ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION’S ROLE IN MEDIATING THE PEACE PROCESS IN THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES (2010-2013)

Abstract

This research attempts to find out howOrganization of Islamic Cooperationaddresses the issue of Muslim minority in the Southern Philippines – Muslim Mindanao / Bangsamoro Conflict. OIC has been involved in the mediation of peace process between Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro National Liberation Front(MNLF), the representative group of Muslims in the region, resulting on 1976 Tripoli Agreement and1996 Final Peace Agreement.However, the latter agreement faced challenges on the implementation that OIC innitiated for a Tripartite Review Meeting in 2007. Through this research, it is found that the role of OIC remains challenged again since GPH resumed negotiation with MILF and successfully carried the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012 in which OIC sits as an observer. There are disordered situations between a faction under MNLF with government upon the continuation of Peace Agreement. Two major mishaps, an impartial declaration of an inpendent state ‘Bangsamoro Republik’ and Zamboanga incident in 2013 are subject to OIC’s agenda.OIC also notices the leadership crisis within MNLF and calls for its unity while at the same time tries to bring MNLF and MILF together through Bangsamoro Coordination Forum.