Moros

Moros is a term used in the Philippines to refer to the Muslim population of the southern islands, particularly Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, as well as parts of Palawan. The name derives from the Spanish word Moro, historically used by colonial authorities to describe Muslims in the region. Today, Moros encompasses several ethnolinguistic groups, including the Maranao, Maguindanaon, Tausug, Sama-Bangsa, and Yakan, each with distinct languages and cultural practices.

Historically, these communities organized themselves into independent Muslim polities such as the Maguindanao and Sulu sultanates, with social and political structures centered on Islam. The arrival of Spanish and later American colonial rule affected the region in various ways, but Islam remained a core element of Moro identity. In the late 20th century, armed movements seeking autonomy or independence, notably the MNLF and MILF, played a central role in the region’s modern political history.

In recent decades, efforts to resolve long-standing conflict culminated in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019, establishing a self-governing territorial entity within the Philippines with its own regional government and parliament. This arrangement aims to address grievances related to autonomy, development, and governance in the southern Philippines.

Culturally, Moros share religious and social traditions, including diverse arts, music, and crafts, while practices and devices vary among groups. Language use ranges from regional Austronesian languages to Arabic-influenced liturgical traditions. The term Moros remains a broad identifier for a diverse set of communities, with many groups preferring to emphasize their specific ethnolinguistic identities.