A NEW DAWN FOR BANGSAMORO: THE EVOLVING DYNAMICS OF PEACE AND WAR

The Bangsamoro region in the Philippines has long been plagued by conflicts and tensions arising from historical grievances, cultural differences, and political struggles. However, recent developments have provided a glimmer of hope for lasting peace and stability in the region. This study explores the changing landscape of the Bangsamoro peace process and the dynamics that shape the delicate balance between peace and war. This study begins by delving into the
historical context of the Bangsamoro conflict, highlighting the deep-rooted grievances and historical injustices faced by the Bangsamoro people. It explores the origins of the conflict, including the Moro struggle for self-determination and the complex interplay between different stakeholders such as the government, rebel groups, and marginalized communities. Moreover, this highlights the significant milestones and developments that have taken place in the Bangsamoro peace process. It discusses the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a result of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the subsequent ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018. In addition, this study analyzes the evolving dynamics of peace and war in the Bangsamoro region. It explores the challenges faced by the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) in consolidating power, managing expectations, and addressing the multifaceted issues of poverty, corruption, and political fragmentation. It also examines the role of various actors, including rebel groups, local communities, and external mediators, in shaping the trajectory of the peace process. Furthermore, the data used in this research was purely qualitative as it is gained from reliable and authentic books, journals, and first-hand sources such as Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). More precisely, the main aims of this paper is to examine the previous efforts in relation to post-conflict reconstruction and will delve into important issues and challenges in the Bangsamoro peace process that can impede peace building.