The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is a landmark agreement signed in 2014 between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The agreement was aimed at putting an end to the decades-long conflict in the southern part of the Philippines by providing autonomy to the Bangsamoro people.
The Bangsamoro people, who are predominantly Muslim, have been fighting for self-determination for years, citing historical injustices and discrimination. The CAB was seen as a significant step towards ending the violence and addressing the socio-economic issues that have plagued the region.
The agreement outlined the creation of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The BARMM would have its own government and powers over areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
The agreement also addressed the issue of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the MILF combatants. The Philippine Government committed to providing livelihood opportunities and training programs for the former rebels to help them transition back to civilian life.
In addition, the agreement recognized the rights of non-Moro indigenous people within the Bangsamoro territory. It also addressed the issue of revenue sharing between the national government and the BARMM.
The CAB was hailed as a significant achievement in the peace process, which involved years of negotiations and consultations. However, the agreement is not without its challenges. The transition to the BARMM has been slow, and there have been concerns about the implementation of the agreement.
Nonetheless, the CAB remains a critical agreement in the effort to achieve lasting peace in the southern Philippines. It serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and compromise in resolving conflicts and addressing historical injustices.