The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is a historic peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This agreement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing peace process in the Southern Philippines.
The CAB was signed on March 27, 2014, in Malacañang Palace, Manila, Philippines. This agreement provides for the creation of a new autonomous political entity known as the Bangsamoro. This entity will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and will have more powers and resources.
The CAB is based on a framework agreement signed in October 2012 between the GPH and MILF. This framework agreement aims to end more than four decades of conflict in Mindanao, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
The CAB covers several key areas, including the following:
1. Governance: The Bangsamoro will have its own government, legislature, and executive, which will have more powers and resources than the existing ARMM.
2. Fiscal autonomy: The Bangsamoro will have a more significant share of government revenues, which will enable it to fund its development programs and services.
3. Wealth-sharing: The agreement provides for the equitable sharing of revenues generated from the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources in the Bangsamoro.
4. Transitional justice: The CAB provides for the creation of a transitional justice and reconciliation commission, which will address the grievances of victims of the conflict and promote healing and reconciliation.
5. Normalization: The agreement provides for the disbandment of MILF combatants and their transformation into a peaceful civilian force. This process will be overseen by an independent commission.
The CAB is a comprehensive agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict in Mindanao. It provides a roadmap for the creation of a new autonomous political entity, which will ensure lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is a significant step forward in the peace process in Mindanao. It provides a framework for the creation of a new autonomous political entity, which will have more powers and resources. This agreement will help address the root causes of the conflict and promote lasting peace, development, and prosperity in the region.