civil society organizations including the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, religious councils, and donor agencies facilitating transitional justice, decommissioning, and socioeconomic reintegration.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Transportation nodes include airports such as Awang Airport in Cotabato City, seaports in Jolo and Bongao, and road projects linking to the Pan-Philippine Highway network and proposed rail and ferry enhancements supported by the Asian Development Bank. Health services involve hospitals in Marawi and Lamitan and public health programs coordinated with the Department of Health and partners like WHO. Utilities projects target electrification with companies such as National Power Corporation initiatives and water supply schemes funded by multilateral lenders. Reconstruction after urban conflict references rebuilding efforts in Marawi led by the Task Force Bangon Marawi and coordination with agencies like the National Economic and Development Authority.