Bangsamoro

Bangsamoro, officially the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is an autonomous political entity in the southern Philippines. It was created to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act 11054) and the 2019 plebiscite, with the aim of providing greater self-government for Muslim communities and addressing decades of conflict. The regional government is seated in Cotabato City and operates with a parliamentary system led by a Chief Minister and a regional Parliament.

Geography and composition: BARMM covers most of the Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao, commonly including the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. It has several major cities and is distinct from other administrative regions in the country. The region is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Maranao, Maguindanaon, Tausug, and others, as well as Christian and Indigenous communities. Official languages include Filipino and English, with many local languages in everyday use.

History and governance: The Bangsamoro's framework stems from negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro provided the roadmap for autonomy, later codified in the 2018 Organic Law. A transitional Bangsamoro authority administered governance during the shift to a fully elected regional government and the final establishment of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Economy and governance: BARMM has fiscal autonomy and its own revenue-raising powers within a regional budgeting framework. The economy emphasizes agriculture, fishing, and resource development in Mindanao's southern areas, complemented by development programs aimed at poverty reduction and governance reform.

Peace and security: The region continues to implement decommissioning and integration of security forces, address insurgent threats, and foster sustainable development and social reconciliation as part of the broader peace process.