Moro Islamic Liberation Frontac

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a revolutionary organisation based in the southern Philippines, established to pursue self-determination and autonomy for the Moro people, the Muslim population of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Emerging as a major separatist group during the late 20th century, the MILF played a pivotal role in the long-running Moro conflict, which has been one of Southeast Asia’s most complex insurgencies. Over time, the organisation shifted from an armed struggle to peaceful political engagement, culminating in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019.

Historical Background

The roots of the MILF lie in the colonial and post-colonial marginalisation of the Moro people—an ethnolinguistic group comprising several Muslim communities such as the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, and Yakan. These groups historically inhabited Mindanao and nearby islands and maintained sultanates that resisted Spanish and later American colonial rule.
After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, tensions between Christian settlers (who migrated to Mindanao under government resettlement programmes) and indigenous Muslims deepened, leading to land dispossession, economic inequality, and cultural alienation.
In response, Moro political consciousness revived in the 1960s, catalysed by events such as the Jabidah Massacre (1968)—the killing of Muslim military trainees—which triggered widespread outrage and calls for Moro self-determination.

Formation of the MILF

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front originated as a splinter faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which was founded in 1972 under Nur Misuari. The MNLF sought independence for the “Bangsamoro” (Moro nation) and led an armed struggle against the Marcos government during the 1970s.
Disagreements within the MNLF over ideology, leadership, and strategy led to a division. While the MNLF was secular and nationalist in orientation, a faction led by Salamat Hashim, an Islamic theologian educated at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, advocated for a more Islamic-based movement.
In 1977, Salamat Hashim formally broke away and established the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Its ideology combined Islamic principles with Moro nationalism, calling for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

Ideology and Objectives

The MILF’s ideology is rooted in Islamic revivalism, seeking to restore the political and cultural autonomy of the Moro people under the framework of Islamic governance.
Key objectives of the MILF included:

• Establishing an Islamic state in Mindanao and adjacent areas historically inhabited by Muslims.
• Protecting the religious, political, and cultural identity of the Moro people.
• Addressing long-standing economic marginalisation and land dispossession.
• Promoting social justice and self-determination within the Philippine nation-state.

Over time, especially in the 2000s and 2010s, the MILF moderated its goals, shifting from full independence to a demand for autonomous self-governance within the framework of the Philippine Constitution.

Armed Struggle and Conflict

The MILF maintained a well-organised armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), which engaged in guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and control of rural territories in Mindanao. The conflict between government forces and Moro insurgents caused significant casualties and displacement.
Major events include:

• 1980s: The MILF consolidated its forces and expanded control in central Mindanao.
• 1990s: Failed peace talks and military clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and MILF units.
• 2000 – “All-Out War”: President Joseph Estrada launched a full-scale offensive against the MILF’s headquarters at Camp Abubakar, leading to heavy losses and displacement of civilians.
• 2003: Another major military operation under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo following renewed fighting.

Despite these conflicts, both sides continued to engage intermittently in dialogue, mediated by countries such as Malaysia, under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Peace Process and Autonomy

After years of negotiations, the Philippine government and MILF made substantial progress toward peace in the 21st century.
Key milestones include:

1. 2003 – Ceasefire Agreement: The MILF and the government signed a ceasefire monitored by the International Monitoring Team (IMT) led by Malaysia.
2. 2012 – Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB): Signed under President Benigno Aquino III, this agreement outlined the creation of a new autonomous political entity—the Bangsamoro—to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) established earlier through the MNLF accords.
3. 2014 – Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB): This final peace deal formally ended decades of insurgency. The MILF agreed to lay down its arms and transform into a political organisation, while the government promised genuine autonomy and resource-sharing mechanisms.
4. 2018 – Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL): Passed by the Philippine Congress and ratified through a plebiscite, it established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), replacing the ARMM.
5. 2019 – Formation of the BARMM Government: The MILF transitioned into governance, with its leader Al Haj Murad Ebrahim appointed as the interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Government.

Governance and Political Role

Since 2019, the MILF has focused on institution-building within the Bangsamoro region. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), led by MILF representatives, functions as the interim regional government, responsible for drafting policies and consolidating peace.
The BARMM enjoys significant powers over:

• Local governance and administration
• Natural resource management
• Islamic law (Sharia) in civil matters
• Cultural preservation and education
• Economic development and taxation

The Philippine national government retains authority over national defence, foreign policy, and currency.
The MILF’s transformation from a guerrilla force into a legitimate political entity marks one of the most successful peace transitions in Southeast Asia.

Challenges and Continuing Issues

Despite progress, several challenges persist:

• Disarmament and Reintegration: Ensuring complete disbandment of MILF combatants and their integration into civilian life or security forces.
• Extremism and Splinter Groups: Radical factions such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), formed by MILF hardliners, continue to oppose the peace process and have pledged allegiance to ISIS.
• Governance Capacity: Building effective, transparent governance structures in the newly autonomous region.
• Socio-economic Development: Addressing poverty, education, and infrastructure deficits in conflict-affected areas.
• Inter-tribal and inter-religious relations: Managing diverse ethnic and religious communities within the BARMM.

International Involvement

The peace process was strongly supported by the international community, particularly:

• Malaysia – primary facilitator of peace talks.
• Japan, the European Union, and the United States – provided development assistance and funding for post-conflict rehabilitation.
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) – played a diplomatic role in mediating between the Philippine government and Moro groups.

The International Contact Group (ICG), composed of representatives from governments and NGOs, ensured transparency and trust throughout the negotiation process.

Legacy and Significance

The MILF’s evolution from an armed separatist movement to a legitimate governing body represents a landmark in conflict resolution. Its success demonstrates that inclusive dialogue and autonomy can transform insurgency into cooperation.
Historical Significance:

• Ended one of Asia’s longest-running Muslim insurgencies.
• Established a functioning autonomous government under constitutional principles.
• Provided a model for peacebuilding in multi-ethnic, multi-religious societies.