PEACEPRO GROUP REPORT #2

Jacob Anover
Rostum Agapito
Basilio Apolinario

1. What are the nature and causes of armed conflict?

a. Socio-economic inequalities
b. Political Aspirations
c. Minoritization (1903 – 76% Muslim Mindanao; 1990 – 19% because of
resettlement program of the government)
d. Inability of Governments to provide basic good governance
e. Ethnic and Religious Animosity*
2. When we use the criteria of intensity and organization, are we involved in non-
international armed conflict? If so, what groups?
Yes, the following are the groups:
a. CCP-NPA
i. Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan
b. Moro National Liberation Front
i. Moro Islamic Liberation Front
1. Abu Sayyaf Group
2. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
c. Maute Group
3. Define and describe using the intensity and organization, where are these groups
(describe them)
a. CCP-NPA
i. Intensity - Has been militarily active in the country since its inception in
1969 but it peaked in 1980-1990s. However, in recent years, it is now
below the intensity threshold.
ii. Organization - It has a centralized structure. The head of the CPP, Jose
Maria Sison. It can carry military operations across the country. The local
units are led by commanders, who are responsible for organizing the
military operations.
b. .Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan
i. Intensity- It has only been military active since its breakaway in 1998.
However, similar to the CCP-NPA it is now below the intensity threshold.
ii. Organization- Similar to CCP-NPA as well, they also have an organized
structure however there is little information as to their current leadership.
c. Moro National Liberation Front
 i. Intensity- In recent years, there have been numerous confrontations
between Philippines forces on one side, and the MNLF. In spite of several
recurring attempts to conduct talks to reach a peace agreement, violence
has remained sustained and no deal has been reached yet. However, ever
since 2018 confrontation has lessened but there is still tension between the
State and the rebel group. Hence, it is still well within the intensity
threshold.
ii. Organization - It has a centralized structure, having been established by
Nur Misuari. However, there are multiple divisions within the group that
are not necessarily under the direct control of Nur Misuari, an example of
which is the group led by Habier Malik that led the Zamboanga City
Siege.
d. Moro Islamic Liberation Front
i. Intensity - Same with the MNLF, confrontation has lessened but there is
still tension between the State and the rebel group.
ii. Organization- The group has a hierarchical and defined structure.
Specifically, it is led by the Central Committee, which determines the
policies of the group. Among the members of the Committee, three
leading figures emerged: the group’s Chairman, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,
the Vice-Chairman, Ghazali Jaafar, and the Chief Peace Negotiator,
Mohaqher Iqbal. Together, they play a crucial role as mediators between
the group and the government, especially during peace negotiations.
e. Abu Sayaff
i. Intensity - The Abu Sayyaf Group was founded in 1991 as a breakaway
faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), with the aim of
establishing an Islamic state in Mindanao. Following, the death of one of
their Senior Members Hapilon, the organization has been inactive and is
below the intensity threshold.
ii. Organization: It lacks a defined structure, however, it still possesses a
form of armed command.
f. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
i. Intensity - Violence between the government and a number of armed
groups that are affiliated with the Islamic State group (IS) have been
happening in recent years. One of the groups that are affiliated with ISIS is
the BIFF.
ii. Organization - They do not have centralized leadership, however, they
maintain similar warfare tactics and common aims which shows that they
are organized.
g. Maute Group
i. Intensity- Violence between the government and a number of armed
groups that are affiliated with the Islamic State group (IS) have been
happening in recent years. One of the groups that are affiliated with ISIS is
the Maute Group.
ii. Organization-The Maute Group was founded between 2010 and 2011 by
brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, with the aim of establishing an
independent Muslim state in Mindanao. Although its founders were
members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), they decided to
create a new group, as opposed to forming a splinter organization.