Historic peace in the Philippines

Historic peace in the Philippines, but do the parties have the capacity for successful implementation?

On July 26th, President Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (previously known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law): a unique and historic moment in one of the longest running conflicts (and negotiation process) in the world.

For the first time in decades a peace agreement is in place in the South of the Philippines, signed and ratified by all the main parties involved. Although a plebiscite amongst the intended future population of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region still needs to take place, this is the official end of the war between the Philippines government and the two Bangsamoro fronts. It however does not mark the end of tensions or violence in Mindanao. The challenging part of implementing the agreement and creating lasting peace is yet to begin.

Clingendael Academy has been conducting negotiation and mediation training over the past two years in Mindanao as part of the peace building activities of the UNDP.