Transitional justice for Bangsamoro should be a ‘national project,’ say peace advocates

Peace advocates in the Philippines are intensifying calls for the creation of a national law to address transitional justice and reconciliation for the Bangsamoro people, emphasizing that such efforts must be treated as a nationwide initiative rather than solely a regional concern. Despite the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) having enacted its own regional framework through the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 89 (BAA No. 89), advocates argue that a comprehensive national law remains essential to ensure meaningful reparations and reconciliation processes. The push for a national law comes amid ongoing discussions about the legacy of historical injustices faced by the Bangsamoro people. These include colonial-era treaties, state-sponsored resettlement policies, and violent episodes such as the 1968 Jabidah Massacre. Peace practitioners stress that these issues require acknowledgment and redress at the national level, particularly since reparations can only be initiated by the central government. Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace implementing panel, emphasized that the Marcos administration must prioritize the passage of a national transitional justice law. During a recent forum in Quezon City, he urged collaboration among various stakeholders to raise public awareness and secure legislative backing from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. According to Iqbal, achieving consensus and securing champions in both chambers of Congress is crucial for the bill's success. Iqbal further highlighted the importance of popularizing the concept of transitional justice and reconciliation (TJR). He argued that without widespread national support, the legislation would face significant hurdles. The need for a unified effort was echoed by Iona Jalijali, the Philippine representative of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, who called for engagement with all legislators regardless of their political affiliations. She described the initiative as a national project requiring the commitment of the national government. Efforts to introduce a bill on transitional justice were first made by Akbayan representatives and Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao last year. However, progress on the bill has been minimal, indicating the challenges associated with advancing such legislation in the current political climate. A critical aspect of transitional justice involves preserving the historical memory and narratives of the Bangsamoro people. This includes documenting the injustices they endured and explaining why reparations are necessary. The regional law under BAA No. 89 mandates the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, which is responsible for conducting information campaigns, establishing museums and memorials, and investigating grievances and human rights violations. These actions aim to provide a platform for truth-telling and accountability. Former peace adviser Teresita Quintos Deles underscored the necessity of teaching Bangsamoro history across the entire country, not just within the region. She stressed that a national law would enable broader educational initiatives, ensuring that the experiences and struggles of the Bangsamoro people are recognized and understood beyond BARMM. As the debate continues, advocates remain hopeful that increased awareness and sustained pressure will lead to the eventual passage of a national law on transitional justice. They believe that such a measure is vital for fostering lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. The focus remains on building a collective understanding of the past to shape a more inclusive future for all Filipinos.