Republic of the Philippines

Mindanao State University - General Santos

General Santos City

A CASE STUDY FROM GENERAL SANTOS CITY:

LUMAD PERSPECTIVE ON BARMM

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements For
HIS144- History of Peace Process and Development in the Philippines

Sunmitted to:
PROF. HANNEE P. BADILESS

By:

BRIAN, SAIRAH
BANDOY, SHYMIE
MANLICLIC, ROBELYN
SIDON, CHERRY
 JUNE 2022
Introduction

March 2022 marks the third anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a self-governing entity spread across the southernmost Philippine

island of Mindanao and the adjacent Sulu archipelago. The creation of the Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019 renewed hopes for peaceful

coexistence between communities after decades of war in the southern Philippines. The peace

process promised to satisfy the aspirations of the region’s majority-Muslim population, respect

minority rights and ensure meaningful women’s political representation. 1

On the other hand, the indigenous peoples of the southern Philippines known collectively

as the Lumads are in a precarious position as the peace process between Muslim rebels and the

government moves forward. There are five non-Moro indigenous groups in the BARMM, the

largest of which is the Teduray-Lambangian in Maguindanao. Some of these groups, which insist

on a unique political identity, have a fraught history with Moro Muslims. 2

The indigenous

peoples have largely been invisible in various political negotiations over their homeland in

Mindanao. They have also been regarded as ‘second-class minorities’ in the various peace

negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro armed groups due to the fact that

the Lumads represent a territorially dispersed indigenous minority group with small populations

in disputed territory.3

1
“Southern Philippines: Fostering and Inclusive Bangsamoro”, International Crisis Group, accessed June 6,
1.

2022. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/philippines-indigenous-rights-and-milf-peace-
process
2 2.
“The Philippine: Indigenous Rights and The MILF Peace Process”, International Crisis Group, accessed June
6, 2022. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/philippines-indigenous-rights-and-milf-peace-
process
3 3.
Jose Mikhail Perez, “The Philippines: The Challenges of Moro and Lumad Power-sharing in Bangsamoro”,
accessed June 4, 2022 http://www.csq.ro/wp-content/uploads/5-Jose-Mikhail-PEREZ.pdf
 At present, there are existing agreements between the Government of the Philippines

(GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996 and the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF) in 2014 that aim for power-sharing between the Christian-dominated national

government in Manila and the Muslim-dominated Bangsamoro regional government. However,

both agreements have failed to sustain the peace due to constant distrust among ethnic groups as

a consequence of internal power-sharing between the dominant Muslim Moros and the "inferior"

indigenous ethnic groups. At present, Mindanao has been the most underdeveloped island group

in the Philippines, where absolute poverty is at 45% compared to the national average of 36%

(Philippine Human Development Report, 2005). Despite the autonomous status of the newly

created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019, the future of

Mindanao remains unclear with some violence breaking out between the government and Moro

armed groups.4

The Bangsamoro’s multi-ethnic character and political complexity suggest that any

arrangement to achieve durable peace and stability will benefit by meeting certain criteria for

inclusiveness. First of these is a genuine recognition of minority rights, as their denial or a failure

to respect them may not only cause disillusionment but could even contribute to conflict,

especially among the indigenous peoples in Maguindanao. Supportive of the peace process, as

they felt caught in the crossfire between Moro rebels and the state, several indigenous groups

expressed fear of being ostracized once Moro autonomy became a reality, leading them to lobby

hard for recognition as a distinct group. While the Organic Law officially acceded to that

demand, many indigenous communities, such as the Teduray, are still concerned about their

future in the BARMM, demanding recognition of non-Moro indigenous identity that goes

4
Jose Mikhail Perez, “The Philippines: The Challenges of Moro and Lumad Power-sharing in Bangsamoro”,
4.

accessed June 4, 2022 http://www.csq.ro/wp-content/uploads/5-Jose-Mikhail-PEREZ.pdf

beyond formal assurances, including through legislation.  Another central demand focuses on the

need to respect the practice of collective ownership of land known as an ancestral domain.5

In this paper, the researchers will focus mainly on the perspective of the Lumad about the

implementation and transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

The paper initially focuses on the following topics: the viewpoint of Lumad on BARRM; the

effect of BARMM on the lives of Lumad; and lastly, how BARMM influences the Lumad in

terms of self-determination, rights, and freedom.

Statement of the Problem

This study dealt with the perspective of the Lumads on the Bangsamoro Autonomous

Region of Muslim Mindanao. Specifically, this study would answer the following questions:

1. As a Lumad, what is your viewpoint about the BARMM?

2. Does the creation of BARMM affect the lives of Lumads? If yes in what way.

3. How does Autonomus for Muslims in Mindanao influence Lumads in terms of self-

determination, rights, and freedom?

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the perspectives of Lumads on

the BARMM. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, an interview was conducted with

the 3 respondents. They are the 2 IPMR from Barangays Calumpang and Tambler, and the 1

Indigenous People’s Rights Advocate. Different statistical tools were used to conduct analyses of
5 5.
“Southern Philippines: Fostering and Inclusive Bangsamoro”, International Crisis Group, accessed June 6,
2022. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/philippines-indigenous-rights-and-milf-peace-
process
the data collected. The study findings indicated that the formation of BARMM was meant for the

Muslims of Mindanao; it addresses the difficulties and challenges that Muslims experience in

this predominantly Christian country. The study also finds that the establishment of BARMM

has no effect on Lumad lives, but it does contribute to regional peace.

Findings and Analysis

In the Christian-dominant Philippines, Muslims and Lumads were categorized as the

minority sector of the Filipino community. The Filipino Muslims, however, were already given a

political entity called Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which

was formed in February 2019. The Lumads, on the other hand, which remained as a second-class

minority in the Philippines still hold unto NCIP or the National Commission for Indigenous

Peoples.

The Lumads and Muslims in the Philippines were almost on the same scale; they lived

and were surrounded by dominant Christian Filipinos all over the country. In the western part of

Mindanao, Philippines is a place where most Muslim Filipino lived. Socially, they were still in

contact with the Christians and Lumads on the island. While Muslim Filipinos were visible in the

Filipino community, the Lumads, however, remained invisible as their number decreases. When

BARMM was established, the Muslims were given a place where they can exercise their rights,

freedom and culture, and tradition. The Lumads on the other hand remained invisible, especially

with the continuous challenges they faced as the marginalized sector in the community.

Lumads’ Perception on BARMM

 BARMM was ideally established to address the crisis involving Muslim Filipinos in

Southern Philippines. BARMM is a home to some 4 million Filipinos occupied by almost 91%

of Muslims with some Lumads specifically the Tiruray and some other Christian settlers. For

Muslims, the establishment of BARMM means peace as it paved way to the call for self-

determination of the Moros who were in conflict with the government for the past decades; while

for some Lumads, especially the Tirurays, BARMM is another form of conflict between their

tribe and between the Moros with issues concerning their territories or their ancestral domain.

Mr. Reynard Tangwayan, an IP representative in MSU-Gensan perceive the establishment of

BARMM positively. He stated that: “BARMM is actually a good initiative of the government to

fulfill its promise for Moro’s rights of determination. It’s part of the reparations to the long-time

historical injustices committed by the government towards the Moro-indigenous peoples in

Mindanao.”6 Replacing ARMM, BARMM follows the plebiscites that accepted the Bangsamoro

Organic Law. It was the response of the government to the long rage of Muslims for self-

determination.

Basically, BARMM as a new political entity was meant for Muslims in Mindanao; not

with Christians nor Lumads. Mr. Rogelio Sulanting, Counselor and IPMR of Barangay Tambler,

General Santos City, viewed BARMM negatively in a way that it doesn’t help the IPs. He stated

that: “BARMM is actually Bansang Moro Autonomous for Muslims in Mindanao so the question

is if we are included in that BARMM? I think as a Lumad we are included but then we didn’t

receive that kind of support especially in terms of our ancestral domain and international aid. In

6 6.
Reynard Tangwayan, IMPR of Mindanao State University General Santos City, Interviewed by Sairah Brian,
June 07, 2022, Reseracher, BA-History, Rizal Street, Barangay Calumpang, GSC, personal interview, 09:30 AM
short in BARMM we receive nothing. That is because we all know that BARMM is only for our

Muslim brothers and sisters not for us Lumads nor Christians.” 7

The ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law meant that the establishment of BARMM

was intended for the Muslims in Mindanao; that is to give them an autonomous region and

additional aid in accordance to BOL and to end the long rage conflict between the government

and the Moros. When BARMM was institutionalized by the government that is because the

Muslims fought so hard to attain self-determination with less help or back-up from the Lumads.

Now that they reap the fruit of their hardships, it is just right for the Moros to enjoy the self-

determination that they were fighting for many years.

The Establishment of BARMM and its effects to the Lumads

BARMM is the only autonomous region in the Philippines. It is the stronghold of the

Muslim community in the country. When BARMM replaces ARMM through the ratification of

BOL, its territories widened as more cities were added to the areas of BARMM. Through this

political entity, the Muslims were given an autonomous region for them to rule over by following

the BOL. Basically, the establishment of BARMM does not directly affect the lives of the

second-class minority sector in the Philippines which is the Lumads. Ideally, it even helps not

just Lumads but all sectors in Mindanao to achieve peace in the region.

The establishment of BARMM was intended for the Muslims in Mindanao; it addresses

the problems and challenges faced by the Muslims in this Christian-dominant country. This

7 7.
Rogelio Sulanting, IPMR of Barangay Tambler, General Santos City, Interviewed by Shymie B. Bandoy, June
07, 2022, Researcher, BA-History, Purok Balantang, Barangay Tambler, GSC, personal interview, 02: 15 PM
means that the establishment of BARMM does not affect the life of the Lumads. Mr Reynard

Tangwayan stated that: “Well, economically speaking, there would be no benefit at all. Yes,

because the purpose of BARMM was not intended for Indigenous people, I mean the 18 tribes of

IP’s. It’s purely for the 13 tribes of Moro people. That’s why, BARMM. So, basically, there was

no changes at all. It will benefit somehow, when it comes to the relationship of the Moro and

IP’s is very strong. Surely, when the Moro people who have the stronghold in that community it

would create a good relationship between IP’s and Moros, which can contribute into the

economic development and transformation of the Indigenous peoples. I think, for me that’s the

level of BARMM to strengthen the cultural preservation of both IP’s and Moros on the creation

of BARMM. ”8 Mr. Rogelio Sulanting also stated that the implementation of BARMM did not

affect their lives as Lumads. He stated that: “at last BARMM does not really affect the lives of

Lumads, because we also have here the NCIP the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples.

NCIP is our backbone; from NCIP we were able to have the scholarships and livelihood

programs funded by the Government”9

Upon replacing ARMM, the implementation of BARMM did not affect the lives of the

Lumads. Although there were stereotypes from the Lumads that they will be included in the

BARMM, however, it was clarified when BARMM was formally established. The creation of

BARMM was intended to address the problems related to the Muslims in Mindanao especially

related to achieving a lasting peace in the region. This means that the establishment of BARMM

was surely meant for the Muslims and not for the Lumads nor Christians in Mindanao. The

Lumads who resides in Mindanao or in any part of the Philippines has already the so called
8 8.
Reynard Tangwayan, Interviewed by Sairah Brian, Barangay Calumpang, GSC, personal interview, June 07,
2022.
9 9.
Rogelio Sulanting, Interviewed by Shymie B. Bandoy, Purok Balantang, Barangay Tambler, GSC, personal
interview, June 07, 2022.
NCIP or National Commission for Indigenous Peoples that help them in achieving progress and

development although as the minority sector of the country.

An Autonomous Region for Indigenous Peoples

An Autonomous region is an area in a particular country that has a degree of autonomy

or simply has freedom from external authority. In the Philippines BARMM is the only region

exercising autonomy by having its own government. Having their own government, BARMM is

entitled to exercise their rights and freedom based on their beliefs and traditions. Having a

BARMM that was intended for the Muslims in Mindanao, the Lumads also wanted the idea to

have an autonomous region for themselves. Mr. Reynard Tangwayan as an IP, perceives the idea

of having an autonomous region for the Lumads. He stated that: “Personally speaking, I have

this very idealistic contention that maybe someday we will also have a qualification of

customary laws like personal Muslim laws. From the personal Muslim laws that turned into

ARMM then eventually became BARMM that actually help, “that may be the government can

also codify the customary laws of IP’s because we have this IP’s rights acts. However, it did not

focus on recognizing the customary laws. Although there is recognition, I think if in comparison

to the codified Shariah Law, that would be something great that could influence the perspective

for future of IP’s and as a young IP.” 10 Mr. Rogelio Sulanting an IPMR of Barangay Tambler

also perceive positively the idea of having an autonomous region for the Lumads. He stated that:

“yes, actually my organization crafted a plan to also have an autonomous region for IPs. The

jurisdiction or boundary would be Tantangan, Tacurong, T’boli, Columbio, Malungon, Glan. It

actually includes Sarangani, South Cotabato, and General Santos as its territory. The problem is
10 10.
Reynard Tangwayan, Interviewed by Sairah Brian, Barangay Calumpang, GSC, personal interview, June 07,
2022.
that the professional IPs didn’t initiate to pursue this plan unlike in BARMM wherein our

Muslim brothers fought for that.”11

After the government granted the idea of self-determination by the Muslims through

BARMM this idea also inspired the Lumads to establish an autonomous region for the

Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. Since NCIP was enacted into law in 1997, it became the

primary government agency that formulates and implements policies, plans, and programs for the

recognition, promotion, and protection of the rights and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples

with due regard to their ancestral domains and lands, self-governance and empowerment, social

justice and human rights. 12

Although NCIP is responsible for the protection and promotion of

rights of the Indigenous Peoples the idea of having an autonomous region for IPs is quite

overwhelming. Just like how the Muslims abide by their customary laws through the Shariah

law, the Lumads also wanted to abide by their own customary laws through an autonomous

region for Indigenous Peoples wherein they would be able to exercise their rights and freedom.

An autonomous region for the Indigenous Peoples would not be that hard to grasp since the

establishment of BARMM was already granted to the Muslims in Mindanao and in the process

of success and development. One way or the other to achieve it is in the hands of the government

to implement and establish an autonomous region for Indigenous Peoples.

Conclusion

11 11.
Rogelio Sulanting, Interviewed by Shymie B. Bandoy, Purok Balantang, Barangay Tambler, GSC, personal
interview, June 07, 2022.
12 12.
“Programs”, National Commission on Indigenous People, Accessed June 12, 2022,
https://ncip.gov.ph/programs/
 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the political entity

replacing the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that was formed in

February 2019. It is the only self-governing region in the Philippines formed to address the

conflict situation in Mindanao not just between the Philippine government and MILF but also

among numerous armed groups, as well as clans, criminal gangs, and political elites. The

establishment of BARMM paved way for the Muslims in Mindanao to exercise their rights to

self-determination; this establishment was also affirmed by the Lumads in Mindanao since it is

one way to end the conflict situation in the region and one way in achieving a lasting peace.

When BARMM was established, there were stereotypes forming in the minds of the Lumads: the

fear that they will also become or be included in the establishment of BARMM. However,

BARMM was established clearly to address the conflict related to the Muslims in Mindanao not

for the Christians nor Lumads. The Lumads who were addressed as the second-class minority in

the Philippines stand under NCIP (National Commission for Indigenous Peoples), the

government agency that protects and promotes the rights and freedom of the Lumads. Basically,

the establishment of BARMM did not affect the lives of the Lumads, on the other hand, it even

inspires the Lumads to also have an autonomous region for Indigenous Peoples. An autonomous

region wherein the Lumads can practice and apply their customary laws in their autonomy just

like the Muslims who practiced their customary laws in BARMM

References

Perez, Jose Mikhail. “The Philippines: The Challenges of Moro and Lumad Power-sharing in
Bangsamoro”. accessed June 4, 2022

“Programs”. National Commission on Indigenous People. Accessed June 12, 2022,

https://ncip.gov.ph/programs/

“Southern Philippines: Fostering and Inclusive Bangsamoro”. International Crisis Group,

 accessed June 6, 2022.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/philippines-indigenous-
rights-and-milf-peace-process

Sulanting, Rogelio. IPMR of Barangay Tambler, General Santos City. Interviewed by Shymie B.
Bandoy. June 07, 2022. Researcher. BA-History. Purok Balantang, Barangay Tambler,
GSC. personal interview. 02: 15 PM.

Tangwayan, Reynard. IMPR of Mindanao State University General Santos City. Interviewed by
Sairah Brian. June 07, 2022. Reseracher, BA-History. Rizal Street, Barangay Calumpang,
GSC. personal interview. 09:30 AM.

“The Philippine: Indigenous Rights and The MILF Peace Process”. International Crisis Group,
accessed June 6, 2022.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/philippines-indigenous-
rights-and-milf-peace-process