Gov't, MILF pivot toward normalization as Bangsamoro pact turns 14

COTABATO CITY — The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commemorated the 14th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) on Thursday, with the administration's top peace negotiator announcing a recalibrated approach to the long-running peace process.

The government's chief peace official disclosed that efforts will now concentrate on normalization—moving beyond the negotiation phase toward practical implementation of peace agreements and integration of conflict-affected communities.

The strategic reorientation comes as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted elections for its first Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the transition from the previous interim government structure. The parliamentary elections represent a critical step in establishing the region's permanent political institutions under the autonomy framework.

The FAB, signed in 2014, laid the groundwork for addressing decades of conflict in Mindanao by establishing mechanisms for Bangsamoro self-governance and addressing grievances of the Muslim population. The agreement paved the way for the creation of BARMM and established the foundation for subsequent peace accords and confidence-building measures between the warring parties.

With parliamentary elections concluded, officials indicated the focus will shift toward consolidating peace gains, normalizing civilian life in conflict-affected areas, and ensuring the effective functioning of the newly elected regional government.