Abstract
Focusing on the Philippines context, this chapter examines the Mindanao struggle from local peace processes to the very real realities of living within officially negotiated peace arrangements. After decades of violent conflict, communities emerge divided, and peace processes struggle to re-build social cohesion. Thus, post-conflict peacebuilding holds particular challenges regarding resources and expectations. The presented case study will focus on the Mindanaon emergence of the Christians for Peace Movement (CfPM) as a vehicle for revealing the challenges and potentials of post-conflict peace transitions. CfPM provides a significant foundation for building up the possibilities of sustainable peace if it remains willing to engage in relational efforts requiring a “constant motion” of energies and through commitments toward strengthened and renewed communities.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
- 1.
“[I]n the Philippines, civil society has been very active and quite creative. Some of the most innovative initiatives in the world have come from the Philippines” (Herbolzheimer 2018).
- 2.
“The ability of nonstate actors to set a compelling agenda” has been a weighty force in garnering international responses to significant regional structural concerns. The “strength to persuade” has been an effective tool for civil society actors. The UN Report 2000 on the prevention of armed conflict makes it clear that civil society organizations are crucial to the reduction of violence and conflict (Report, par. 137).
- 3.
In addition, the Philippine women’s group (WE Act 1325) is in this category, having been founded with the intention of working to define the rights of women as impacted by the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF. Jasmin Nario-Galace, the national coordinator, reports that the organization is focused on both capacity building and consultation. In an interview, she stressed the “belief also that women have been for a long time neglected, as agency of conflict prevention and peacebuilding, we are helping reinforce that [role]” (Kroeker 2018, 75).
- 4.
Christian leaders from the core territory of the then soon-to-be-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) initiated a series of dialogues that produced an agenda entitled the “17-point Christian Settlers Peace Agenda for the Bangsamoro Peace Process.” It was presented to Moro leaders on September 27–28, 2018, with the aim of addressing concerns affecting Christian communities in the BARMM.
References
Abuza, Zachary. 2016. “Can Duterte Bring Peace to the Philippines? Forging peace in Mindanao is a far more challenging task than many appreciate.” The Diplomat, November 25, 2016. http://thediplomat.com/2016/11/can-duterte-bring-peace-to-the-philippines/
Alim, Guiamel. 2016. “PEACETALK: Role of CSOs in Peace Building and Political Transition in Mindanao.” MindaNews, October 22, 2016. https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2016/10/peacetalk-role-of-csos-in-peace-building-and-political-transition-in-mindanao/
Arguillas, Carolyn O. 2003. “Enlarging Spaces and Strengthening Voices for Peace: Civil Society Initiatives in Mindanao.” Accord Mindanao 6, Conciliation Resources website. https://rc-services-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/06s_2Enlarging%20spaces_2003_ENG.pdf
———. 2015. “Mamasapano clash between SAF and MILF/BIFF: how to explain this tragedy?” MindaNews, January 26, 2015. http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2015/01/26/mamasapano-clash-between-saf-and-milfbiff-how-to-explain-this-tragedy/
———. 2018. “Martial law in Mindanao until 31 Dec 2019: from 60 days to 952 days.” MindaNews, December 5, 2018. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/12/martial-law-in-mindanao-until-31-dec-2019-from-60-days-to-952-days/
———. 2018b. “Moro, Christian leaders commit to work for ratification of Bangsamoro law.” MindaNews, September 29, 2018. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/09/moro-christian-leaders-commit-to-work-for-ratification-of-bangsamoro-law/
———. 2018c. “Moro, Christian leaders commit to work for ratification of Bangsamoro law.” MindaNews, September 29, 2018. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/09/moro-christian-leaders-commit-to-work-for-ratification-of-bangsamoro-law/
———. 2019. “Bangsamoro law ratified; how soon can transition from ARMM to BARMM begin?” MindaNews, January 26, 2019. https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2019/01/bangsamoro-law-ratified-how-soon-can-transition-from-armm-to-barmm-begin1/
Barnes, Catherine. 2005. Weaving the Web: Civil-Society Roles in Working with Conflict and Building Peace. In People Building Peace II, ed. Paul van Tongeren, Malin Brenk, Marte Hellema, and Juliette Verhoeven, 7–24. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
———. 2006. “Agents for Change: Civil Society Roles in Preventing War and Building Peace.” Issue Paper 2. Den Haag: Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict.
Cagoco-Guiam, Rufa. 2016. Grounding Reconciliation: Transforming Relationships in Mindanao. In Transforming Broken Relationships: Making Peace with the Past, ed. Mark Salter and Zahbia Yousuf, 30–36. London: Conciliation Resources.
Camba, Erme. 2002. “Muslim-Christian Relations in the Philippines.” Presented at United Church of Canada conference, Winnipeg, MB.
“Christian Settlers’ Peace and Development Agenda for the Bangsamoro Peace Process.” 2018. Christians for Peace Movement.
Constantino, Renato. 1975. A History of the Philippines: From the Spanish Colonization to the Second War. New York: Monthly Review Press.
Espejo, Edwin. 2013. “Analysis: Philippines’ Zamboanga siege a legacy of failed peace talks.” Asian Correspondent, September 11, 2013. http://asiancorrespondent.com/113249/sabah-invasion-zamboanga-siege-are-peace-talks-fallouts/
Eviota, Diomedes. 2005. Grassroots and South-South Cooperation: Bantay Ceasefire in the Philippines. In People Building Peace II: Successful Stories of Civil Society, ed. Paul van Tongeren, Malin Brenk, Marte Hellema, and Juliette Verhoeven, 388–393. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Falcatan, Richard. 2019. “Isabela City residents join assembly opposing Bangsamoro Organic Law.” Rappler, January 19, 2019. https://www.rappler.com/nation/221345-isabela-city-basilan-peace-assembly-no-bangsamoro-plebiscite
Fitzpatrick, Brenda. 2008. The Mindanao Bishops-Ulama Conference. In Pursuing Just Peace: An Overview and Case Studies for Faith-Based Peacebuilders, ed. Mark M. Rogers, Tom Bamat, and Julie Ideh, 117–132. Baltimore: Catholic Relief Services.
Goodno, James B. 1991. The Philippines: Land of Broken Promises. London.
Herbolzheimer, Kristian. 2018. “Philippines: An innovative case on peace building.” Hafiza Merkezi, 04/07/2018. https://hakikatadalethafiza.org/en/philippines-an-innovative-case-on-peace-building/
Human Rights Watch Asia. 1992. Bad Blood: Militia Abuses in Mindanao, the Philippines. New York: Human Rights Watch Asia.
Inzon OMI, Fr. Charlie M, and Lino J. Ulanghutan. 2013. Unpacking Stories of Conflict as Pathways to Peacebuilding. In Meaning Making in Mindanao: Everyday violence, ordinary people, finding peace, ed. Fr. Charlie M. Inzon, OMI, Mira Alexis P. Ofreneo, and Tesa Casal de Vela, 56–62. Jolo, Sulu, Philippines: Notre Dame of Jolo College.
Jalali, Janice A., and Judith M. de Guzman. 2013. Meanings of Peace among the Tri-People of Jolo, Sulu. In Meaning Making in Mindanao: Everyday violence, ordinary people, finding peace, ed. Fr. Charlie M. Inzon, OMI, Mira Alexis P. Ofreneo, and Tesa Casal de Vela, 48–55. Jolo, Sulu, Philippines: Notre Dame of Jolo College.
Kroeker, Wendy. 2018. “Multidimensional Peacebuilding: Local Actors in the Philippine Context.” PhD dissertation. University of Manitoba.
———. 2020. “Multidimensional Peacebuilding: Local Actors in the Philippine Context.” Lanham, MD: Lexington Press.
Leguro, Myla, and Sharon Kniss. 2013. “Back to the Land: Structuring peace from the grassroots in Mindanao.” Presented at the Asia-Pacific Peace Research Association conference 2013, Bangkok, Thailand, November 12-14.
Liow, Joseph. 2016. Religion and Nationalism in Southeast Asia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Majul, C.A. 1975. The Muslims in the Philippines: An Historical Perspective. In The Muslim Filipinos: Their History, Society and Contemporary Problems, ed. Peter G. Gowing and Robert D. McAmis, 1–12. Manila: Solidaridad Publishing House.
Marcelo, Ver. 2018. “The Bangsamoro Organic Law: Everything You Need to Know.” CNN Philippines, July 24, 2018. http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/07/24/bangsamoro-organic-law-primer-everything-you-need-to-know-bbl.html
McAmis, Robert Day. 2002. Malay Muslims: The History and Challenge of Resurgent Islam in Southeast Asia. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
McKenna, Thomas M. 2007. Governing Muslims in the Philippines. Harvard Asia Pacific Review 1 (Winter): 3–9.
Mellejor, Lillian. 2018. “Christians in Bangsamoro ‘core areas’ push for 17-point peace agenda.” Philippine News Agency, September 28, 2018. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049390
PBCI InfoComm Team. 2018. “‘Christians For Peace’ Initiate Moro-Christian Leaders’ Dialogue.” Peacebuilders Community, September 30, 2018. https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2018/09/muslim-and-christian-leaders-call-for-inclusive-peace-development-in-mindanao/
Picardal, Amado L. 2008. Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Mindanao. Asian Christian Review 2 (2-3): 54–71.
“Position Paper: The Creation of the Office Settler Communities (BTA Bill No. 10).” 2020. Christians for Peace Movement document January 15, 2020.
Ramirez, Edgar, lead convener of the Christians for Peace Movement. 2019. Myla Leguro, interview with Edgar Ramirez. March 22, 2019. Cotabato City.
Rausch, Colette, and Tina Luu. 2017. “Inclusive Peace Processes Are Key to Ending Violent Conflict.” PeaceBrief 222. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace.
Richmond, Oliver P., ed. 2011. A Post-Liberal Peace. London: Routledge.
Rudy, Jon, and Myla Leguro. 2010. The Diverse Terrain of Peacebuilding in Mindanao. CDA: Collaborative Learning Projects.
Russell, Susan D., Lina Davide-Ong, April Rica Gonzalez, Rey Ty, Nagasura T. Madale, and Noemi A. Medina. 2004. “The Mindanao Conflict and Prospects for Peace in the Southern Philippines.” In Mindanao: A Perspective on Youth, Inter-Ethnic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution in the Southern Philippines, by Susan D. Russell, Lina Davide-Ong, April Rica Gonzalez, Rey Ty, Nagasura T. Madale, and Noemi A. Medina. DeKalb, 1-12. Illinois: Center for Southeast Asian Studies and Office of International Training, Northern Illinois University.
Sarmiento, Bong S. 2018. “ARMM designates deputy governor for Christians.” MindaNews, March 8, 2018. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/03/armm-designates-deputy-governor-christians/
Sumulong, Lakan. 2019. “Pursuing Peace and Reconciliation Amidst the Challenging Political Realities We’re Facing.” Peacebuilders Community, April 6, 2019. https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/2019/04/pursuing-peace-and-reconciliation-amidst-the-political-challenges-were-facing/
SunStar. 2019. “The Bangsamoro Organic Law and Beyond.” January 16, 2019.
Tabora, Fr. Joel. 2019. “PEACETALK: Winning the Peace in Mindanao.” MindaNews, April 28, 2019. https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2019/04/peacetalk-winning-the-peace-in-mindanao/
Taylor, Charles. 1990. Modes of civil society. Public Culture 3 (1): 95–118.
United Nations. 2000. Report on the Prevention of Armed Conflict, A/55/985–S/2001/574, distributed June 2001. http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/CPR%20S%202001%20574.pdf
Wehr, Paul, and John Paul Lederach. 1991. Mediating conflict in Central America. Journal of Peace Research 28 (1): 85–98.
Wurfel, David. 1977. Martial Law in the Philippines: The Methods of Regime Survival. Pacific Affairs 50: 5–30.
Zelizer, Craig, and Robert A. Rubenstein. 2009. Introduction. In Building Peace: Practical Reflections from the field, ed. Craig Zelizer and Robert A. Rubenstein, 1–15. Sterling, VA: Kumarian Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kroeker, W., Leguro, M. (2022). Constant Motion: Multi-dimensional Peacebuilding for Peace Processes. In: Allen, S.H., Hancock, L.E., Mitchell, C., Mouly, C. (eds) Confronting Peace. Rethinking Political Violence. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67288-1_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67288-1_10
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-67287-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-67288-1
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)