ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bangsamoro: dialogue initiatives to counter the increase in violence in the Muslim region

Zamboanga City (Agenzia Fides) - The increase in violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in the south of the Philippines, is a factor that worries society, public opinion and religious leaders on the island of Mindanao. According to the research institute "Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia" (CCAA), in 2024 there were 2,570 incidents of violence in the region (the highest number in seven years), 24% more than the previous year, indicating instability and discontent ahead of the elections. While the ultimate goal of the long negotiation process between the government in Manila and the local guerrilla groups is a stable and lasting peace, this development is a cause for concern and the postponement of the elections in Bangsamoro has been confirmed. They will no longer be held in May 2025 as planned (as in all other regions of the country where the mid-term elections, which include elections to the regional and local assemblies, are held), but only in October 2025. The postponement was decided and approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Supreme Court recently ordered the exclusion of the Sulu Archipelago from the Autonomous Region, which entails a redistribution of seats and candidates in the provinces of the BARMM (currently the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, as well as the cities of Marawi, Lamitan, Cotabato and 63 villages in North Cotabato). "Violence in the region has been steadily increasing since 2021 and there are no signs of slowing down," says the CCAA, noting that "violence will continue unless the phenomenon of illicit weapons is addressed and governance is strengthened." In addition, the institute adds that as the election approaches, "the risk of an even greater wave of violence is high" as there are at least 28 ongoing feuds between clans, which are the main source of conflict in the region. The research group calls on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to take appropriate measures to actively address the violence in "hot spots" such as Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Mamasapano, Marawi City and Malabang, while disarming the groups that are still armed.
In this context, the religious leaders of Mindanao, who are united in the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC), reiterated their commitment to peace and sustainable development. Among the organizations that work for peace and promote interreligious dialogue is the "Silsilah" movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue, which, on the occasion of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam, which began on March 1, published a message in which it recognized the "special time of purification of the heart and love of neighbor" and recommended to Christians and Muslims the "spirituality of life in dialogue". "This year, Ramadan in the Philippines coincides with the political election campaign, marked by numerous and alarming acts of violence, and with the reality of violence throughout the world, which calls us to reflect, pray and act," says the message for the Muslim fasting month.
"On this occasion," continues the text, sent to Fides, "we are invited to reflect: why war? Why not peace? We are brothers and sisters. We also know that in times of violence there are also silent and powerful acts of love that transcend the boundaries of religions and cultures. This too is something we can confirm from our experience and have documented on the occasion of Silsilah's 40th anniversary in 2024."
The movement is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the "Chain of Harmony" initiative, an interfaith prayer initiative launched in 2000 when the Manila government launched "total war" in Mindanao. While today "alarming elements" are emerging, concludes Silsilah, we must "remember that God is love and loves everyone". (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 6/3/2025)

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