Bangsamoro Groups Urge Marcos, MILF to Finalize Landmark Peace Deal by Year-End
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A coalition of ten Bangsamoro civil society organizations (CSOs) has issued a powerful call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to complete the Bangsamoro peace process by December 23, 2026. This urgent deadline coincides with the 50th anniversary of the historic Tripoli Agreement, pushing for the finalization of a decades-long journey towards lasting peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The groups are specifically pressing for the full decommissioning of former MILF fighters, proper delivery of promised socioeconomic assistance, and the signing of an all-important Exit Agreement. This push comes at a critical time, especially after the region successfully held its first-ever regular parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, ushering in the new Bangsamoro Parliament which will convene on October 30. While the political steps are largely complete, the 'Normalization Track' – which includes disarming combatants and integrating them back into civilian life – has faced delays. In July 2025, the MILF temporarily stopped the decommissioning process, citing the government's slow delivery of assistance packages for their former fighters. However, recent meetings in Kuala Lumpur in late September 2026 saw the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF peace panels reaffirming their commitment to speeding up these crucial remaining steps. With the December 23 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on President Marcos Jr. and Chairman Ebrahim to act decisively. The CSOs have urged the leaders to meet before the new Bangsamoro Parliament takes office, hoping they will agree on a clear roadmap with specific timelines to achieve all remaining peace commitments. This final push aims to formally close a 50-year conflict, ensuring that the former combatants and their communities receive the support they need to build a peaceful future, leaving a powerful legacy for the current generation of leaders.