Clan Politics: A Critical Role in Resolving Muslim Conflict in the Philippines
Abstract
In 2019, after decades of peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and Muslim separatist groups, the Philippines launched the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). However, in addition to the Moro separatist groups, clans also play a critical role in the region by dominating the political space. This thesis examines the contentious role of clan politics in thenegotiations leading to the creation and implementation of the BARMM. It finds that clan politics contributed to the failure of past peace agreements due to corruption and inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic clan violence, often caused by land disputes and the quest for power and resources. Clan violence is also often associated with private armed groups (PAG). The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), used to create the BARMM, addressed many issues related to clan politics. This is evident in the BARMM's adoption of a parliamentary form of government, establishment of an internal and state audit system for accounting of government resources, and the disarmament of PAGs. However, the BARMM's success may depend on the sustainment of programs stipulated in the BOL, the complete disarmament of the PAGs and the strengthening of regional and local government institutions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1184847
Entities
People
- Vincent A. Dy
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School