Bangsamoro Peace Process During 1998

By: Najib C. Baguinda

The war and conflict between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are
continually happening since the ’90s and ’20s. There were a lot of people or life has been taken
away due to the occurrence of war and conflict between the two parties. Also, a lot of peace
agreement or resolution has been formed or created to stop the war, violence and killing
between the two parties. However, there is some point that the two sides neglect or didn’t
follow the deal that was already been agreed upon by both parties. Thus, it causes to start
again the beginning of conflict and war between the two parties.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was established by Hashim Salamat in opposition to
the Philippines government on Sulu, Palawan, and Mindanao islands on December 26, 1977.
The MILF separated from the Moro National Liberation Front-MNLF. The MILF rejected the
peace agreement signed by the Philippines government and the MNLF in Manila on September
2, 1996, which established the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

During 1996 and 1997 the conflict has been rise again. Government troops launched a military
offensive against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels on October 21-24, 1996, resulting
in the deaths of 33 MILF rebels. The government announced a unilateral 60-day ceasefire on
November 28, 1996 (the ceasefire was in effect from December 1, 1996, to January 29, 1997).
Representatives of the government and MILF began peace negotiations on January 7, 1997.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided emergency humanitarian
assistance for individuals displaced by the conflict beginning on June 28, 1997. President Fidel
Ramos declared a state-of-emergency in eight towns in the ARMM on July 1, 1997. Government
and MILF representatives signed a ceasefire agreement in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines on July
18, 1997, and the cessation of military hostilities went into effect on July 21, 1997.

To maintain the peace between the two parties, the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) representatives resumed negotiations on July 30, 1997. Representatives of the
government and the MILF signed the General Framework of Agreement of Intent on August 27,
1998. The following are the content of the said peace agreement between the two parties;

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF), herein referred to as the Parties:

Recognizing the need for a negotiated political settlement to bring an end to the armed conflict
in Mindanao.
Desiring to contribute toward that end and to promote an enduring peace and stability in
Mindanao.

Noting the Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities of July 18, 1997, signed at Cagayan de
Oro City, between the Parties; Have agreed as follows:

Article I

The parties commit to pursue the peace negotiations on the substantive issues as soon as
possible and resolutely continue the negotiations until the Parties reach a negotiated political
settlement.

Article II

The Parties affirm their commitment to protect and respect human rights in accordance with
the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.

Article III

The Parties negotiate with sincerity in the resolution and pacific settlement of the conflict, and
hereby pledge to implement the joint agreements/arrangements previously signed by the
Parties' representatives, such as the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities signed on
July 18, 1997 at Cagayan de Oro City and other supplementary agreements.

Article IV

The Parties pledge to refrain from the use or threat of force to attain undue advantage while
peace negotiations on the substantive issues are on-going.

Article V

The Parties recognize that there will be lasting peace in Mindanao when there is mutual trust,
justice, freedom, and tolerance for the identity, culture, way of life and aspirations of all the
peoples of Mindanao.

Article VI

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature. Done at the Dawah Center, Crossing
Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, this 27th day August 1998.
Here’s the Chronological Peace Agreement Process during 1998

06/02/1998 Agreement to Sustain the Quest for Peace (I)

07/02/1998 Joint Press Statement

11/03/1998 Agreement Creating a Quick Response Team

23/04/1998 Joint Action on the Quick Response Team Report

27/08/1998 General Framework of Agreement of Intent between the Government of the

Republic of Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

18/09/1998 Joint Statement by the GRP-MILF Technical Committee

16/10/1998 Resolution No.2 Creating a Joint Monitoring Contingent to Oversee the Peace
Situation in Upper Minabay, Buldon, Maguindanao

24/10/1998 Resolution No. 3 A Resolution to Cease Hostilities at Datu Plang, Shariff Aguak, and
Talayan, Maguindanao (Resolution to Cease Hostilities in 3 Municipalities of Maguindanao)