Friends of peace: Supporting Bangsamoro’s next chapter

Nearly 20 years after my first posting to the Philippines, I have seen first-hand the change that has taken place in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Whilst acknowledging the important challenges that remain, the story of Bangsamoro today is very different from the one I first encountered.

The UK has been privileged to support that progress over many years. From our role as a member of the International Contact Group during the negotiations, to our work strengthening democratic institutions during the transition to self-government, we have worked alongside Philippine partners and many dedicated peacebuilders in support of lasting peace.

As BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary election, it is a fitting moment to reflect on both the progress achieved and the work that still lies ahead. It is also an opportunity to recognize the partnerships that have supported the peace process over many years.

The Bangsamoro peace process has been built through patient dialogue, difficult compromises and the determination to move forward despite setbacks. Successive agreements helped build the trust and political consensus needed to replace conflict with a functioning autonomous government. The institutions that exist today are a reminder that peace is a process, that requires continual commitment to endure and succeed.

More than a decade after the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the upcoming elections will mark the transition to an elected Parliament and a new chapter in the region’s democratic journey. This moment is the beginning of a new phase focused on strengthening institutions, maintaining trust and translating political commitments into further improvements in people’s daily lives.

The UK’s support to the peace process began in 2009 when, as a member of the International Contact Group, we helped efforts to advance negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Since then, we have continued to work alongside national and regional institutions, civil society organizations and international partners as the focus shifted from negotiating peace to implementing it.

Our support has reflected lessons from our own experience. The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland and the development of devolved institutions across the United Kingdom, reflects that peace is rarely secured through a single breakthrough moment. Lasting peace is built through dialogue, compromise and the gradual strengthening of institutions that people trust.

Since 2019, UK support has focused on strengthening parliamentary institutions, supporting governance reforms, promoting civic participation and encouraging the inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples and young people in public life. Earlier this year, Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, returned to Cotabato, continuing a relationship with the Bangsamoro peace process that has spanned more than a decade. Through his engagement with Bangsamoro leaders, institutions and communities, he has shared lessons from Scotland’s experience of building a new Parliament and devolved government, while offering practical perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that accompany political transition.

The forthcoming elections represent an important next step in the Bangsamoro peace process and the transition to elected governance. As the political landscape evolves, the elections mark another stage in the ongoing work of translating a negotiated settlement into a durable democratic system. Peaceful, credible, free and fair elections can reinforce confidence in the institutions established through the peace process, while demonstrating the capacity of democratic politics to accommodate diverse perspectives and aspirations. The United Kingdom is proud to support these efforts, including through its support for the Asian Network for Free Elections or ANFREL’s election observation work and initiatives that promote transparency, participation and accountability.

The work of peacebuilding is never truly complete. Significant challenges remain and important commitments still need to be delivered. But the progress achieved so far demonstrates what is possible through dialogue, political courage and sustained commitment.

The UK remains proud to stand alongside the people of BARMM as a longstanding friend and partner, supporting efforts towards a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous future.

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Sarah Hulton OBE is the British Ambassador to the Philippines and the non-resident Ambassador for Palau. Follow her on X
@ukambassadorph