Author: Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network (BRLN)

The keynote presentation explores the unique challenges involved in establishing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines. Lingga discusses the multifaceted complexity of creating a new government system in an area marked by diverse cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and a history of violent conflicts. He examines political, socioeconomic, and institutional hurdles, such as the negotiation of power dynamics, managing resource allocation, and the transformation of Moro revolutionary organizations into effective governing bodies. Lingga also delves into the issue of integrating Islamic law within the broader Philippine legal system and the potential implications this has for human rights and gender equality. The presenter argues that overcoming these obstacles is not just crucial for peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region but can also provide insights for conflict resolution and autonomy-building in similar contexts worldwide. Lastly, Lingga proposes several recommendations for enhancing the capacity of the Bangsamoro government and fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.

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Abhoud Syed Lingga, a pivotal figure in contemporary Bangsamoro studies and peace advocacy, has played a defining role in the Bangsamoro people’s pursuit of self-determination and peace. As a distinguished scholar and peace advocate, he has contributed significantly to the Bangsamoro region and the broader Philippines. Born and raised in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lingga’s journey is reflective of the spirit of the Bangsamoro people. He dedicated his life to understanding the unique challenges faced by his people, earning his Master of Arts in Education at Philippine Harvardian College followed by a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Later in his career, Lingga was recognized with the degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) in Peace and Development from Notre Dame University in 2017, a testament to his tireless pursuit of peace and progress in the region.

Lingga’s career is rich with positions of influence and leadership. He served as the Chairman of the Bangsamoro Consultative Council and Executive Director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, playing an instrumental role in facilitating dialogue and disseminating research on the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination. From 2010 to 2016, he lent his expertise to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Panel, underscoring his deep commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the conflict in the region. As a scholar, Lingga has made significant contributions to Bangsamoro studies. He has authored numerous research works that delve into various aspects of the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination. Notable among these are his papers such as ‘Democratic approach to pursue the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination’ (2002), ‘Assertions of Sovereignty and Self-Determination: The Philippine-Bangsamoro Conflict’ (2003), ‘Understanding Bangsamoro Independence as a Mode of Self-Determination’ (2004), and ‘Peace is for Everyone: Bangsamoro stories of hope, survival, pain and resilience’ (2016).

In his most recent works like ‘Building the Bangsamoro government’ (2018), Lingga continues to provide insights into the complexities of establishing a new government in the BARMM. His prolific body of work provides essential insights and rich scholarly context to the ongoing peace process and the dynamics of the Bangsamoro self-determination movement. To summarize, Abhoud Syed Lingga, with his dedication and commitment to the peace process and the betterment of the Bangsamoro people, has left an indelible mark on Bangsamoro studies and peace advocacy. His life and work embody a profound understanding of the complex history, culture, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. His unwavering dedication to the cause of peace and self-determination continues to inspire and guide the region towards a harmonious future.

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Results of three exploratory studies on the intersections of climate change, conflict, gender and social exclusion in selected localities in the Bangsamoro autonomous region have surfaced several structural realities that privilege men over women, resulting to devastating impacts felt more sharply by women rather than by men.  Men and women have different levels of vulnerabilities, owing to social norms in a largely patriarchal society.  The adverse effects of both extreme weather events – like flooding and long dry spells (droughts) – are exacerbated by pre-exiting deficits in gender relations and dynamics of social exclusion.  All these provide a compelling case for adopting more participatory processes in planning and decision-making, (planning with rather than planning for), especially in terms of responding to human-induced disasters (armed conflicts) and those created by extreme weather events contributing to climate change. 

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Rufa Cagoco‐Guiam has “changed tires”, or retired from Philippine government service as Full Professor III, Sociology Department, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, of the Mindanao State University – General Santos City, since December 2016.  She is a professionally trained cultural anthropologist, both at the Silliman University (MA Anthropology) and at the University of Hawaii (non-degree) for her advanced studies in the same field. Since her retirement, Prof Guiam has been engaged in various social development consulting with various offices and agencies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, focusing mainly on the following themes: gender and social inclusion, and peace and conflict studies.

Prof Guiam has published numerous articles and chapters in books, largely focused on the following topics:  child soldiers, gender and armed conflict, gender and livelihoods among internally displaced communities, peace and development communities, illegal drug trade and its intersections with political violence and armed conflict in Muslim Mindanao; and lately, on transitional justice in the Bangsamoro communities in Mindanao. 

She is a Senior Asian Public Intellectual (API) Fellow of The Nippon Foundation in 2008-2009 and an Executive Education Grantee of the Institute of Politics, Harvard School of Government, Harvard University, in 2009.  She recently was a visiting scholar at the College of Intercultural Communications, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan in October 2018.

Currently, Ms. Guiam is one of the Conveners of the Independent Working on Transitional Justice – Dealing with the Past (TJ – DwP), an offshoot of her two-year engagement as the Lead Coordinator of the Listening Process of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) in the Bangsamoro. The TJRC was part of the Joint Normalization Committee provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.  She used to do a variety of consultancy work, in particular with the UN Women (mapping of initiatives to prevent Violent Extremism in the Bangsamoro and for the Conciliation Resources, London, for inclusive localized peace platforms; and more recently with the Asia Foundation and the UNICEF for projects providing technical assistance to the new government in the Bangsamoro.  In between her consultancy work, she writes a fortnightly column in the Opinion Page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), under Kris-Crossing Mindanao (starting last June 18, 2018).

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The presentation encapsulates issues and challenges that leaders of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) face and new leaders of the BARMM, with the upcoming 2025 parliamentary elections, have to confront. It identifies a number of policy concerns and advocates general recommendations in the interest of relatively surmounting the historical and lingering socio-cultural and economic and political concerns in the Bangsamoro region in particular and Mindanao in general. These are challenges entrenched in present-day mosaic democracy and heterogeneous development. They require the state, not simply the BARRM to redefine itself and adopt an institutional framework of governance that would allow the expression of democracy in kaleidoscopic forms and a system of governance that is inclusive, comprehensive, and participatory towards the fulfilment of the Bangsamoros’ hopes, aspirations, and opportunities.

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Rizal G. Buendia is an independent political analyst, consultant, and researcher in Southeast Asian Politics and International Development based in Wales, UK. He is the Philippine Country Expert of the Global V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Non-Resident Fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ADRi) is an independent, international research organization focused on the in-depth analysis of economic, social, political and strategic issues influencing the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region, and Honorary Fellow of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Policy Research and Legal Services of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He was a former Teaching Fellow at the Politics and International Studies Department and the Department of Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London; former Chair and Associate Professor at the Political Science Department, De La Salle University-Manila; Senior Lecturer at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG)-University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Special Lecturer at the Department of Economics and Politics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta Mesa, Manila.

He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Political Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS) under the NUS by-research Ph.D. scholarship; grantee of the TODA Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research’s Doctoral Fellowship Program and of the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program, Toyota Foundation and the Japan Foundation Asia Center’s research fellowship Program. He earned his Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Highest Distinction at NCPAG-University of the Philippines-Diliman.

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The Sulu Archipelago, which represents the BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) provinces of the BARMM region, is renowned for its rich coral reef biodiversity. The archipelago itself is located right at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of coral reef biodiversity. This study showcases the diverse coral reef fishes in Southern Sulu Archipelago. Our findings are based on extensive underwater surveys conducted in the southern part of the archipelago. We have also incorporated insights and knowledge from relevant published literature to enhance our understanding. The study further presents the various challenges and threats both natural and anthropogenic, confronting these valuable resources. Lastly, we also share some insights from the conservation initiatives done in the archipelago. By recognizing the value of coral reefs as key contributors to local livelihoods and economic prosperity and as a national heritage, the study underscores the imperative of prioritizing their protection and sustainable use.

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Dr. Richard N. Muallil is an esteemed marine scientist with expertise in coastal resource management, marine protected areas, and small-scale fisheries. Currently, he serves as a professor at the Institute of Oceanography and Environmental Science (IOES) and holds the esteemed position of Director at the Office of Continuing Education and Extension Services (OCEANeS) of the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO). Dr. Muallil’s extensive contributions extend beyond academia. He actively contributes to the field as a member of the scientific advisory group of Fisheries Management Areas 3 and 4 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Furthermore, he is a member of the National Panel of Technical Experts of the esteemed Climate Change Commission. Recognized for his exceptional work, Dr. Muallil has garnered numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2016, he received the Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) award from the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology, and the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) award from the Gerry Roxas Foundation and JCI Philippines. In 2022, he was honored with the Lifetime Achiever award by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines. Notably, he was also acknowledged as the most outstanding PhD graduate and received the esteemed Dr. Edgardo Gomez award from the College of Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2016.

The enormous reliance of the Philippines on foreign energy supplies has exposed the vulnerable side of the country to any geopolitical uncertainties that took place in areas such as the Middle East and recently in the war between Russia and Ukraine. This lecture will look at the experience of the Philippines’ energy relations with the Middle East throughout the decades. It will offer perspectives on how the country can avoid this geopolitical exposure and at the same time maximize the use of its own local energy resources. Furthermore, the lecture will focus on looking at the local energy condition, issues, and challenges of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. has sixteen (16) years of teaching experience and currently serves as Dean and Professor of West Asia studies and Philippine External Relations at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. He obtained his MA and PhD in International Relations from Shahid Behesti University and Tehran University, Iran, respectively. His recent publication talks about “Iran’s Pragmatic Approach in Accommodating China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Determinant for Future Closer Bilateral Relations” in China’s Engagement with the Islamic Nations, Young-Chan Kim (ed), Springer, 2023. Currently, he is working on a research project about Strategic Pragmatism in Abraham’s Accord:  The Arab-Israeli Relations and China’s Political Navigation in Securing Middle East Peace. As a recognized expert on the Middle East and international relations, Dr. Sevilla has published several academic articles and book chapters in Philippine and Middle East studies. He founded the Philippine-Middle East Studies Association (PMESA) and sets as adviser to several academic and cultural organizations. His research interests are on Mindanao, Gulf Security dynamics, geopolitics and energy security, foreign policy, among others.

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The Bangsamoro peace processes are replete of stories of how women and women’s agenda have contributed to conflict transformation. This presentation will provide a reflection and critique of how some of these have changed power and gender relations in the goal of achieving peace in the Bangsamoro.

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Dr. Ayesah Uy Abubakar is an Associate Professor at the School of Business and Social Science (SBSS) at Al Bukhary International University (AIU). She is the Head of Programme of the Bachelors in Social Development Programme at SBSS-AIU. She teaches courses in the fields of development, human rights and IHL, peace and conflict studies among many others. In 2019, she published a book on Peacebuilding and Sustainable Human Development: The Pursuit of the Bangsamoro Right to Self Determination (Springer and UMS Press) and co-authored a chapter on “Mindanao” in a book called, Comparing Peace Process, edited by McGinty & Ozerdem (Routledge).

Dr. Ayesah is a recipient of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Presidential Award for her work on peacebuilding in Southeast Asia in 2014. She is among the three architects of a track 1.5 peacebuilding program called Consolidation for Peace for Southern Thailand, Aceh and Mindanao. The COP is a program by the Research & Education for Peace, Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM), Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the period of 2006-2014. Since 2018, Dr. Ayesah represents Malaysia at the ASEAN Women Peace Registry (AWPR) – a pool of practitioners in conflict resolution and peacebuilding organised by the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR).

Currently, Dr. Ayesah is a member of – among others – Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN), Southeast Asian Human Rights Network (SEAHRN) and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) Southeast Asia. She is also a co-host in the Podcast, She Talks Peace.

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In this captivating keynote presentation, we delve into the transformative and empowering Bangsamoro Justice System (BJS). Designed to foster justice, inclusivity, and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in the Philippines, the BJS represents a paradigm shift in resolving conflicts and upholding the rights of all citizens. Through an engaging narrative and insightful analysis, this keynote sheds light on the key principles, mechanisms, and accomplishments of the BJS, emphasizing its potential to bring lasting peace, strengthen social cohesion, and promote sustainable development in the region. Join us as we explore the profound impact of the Bangsamoro Justice System and its contributions to building a brighter future for all.

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Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba is a Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the transition period and acting as Floor Leader of the Bangsamoro Parliament. As BTA Member of Parliament, she aspires to pass legislations to further the 12-Point Priority Agenda of the Bangsamoro Government. She is currently acting as the Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Rules and the Vice-Chairperson of the Statutory Committee on Bangsamoro Justice System.

As Floor Leader, she is automatically treated as an ex-officio member of all the other Bangsamoro Parliament Committees. At present, she is also the Bangsamoro Attorney General of BARMM since its creation in March 2019. As Bangsamoro Attorney General, Atty. Dumama-Alba has been designated as Focal for Justice programs in BARMM. Her office has spearheaded initiatives in improving and strengthening the Shari’ah as a Justice System, as well as promoting the Tri-Justice System in BARMM. She is currently the Secretariat for Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), a mechanism for cooperation and coordination between the National Government and Bangsamoro Government.

She was appointed as the Deputy Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. She served as Attorney VI of the Civil Service Commission – ARMM before joining the BARMM Government as Attorney General and Member of the Parliament. She was a member of the Coordinating Team for Transition (CT4T) from 2018 to 2019 representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which drafted the Transition Plan from ARMM to BARMM

She is an Asia Foundation Development Fellow alumna. She placed 3rd in the Special Shariah Bar Examinations in 2018. She was part of the 20 Obama Leaders Class in Asia and Tatler Asia’s Gen.T List 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow, Asia Peace Innovators Fellow 2020 and a United States International Visitors Leadership Program grantee in 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at UP Diliman and finished her Law degree at San Beda Mendiola in 2007. She was thereafter admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2008. Just recently, the Development Academy of the Philippines awarded her her Master’s in Public Management major in Regional and Local Governance.

A forum on “Academic Journey in Turkey” organized by the Sitikiş Mehtap Bagdatli Turkiye Family Foundation, Inc.

January 28, 2023 (Saturday) / Paragon Hotel and Restaurant / from 08:00am to 05:00pm / 65 Don Teodoro V. Juliano Ave., Cotabato City

Hosted by the Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network, Inc. (BRLN)

First BRLN event in collaboration with the MSU Maguindanao Youth Parliament on January 21, 2023.

#MSUMagYP23 | Mr. Vincent L. Casil from the Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network, Inc. (BRLN) comprehensively discussed the unique feature of Parliamentary System of the Bangsamoro Government. Dr. Nassef M. Adiong of BRLN, exhaustively discussed every part of the template of policy research and its importance in drafting a policy paper. Mr. Kebart P. Licayan, also shared his expertise on research methods relevant to policymaking. And Mr. Moh’d Al-Khalil A. Bogabong also discussed Bill Drafting and Writing of Resolution.

Mr. Bogabong said during his lecture that “you don’t have to be a lawyer to make a bill and resolution, all you need is the intention to promote the general welfare of the Bangsamoro. Dr. Adiong also emphasized to the participants that “we have to listen to the grievances and demands of the people in order to understand them and make a concrete research and resolution.”

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MSU Maguindanao Youth Parliament is a project of Supreme Student Council, funded by the YouthLed PH, in partnership with Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network, Inc.

Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network (BRLN) is an association of networks of parliamentary professionals, scholars, researchers, legal practitioners, bill drafters, legislative professionals, civil society proponents, indigenous peoples’ advocates, and academics interested in developing a research-oriented culture, mostly concentrated on policymaking, legislation, and jurisprudence (legal scholarship), in addressing issues relevant to the Bangsamoro region.

Ringgold ID: 652465

Ringgold URL: https://ido.ringgold.com/search/results?simple=bangsamoro&p=1

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