Philippine Facilitation Project

USIP's Philippine Facilitation Project, created to help end a decades-long conflict between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a Muslim insurgent group operating in the southern island of Mindanao, ended on June 30, 2007. Acting on a mid-2003 request from the U.S. State Department, USIP worked with Philippine officials, MILF leaders and civil society to further efforts to create an “equitable and durable peace agreement” to foster reconciliation and stability in the Philippines and surrounding areas of Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Facilitation Project was a part of the Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution and was directed by Eugene Martin.

Highlights

Toward Peace in the Southern Philippines: A Summary and Assessment of the USIP Philippine Facilitation Project, 2003-2007
February 2008 | Special Report | G. Eugene Martin and Astrid S. Tuminez
The Moro Islamic Liberation front has been engaged in a rebellion against the Philippines for more than three decades. In 2003, the U.S. Department of State asked USIP to undertake a project to expedite a peace agreement between the two sides. This report highlights Institute activities in the Philippines from 2003 to 2007, and concludes with lessons learned from the experience.

The Deteriorating Situation in the Southern Philippines
September 26, 2007 | Public Event
 Listen to audio from this event featuring Father Eliseo "Jun" Mercado, a recognized expert on the role of Islam in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Father Mercado discussed the continued stalemate between the Philippine government and the two main Moro revolutionary organizations, recent developments, and prospects for the future.

The Bangsamoro Future: Prospects and Challenges
June 11, 2007 | Special Report produced in Mindanao
This special report, authored by Astrid Tuminez, summarizes the highlights of a series of young Moro leaders forums facilitated by USIP.