“Ensuring Success of Peace Process in Mindanao: Urgency for Decommissioning of Former MILF Rebels and Dismantling of Private Armed Groups, Says International Crisis Group”

The International Crisis Group has emphasized the need for the national and regional governments to speed up decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and dismantling of private armed groups (PAGs) maintained by local political elites in Mindanao to ensure the success of the peace process. In a report titled “Southern Philippines: Making Peace Stick in the Bangsamoro,” Crisis Group stressed that the paramount goals to achieve peace deal’s goals should be given attention, including defusing local conflicts to support the MILF rebels full transition to civilian life and disarm the ubiquitous clan militias. As the 2025 parliamentary elections approach and the end of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region nears, it is crucial for authorities to work to fully realize and sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process. The report noted that threats to the Bangsamoro peace process are coming from community disputes, clan feuds, and intra-MILF clashes that need to be quelled to achieve lasting peace.