12/03/2025
WE AS MINDANAONS FPRRD YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
During his presidency (2016-2022), Rodrigo Duterte took several steps to help improve the situation in the Bangsamoro region, particularly in terms of peace efforts and development. Some of the key contributions include:
1. Support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL): Duterte strongly backed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which was signed into law in 2018. The BOL paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), granting greater autonomy to the region. This was a significant step toward addressing long-standing issues of governance, economic development, and historical grievances in the region.
2. Peace Efforts with M**F: Duterte made strides in strengthening the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F). His administration facilitated the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and M**F, leading to the successful creation of BARMM. Duterte's approach was seen as more pragmatic compared to his predecessors, leading to more meaningful engagement with the M**F leadership.
3. Building Trust and Cooperation: Duterte's administration emphasized building trust and cooperation with various Bangsamoro groups, including M**F and other local stakeholders. He visited the region multiple times and engaged with local leaders to ensure that the peace process was on track.
4. Increased Budget for Development: Duterte's government allocated significant funds for infrastructure development in the Bangsamoro region, as part of his "Build, Build, Build" program. The aim was to boost economic growth and improve living standards in the region.
5. Security and Stability: While Duterteβs war on drugs and his heavy-handed approach to security had its controversies, his administration also sought to address terrorism and insurgency in Mindanao, including in the Bangsamoro region. Efforts were made to combat groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), though these challenges remained significant.
Overall, Duterteβs administration helped advance the peace process and regional autonomy in Bangsamoro, contributing to the development and stability of the region, although challenges remain, including the full implementation of peace agreements and addressing issues of poverty and radicalization.
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