Perspective on and Conceptualizations of the Bangsamoro: A Case Study in Cotabato City
Araceli B. Naraga
Abstract
On April 25, 2013, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panels announced the agreement that a new political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) shall be created which led to the March 27, 2014 signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). It is of vital importance to reflect how soon the proposed Bangsamoro Government in the region will fare in the area of government and development. In a study conducted from 2003 to 2004 on the political history of the ARMM, it was concluded that despite attempts to attain peace and development much is left to be gained. Until now the ARMM is still struggling to make a real take off towards development. This study documented the responses of fifteen (15) respondents from various sectors of mixed community of Muslims, Christians, and Lumads in the province of Maguindanao using the in-depth interview method to bring to light their perspectives on and conceptualizations of the Bangsamoro.
