 – Awarded for his role in promoting peace and dialogue in the Southern Philippines, particularly in the Mindanao conflict1_small.png)
On Monday, September 2, the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines, signed a historic peace accord at the presidential palace in Manila, aiming to end 24 years of civil war that began in 1972 and claimed an estimated 120,000 lives9. The conflict, rooted in demands for Muslim autonomy in the predominantly Christian country, has devastated the southern region, displacing hundreds of thousands and stalling economic growth
The signing ceremony was attended by President Fidel Ramos, a former general, and MNLF chairman Nur Misuari. In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, President Ramos embraced Misuari, signaling a new era of cooperation after decades of hostility.
“In signing this agreement, the two sides have looked not to the problems of the past, but to the promise of the future,” said a statement reflecting the optimism in Manila6.
However, the celebration in the capital was not universally shared. In the southern city of Iligan, about 4,000 Christian residents protested the deal, expressing concerns about the implications of increased Muslim autonomy and the future of their communities.
The peace agreement follows years of negotiations, including earlier attempts such as the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, which provided for Muslim autonomy but failed to bring lasting peace9. The new accord is seen as a significant step toward ending one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies, but challenges remain in implementing its provisions and reconciling the diverse interests in the region.
While the government and MNLF leaders hailed the agreement as a path to peace and development, observers note that true stability will depend on continued dialogue, inclusive governance, and addressing the concerns of all affected communities
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