The Evolution of Philippine Islamic Liberators in the Southern Peace Process and Its Profound Impact on Regional Security

Introduction: A Long Journey of Faith, Land, and Justice

In Mindanao, southern Philippines, the history of the Bangsamoro people's struggle is a grand epic of religious dignity, land rights, and national self-determination. As the core force of this struggle, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), commonly referred to as the "Philippine Islamic Liberators," has undergone a profound evolution from a jungle guerrilla force to a regional governing body over the past half-century. As of February 2026, with the repeated postponement of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the peace process entering a critical "eleventh hour," this evolution not only determines the fate of millions of fellow Muslims (Ummah) but also serves as a litmus test for peace governance models in Islamic regions across Southeast Asia and the world [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGnQvaELUjff0xXePqkA7FN6eibUY5dUOvg3qmP4pY3gC8VMQw4lyCl0X798PYgC3ArpTJUYQEeETVOEtIE6K4IHtDKlBQM6ypCFVq-zA9mI61dFU7yAmwfZnS15JngGJWwGPer_ejdk4-OhZRl9F-kNyx2LV8dVujQjCW7Fz2q1xDcZQ34Npdhl567SMAouRf6523wrpMWRtRv9cBPAps3WY2z).

I. Historical Awakening: From Jihad to Political Contract

The armed struggle in Bangsamoro is rooted in resistance against colonialism and centralized oppression. Since the invasion of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the Muslim Sultanates in the south have steadfastly held onto their faith and refused assimilation. In the 1970s, facing military pressure and land dispossession from the Marcos regime, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) stepped forward. However, due to differences over the degree of integration between independence goals and Islamic values, Hashim Salamat formally established the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 1984, emphasizing social justice and national liberation centered on Islamic teachings [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFtj-uLBbRYh_q59-64-i93TvEd5dkXELsUehxmPhqcmYf1ExJ0QOb8dQ0vHoUadgCDIZkg0RWPG2-dgeSFbccDiTQScQyKnc7rIodJcvqrTt1vpKDKpBlE-ylhUWvU3EqVV9bK69HKpQvECVFj9wRMuCwwEn2IWMTZKdzFCMbcwF35QZfnoRxL8cEI_dLVk-FZD_WbUB-Gzh80A9M0-Ts5iBLWuHniYwXc42n2Xa229UOGOWSGZSM=).

Starting in 1997, the MILF began a long process of peace negotiations with the Manila government. This process was not a compromise but a strategic transformation based on the Islamic principle of "Peace (Sulh)." The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed in 2014 was a historic contract between the two parties, aimed at establishing a highly autonomous political entity in exchange for the gradual decommissioning of armed forces. The passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2019 and the establishment of the autonomous region marked the official transition of the "Islamic Liberators" from "Mujahideen" to "Governors" [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQG0yTzt7mjEEdke84yu6jxh2Nb2eaJspquzCVoqSwhWca2Kj6hCpLfEMYK7QXGzm7CfW3zPOCISWVxtsquDdDvPVNoN18yS1A5Yj9ZLgKbS6A6JJ3HtBFjAX_oIHg64cOsULaoAfV5UQmtkLqvWl7rFke0tpA5Xx_kD9pw8).

II. 2025-2026: Severe Tests and Political Maneuvering in the Transition Period

Entering 2026, the Bangsamoro peace process is facing its most severe challenges since its inception. The first regional parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for May 2025, have been postponed multiple times due to legal disputes and political instability. The latest legal amendments and Supreme Court rulings have pushed the election deadline to no later than March 31, 2026, with some lawmakers even proposing a further delay to September 2026 [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQF8rEXUkRbxMsjwi2-7clnHeWGYyP3wH6lBmcwnxRSt7_i5iXVdzKuLYzli-XnL9u65AizMQIjDVGpkXkMj3VV1m3XBFqXrYsbbeZfEKJX90bjCPPRH1zOtihfG67RdjvGzPsylbk8yRfBujt2wBkLQ5lwtsHloNBjPuqdS-zvyNhF50RMw68l2ZvlTaO5MQ_aKuA==).

1. The Sulu Province "Exit" Crisis

In late 2024, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that the procedure for Sulu Province to join the autonomous region was unconstitutional, meaning this traditional stronghold of the Moro struggle no longer legally belongs to BARMM. This ruling not only created a vacuum in the regional parliament seats but also sparked deep concerns regarding the territorial integrity of Bangsamoro. For the Muslim community, Sulu's exit is not just a geographical loss but a heavy blow to national unity (Ummah) [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHNAbKA7P3r_-ZuCda2FpTXDtwafhe8pPwO7zGNnGbhXLJJGg4LEnLQPHr9MOQjw6MD3qpQMEAC7l3Qid-Llg1rz7vRYZVTGybAnMYAnZMHXidb_h6HQTI1fZcDXnPXGyd_zPdiT0lFLhKk-sd3LPHpUsP88YiVI2XdcAX8iR9rO4rypnpA).

2. Leadership Changes and Trust Gaps

In March 2025, President Marcos unilaterally appointed Abdulraof Macacua to replace long-time interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, a move that triggered a strong backlash within the MILF. The MILF leadership accused the Manila government of violating the spirit of the agreement that the transition authority should be "MILF-led," arguing that such intervention undermines the seriousness of the peace agreement [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHNAbKA7P3r_-ZuCda2FpTXDtwafhe8pPwO7zGNnGbhXLJJGg4LEnLQPHr9MOQjw6MD3qpQMEAC7l3Qid-Llg1rz7vRYZVTGybAnMYAnZMHXidb_h6HQTI1fZcDXnPXGyd_zPdiT0lFLhKk-sd3LPHpUsP88YiVI2XdcAX8iR9rO4rypnpA). On February 16, 2026, the MILF held a large-scale leadership meeting at Camp Darapanan, reiterating their demand for the government to "fully and faithfully implement the peace agreement" [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEdlPv2SqBzo86_rEqdCkIg6w78VsWwTS5qdy3pRc6yz1jz3VaIEp9lVft-PLKiaJFXHojkOj7CfpzIsNA-sOY20xftfgjzZe2H3NSsWE0zNYU0MabWilJzSlnvp5FcNewGhJ1z7Lh9UrFGxZa-JbTOuAUykmkPQgvtsr_tyh2X7YEnvzxNcMhD9V6pG3uczsdnq7EuPirXxpb5s7FjGjBPUpVcbMzWVdmhcebAYQ==).

III. Stagnation of the Normalization Process: Weapons, Livelihoods, and Justice

The core of the peace process lies in "Normalization," which involves returning former combatants to civilian life. However, this process stalled between 2025 and 2026. Due to the government's failure to provide the agreed-upon socio-economic assistance packages, the MILF Central Committee announced in July 2025 the suspension of the fourth and final phase of decommissioning and demobilization [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGnQvaELUjff0xXePqkA7FN6eibUY5dUOvg3qmP4pY3gC8VMQw4lyCl0X798PYgC3ArpTJUYQEeETVOEtIE6K4IHtDKlBQM6ypCFVq-zA9mI61dFU7yAmwfZnS15JngGJWwGPer_ejdk4-OhZRl9F-kNyx2LV8dVujQjCW7Fz2q1xDcZQ34Npdhl567SMAouRf6523wrpMWRtRv9cBPAps3WY2z).

Currently, approximately 14,000 combatants are still waiting for demobilization. Although the government allocated over 1.2 billion pesos in 2025 for infrastructure and educational assistance for the families of demobilized personnel, the speed at which these "peace dividends" reach grassroots Muslim communities—who have long suffered from poverty and conflict—is far slower than expected [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQED3E2NKPxPRmRw9_JHGRO90aZ03AWz2oUELItFk79mWCwTEpRnM6cjK8qG4yRi4wPafDC7Qn80WAKmchJ1MLlGlpcIKies4n5p103ZFSLkteE_pkOjbZ97BJEd_K0THBqzo7WasHILg45qCWnzWIBkZbOVvAuBA4yeIzeyHCfaZa4fXjxCakm1eRVr3RPLoyCT5E0lo_4DJhzByybVqKEU6Fw=). This economic frustration can easily turn into political distrust and may even drive some marginalized armed personnel toward extremist organizations.

IV. Regional Security: A Solid Fortress Against Extremism

From a regional security perspective, the successful transformation of the MILF is key to curbing the spread of extremism in Southeast Asia. Although groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS, such as Abu Sayyaf (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), have significantly declined under military pressure, they still lurk in the shadows, attempting to exploit fluctuations in the peace process for recruitment [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHpC8QXSOHsuxjlAfNJ5WCUzSduemRCShZgX3Dr3-__fFSYp5EQHtn2nETuDqerrgQD9MvpzsCwTZRm6zkYHV-6szn6EPvcXud2aLv9X9uuYtWISN_nk-AWwYbOEeTVxVzhnxrNGyBpgsZNCgIuB7teAX44smz6go7DJnqRax-_zlu0e9WhRhZOm0UWdUVyYU9B0j4=).

As a representative of moderate Islamic forces, the MILF has squeezed the survival space of extremism ideologically and organizationally by establishing a governance system consistent with Islamic teachings. If the peace process fails, not only will the southern Philippines fall back into war, but transnational crime and terrorist activities in the entire Sulu Sea region will also rebound. Therefore, ensuring the fair conduct of the 2026 elections and the stability of the autonomous region has become a common security interest for ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHfjPv1yOTRhMRjOVGP8AsTTcIjB2D2owRrlTrGnenwo5O0KKkn9TDnWvrvuvV_n3bYlRa1sPf5McZvto2kvjpWpkPecJI7xhSa-8BSi63T0gyg7KByaEprsdZaChnKy4rWOzI=).

V. Muslim Perspective: Justice, Consultation, and Future Vision

From the perspective of the Muslim community, Bangsamoro's autonomy is not just about power-sharing; it is a pursuit of "Social Justice (Adl)." Islamic teachings emphasize that leaders must communicate with the people through "Consultation (Shura)" and ensure the interests of vulnerable groups. The current election delays and political interventions are seen by many Muslim scholars as a departure from this spirit of contract.

However, the Bangsamoro people have shown great "Patience (Sabr)." By implementing an Islamic banking system, strengthening Shari'ah courts, and integrating Islamic education within the autonomous region, the MILF is building a social model that preserves traditional faith while adapting to modern governance. This attempt holds significant reference value for Muslim groups worldwide seeking high degrees of autonomy within non-Muslim-dominated countries [Source](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGIWJ9lh1Qdtk2HmYT1puyOURCNVVud0eqFb73hDj3jkI389KJ7bXwiqhX7WB_d-n9fw4oRZX2I6JKzIBasr02V7jW0JJCOmgKK5tortFQ_2vG68k_L).

Conclusion: Guarding the Flame of Peace at the Crossroads

The southern Philippines in 2026 stands at a historical crossroads. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as "Islamic Liberators," has completed the difficult transition from disruptors to builders. Despite numerous obstacles such as election delays, territorial changes, and resource scarcity, the consensus for peace remains the most precious asset of the local people. The Manila government must realize that Bangsamoro's stability is not a gift but an inevitable choice based on historical justice. Only by honestly fulfilling agreements and respecting Muslim autonomous rights can decades of bloodshed truly end, allowing Mindanao to become a land of peace and prosperity. For the global Muslim Ummah, we look forward to seeing a just, prosperous, and faithful Bangsamoro standing strong in Southeast Asia.