Pasig City, August 20, 2024 – Civil society organizations (CSOs) and academic leaders from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Metro Manila gathered in Pasig City for a refresher workshop on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The workshop featured past and present government officials involved in the Bangsamoro peace process, who shared updates and challenges in implementing the CAB and the BOL. Former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles, provided an overview of the peace process. Presidential Assistant Cesar Yano and Director Farrah Grace Naparan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) reported on the Philippine Government’s accomplishments in implementing the CAB.

In the afternoon session, former Government Peace Panel Chief Negotiator, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and IAG Executive Director, Atty. Benedicto Bacani, shared their reactions and insights.

During the open forum and discussion, participants emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of women and non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the peace process. They also called for enhanced education on Moro history as part of Transitional Justice and Reconciliation efforts.

The refresher workshop was organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), in collaboration with the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), InciteGov, and the Gaston Z Ortigas Institute (GZO), with support from the Australian Government. This activity underscores the continued commitment to inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.