Escalating tensions within the BARMM region have prompted concerns from past peace mediators due to emerging MILF factions.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a key player in the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is facing a potential crisis due to a dangerous split within its leadership. Unity within the MILF is vital during peace talks, ensuring its forces remain committed to the process. However, divisions could lead to radicalization, criminality, and the breakdown of the peace deal. Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez has urged the MILF to resolve internal rifts within its leadership.
The current crisis centers around key internal figures, but specific names of persons at the center of the crisis are not widely known. Nearly 10 senior MILF commanders were suspended for allegedly disobeying orders from Ebrahim, which stemmed from their attendance at a Manila event organized by Macacua.
The issue is not just election-related tension ahead of the October 13 parliamentary polls, but the fragmentation of the MILF's leadership. Galvez warns that divisions could undermine the peace process and emphasizes the importance of cohesion within the MILF to sustain the gains of the 2014 peace deal.
MILF spokesperson Mohajirin Ali insists communication between top leaders is smooth and continuous. He also emphasized the leaders' camaraderie outweighs any differences, forged over decades of armed struggle.
However, external actors are deepening the rift by backing rival factions. Galvez urges the government to help unite, not divide, its peace partner. Iqbal claims this is a "divide-and-rule tactic, a counter-insurgency move designed to destroy the MILF."
The former peace negotiators voiced concern that the situation in the BARMM could "spiral into an uncontrollable situation." Failure to act could derail the transition to a new Bangsamoro Parliament and threaten the decommissioning of MILF fighters under the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Galvez cites Saturday's peace rally of the MILF's armed wing as a sign of the group's maturity in handling disputes. He urged all peace partners to exert their moral influence on MILF leaders to overcome differences.
In August, Iqbal accused the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) of engineering a "regime change" by replacing Ebrahim with Macacua as interim chief minister without consulting the MILF central committee.
Despite the challenges, MILF leaders are pressed to take decisive action to avoid further weakening the organization. Ali stresses the importance of maintaining unity and upholding the peace deal for the betterment of the Bangsamoro people. The government, peace partners, and the MILF itself must work together to ensure the peace process remains on track.
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