#Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

[arkipelagic]

The flag of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao

Green (top side) reflects the Islamic teachings and principles that majority of the population subscribe to.

White (middle) signifies peace, sakina (tranquility) and righteousness.

Red (bottom side) symbolizes the blood of the fallen mujahideen who fought for the recognition of identity and self-determination of the Bangsamoro.

Crescent symbolizes the principles that guided the Bangsamoro who struggled for self-determination.

7-Rayed Star represents the five (5) provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur including the City of Marawi, Basilan including the City of Lamitan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the City of Cotabato, and the 63 barangays erstwhile part of North Cotabato that compose the Bangsamoro territory.

Kris symbolizes the protection and resistance of the Bangsamoro and other Indigenous People in the Bangsamoro territory against oppression, tyranny and injustice.

— Atty. Laisa Alamia, Bangsamoro Transition Authority

January 21, 2019 marks the creation plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The only autonomous region in the Republic of the Philippines, this came after decades of violence from militant Bangsamoro groups in response to waves of dispossession, massacres, discrimination, and other ill treatment at the hands of the Philippine state throughout the 20th century.

[tagpispatrick]

MANILA, 29 October 2022 – Tropical Storm Nalgae (local name Paeng) made landfall on Saturday, 29 October in Catanduanes with over 3 million people living in affected areas. Strong winds and heavy rains are causing flooding, landslides, and displacement in several regions in the Philippines, with 72 unconfirmed casualties. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) alone, over 78,000 households are reported to be affected by flooding and rain-induced landslides. Nalgae is the latest of over 20 storms that hit the Philippines during the 2022 Pacific Typhoon season.

[abuddinganthropologist]

Jabidah Massacre: Forgotten voices.

We must not stop talking about the atrocities made during the Marcos regime. Having conversations, casual or not, it is incredibly helpful to #NeverForget. The dictatorial government attempted to silence and censor the decry of its people—the Filipinos will never stop in asking for accountability and justice.

"In 1962, Diosdado Macapagal reasserted the claim of the Philippines over Sabah. This gave birth to the “Operation Merdeka” which was a high-profiled and confidential military operation. Its plan was to reclaim Sabah from Malaysia through encroaching Sabah and destabilize its state. In 1967, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. furtively assigned Abdul Latif, to take charge on a secret commando unit code named “Jabidah” to take charge of the Operation Merdeka.

The members of this unit, which were usually composed of young men subjected to indoctrination, after knowing the true nature of their mission mutinied and were assassinated in return. There were no actual accounts of the reason for the mutiny but some attributed it to the: (1) poor living conditions during the military training (2) the hardship and exhaustion during training. (3) trainees being told to fight “communists” but found out that they will actually fight their Sabahan brothers which they felt close kinship too due to Islamic faith. The Jabidah Massacre was what started the Moro Resistance."

Sources: Bangsamoro Information Office, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (March 17, 2021). "Remembering Jabidah and the seeds of the struggle". BARMM Official Website. Republic of the Philippines. Philippine Claim to North Borneo (Sabah), Vol. II. Government of the Philippines. August 2, 1962.

[jamalashley-blog]

Federalism :Many Nations–One State

BARMM DismembermentOn September 9, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the Province of Sulu is not a part of the Bangsa Moro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since the province voted against the ratification of the new Bangsamoro Organic Law in the plebiscite held on January 21, 2019. This now opens a Pandora box. Can the constituent provinces, cities, and other local government units…

[thephenominchief]

PNP begins review applications of qualified MILF, MNLF members into the police force

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has begun reviewing the applications of members of two of the country’s top Moro fronts who wish to gain entry into Philippine National Police (PNP). On April 27, 2022, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) signed an agreement that will allow qualified Moro Islamic Liberation Front…

[isaiahnoelarcenas]

Social Justice and Legal Education

Constitution and legal system: The social justice and human rights values enshrined in the Philippine Constitution offer a legal framework for defending the rights of all citizens, especially the underprivileged groups in Mindanao. More justice and fairness can also be achieved by laws and policies that preserve indigenous rights, the environment, and land rights. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM, was established in 2019 with the intention of addressing historical injustices and giving Indigenous Muslims and other cultural communities the ability to choose their own development goals. Legal aid: For individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, free or inexpensive legal services from agencies such as the Public Attorney's Office, non-governmental groups, and law schools help guarantee access to justice. This is especially important for Mindanao's underprivileged populations that are threatened by human rights abuses, land grabs, or displacement. Pro bono initiatives: To support underprivileged people and communities, a large number of attorneys and other legal experts donate their time and knowledge, which helps to fund pro bono legal services in Mindanao. Community-based paralegals: Skilled individuals in the community can offer fundamental legal support and increase knowledge of rights and privileges, enabling the local populace to successfully traverse the legal system. Human rights organizations: Groups like the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers and the Mindanao Human Rights Center work to protect human rights, keep track of violations, and advance legislative and policy changes that assist Mindanao's underprivileged populations. Public interest litigation: Attorneys can utilize strategic litigation to oppose legislation that discriminate against their clients, hold government officials responsible for violating their human rights, and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Advocating for policies: Attorneys and other legal professionals can influence laws and policies that advance social justice and specifically address issues that the people of Mindanao experience by participating in the formulation and legislative processes. Notwithstanding these efforts, there remain obstacles and restrictions: Insufficient availability of legal services: A lot of Mindanao's communities, especially those in outlying areas, still do not have access to legal aid or competent legal counsel. Corruption and impunity: Weak legal systems and corruption can make it more difficult for the disadvantaged to access the court system. Complexities of the conflict: Mindanao's protracted conflict presents special difficulties that frequently call for comprehensive solutions that go beyond merely legal actions. All things considered, even though the legal system and the legal profession have their limitations, they nevertheless contribute significantly to the advancement of social justice and the general welfare of the people of Mindanao by offering structures for defending rights, guaranteeing access to the legal system, pushing for change, and confronting injustices. To guarantee that law and the legal profession successfully contribute to a more just and equitable society in Mindanao, ongoing efforts to fortify legal institutions, enhance access to legal services, and address the underlying causes of inequality are imperative.

[pannaginip]

ABS-CBN: DOH asks public to get vaccinated vs measles amid rise in cases

The Department of Health (DOH) is "concerned" and "on alert" as it sees a week-on-week upward trend of measles (tigdas) cases, recording 1,627 cases from January 1 to April 6--a number five times higher than the 308 cases in 2023.

An outbreak has already been declared in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with 48% of the country's measles cases coming from the region, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said Thursday.

[DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo] assured enough supply of vaccines for nationwide routine childhood immunization in health centers and in public schools, and for the outbreak response in BARMM.

Domingo shared adults can still get vaccinated against measles, but children below 5 years old are more prone to the illness as they have weaker immune system compared to adults.

(There are many reasons people refuse to be vaccinated--the most common being that people think it is ok to get measles because it will eventually get well. But that's not measles, it's chickenpox. We have that misconception that they're the same and safe to get infected. No, it can be deadly.) [Domingo explained.]

2024 Apr. 18

[renesf]

BARMM Delivers Rodrigo Duterte His First Embarrassment In A Long Time

Screenshot The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has gracefully declined Rodrigo Duterte’s generous offer of Mindanao’s secession from the Philippines.  Apparently, the BARMM officials failed to receive the memo that what Davao City desires is engraved in the collective dreams of the entire Mindanao island. Duterte, renowned for his clairvoyant abilities to decipher the…

[thxnews]

Pangandaman Allocates P5 Billion for BARMM Rehabilitation Fund

  Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The release of the fund is in accordance with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054, that the National Government shall provide the SDF with P5 billion annually, for a period of 10 years, to the BARMM Government “for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities.”  

Pangandaman making a statement. Photo by DBM.   "Tulad po ng ipinangako ko, at alinsunod po sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy po ang DBM na aalalay sa BARMM sa abot ng aming makakaya. We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthening its communities." “Umaasa po kami na magagamit ng wasto ang pondong ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga komunidad sa BARMM. We hope that BARMM takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that needs further development,” Pangandaman added.   The most recent conflict to have erupted in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was the five-month siege, from 23 May to 23 October 2017, of Marawi City — capital of Lanao del Sur, one of six provinces in the region. The clash resulted in P17 billion in property damage and lost opportunities, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi, the government inter-agency body in charge of rehabilitation efforts in the conflict zone. In 2018, Task Force Bangon Marawi said in an initial estimate that at least P49.8 billion is needed to restore affected parts of Marawi. The allocations shall be directly released by the Bureau of Treasury to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government through an authorized government servicing bank (AGSB), subject to cash programming by the National Government. The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allotted: - P64.76 billion for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Annual Block Grant; - P5.0 billion as Special Development Fund for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities; - P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees, and charges collected in the region.   Sources: THX News & Department of Budget and Management. Read the full article

[maryjoyomelda]

MANILA, 29 October 2022 –Tropical Storm Nalgae (local name Paeng) made landfall on Saturday, 29 October in Catanduanes with over 3 million people living in affected areas. Strong winds and heavy rains are causing flooding, landslides, and displacement in several regions in the Philippines, with 72 unconfirmed casualties. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) alone, over 78,000 households are reported to be affected by flooding and rain-induced landslides. Nalgae is the latest of over 20 storms that hit the Philippines during the 2022 Pacific Typhoon season.

UNICEF is deeply concerned for children and families at risk and re-affirms its readiness to provide support to the Philippine Government to reach affected children and their families. UNICEF has a field office in BARMM with staff dedicated to work in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition, education and protection. BARMM has some of the lowest indicators of child health, nutrition and well-being.

UNICEF in the Philippines is closely monitoring the situation with its UN partners and is coordinating assessments with national and local authorities.

“The rights of children are under threat with each typhoon that inundates their communities. Children are the least responsible for extreme weather events, and yet they are the ones being displaced, in mental distress and cut-off from schools and hospitals. Communities in the Philippines are simply not safe enough,” UNICEF Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

UNICEF has prepositioned emergency supplies for families to respond to affected people’s needs for safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, medical supplies, nutrition, education, and child protection.

[arkipelagic]

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 10 December) – The Bangsamoro Parliament unanimously approved the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act (BIPA) of 2024 on its third and final reading during a special session on Tuesday, according to a press release from the regional legislative body’s Publication and Media Relations Division.

The law, which was passed with 63 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions, “has been recognized as a historic success in the region’s ongoing peace process and commitment to inclusive governance.”

BIPA recognizes the IP’s ownership over their ancestral domains, referred to as fusaka ingëd, and natural resources in these territories.

The press release quoted Ramon Piang, chair of the committee on Indigenous Peoples affairs as saying that the BIPA is an enhanced version of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, “specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Bangsamoro’s indigenous population.”

Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) include the non-Moro IPs (Téduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, Erumanun Ne Menuvu, Higaonon, B’laan), and the Badjao, Sama Dilaut, Jama Mapun, Sama Bangingi, and Sama Pangutaran in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Supreme Court, however, has ruled with finality on Sulu’s removal from BARMM. (MindaNews)

[ckteodoro]

Philippines: Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (Paeng), Mindanao - Consolidated Rapid Assessment Report (7 November 2022)

Severe tropical storm (STS) Nalgae (locally named Paeng), the 16th tropical cyclone that entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), brought heavy rains and strong winds to the Philippines and affected at least 4 million people as it traversed the landmass on 28-31 October. Its impact was felt most severely in Regions 5, 6, 8, 12 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with over 557,000 people affected only in BARMM.

Philippines: Typhoon Paeng expected to cause flashfloods and landslides

Weeks after typhoon Milenyo left death and devastation in its wake, another super typhoon has hit the country. As of 5 pm October 29, 2006, typhoon Paeng has gained more strength with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It is expected to be at 80 kms northeast of Baguio City or 90 kms southwest of Tuguegarao City by tomorrow morning and out into the South China Sea, said PAGASA.

Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (Paeng)

On 29 October 2022, Tropical Storm Nalgae, locally known as Paeng, hit the Philippines making its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes in the Bicol Region.

Based on the 04 November 2022 Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), barely a week since its initial blow, around 4.8M individuals were affected all over the country wherein around 152,000 individuals are currently seeking refuge in 823 evacuation centers and around 896,000 individuals are temporarily staying with either family or friends outside evacuation centers.

You can be in the storm,But don't let the storm get you.

[nadurajenevie]

MANILA, 29 October 2022 – Tropical Storm Nalgae (local name Paeng) made landfall on Saturday, 29 October in Catanduanes with over 3 million people living in affected areas. Strong winds and heavy rains are causing flooding, landslides, and displacement in several regions in the Philippines, with 72 unconfirmed casualties. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) alone, over 78,000 households are reported to be affected by flooding and rain-induced landslides. Nalgae is the latest of over 20 storms that hit the Philippines during the 2022 Pacific Typhoon season.

UNICEF is deeply concerned for children and families at risk and re-affirms its readiness to provide support to the Philippine Government to reach affected children and their families. UNICEF has a field office in BARMM with staff dedicated to work in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition, education and protection. BARMM has some of the lowest indicators of child health, nutrition and well-being.

UNICEF in the Philippines is closely monitoring the situation with its UN partners and is coordinating assessments with national and local authorities.

“The rights of children are under threat with each typhoon that inundates their communities. Children are the least responsible for extreme weather events, and yet they are the ones being displaced, in mental distress and cut-off from schools and hospitals. Communities in the Philippines are simply not safe enough,” UNICEF Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

UNICEF has prepositioned emergency supplies for families to respond to affected people’s needs for safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, medical supplies, nutrition, education, and child protection.

[thephenominchief]

Successful plebiscite conducted in SGA with 81% Voter Turnout

SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA — Saturday, April 13, marked a historic milestone among the residents of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the creation of the new eight municipalities. This, as 72, 358 out of 89,594 registered voters across the 63 barangays in the SGA participated in a plebiscite held in 67…

[normanblogs]

Miss Universe Philippines and the Lanao del Sur trip

Miss Universe Philippines and the Lanao del Sur trip

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi visits Lanao del Sur The Miss Universe Philippines Organization continues its commitment to promoting tourism and advocating for charity during the recent visit of its queens to Lanao del Sur. In partnership with Save the Children Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi visited the Municipalities of Marantao and Marawi City to…