For the Philippines, the crisis is not distant. Millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) live and work across the Middle East, making their safety and welfare a paramount concern. At the same time, the Philippine economy remains highly exposed to disruptions in oil supply and shipping routes from the region. As the current Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines also carries an important responsibility to help articulate a principled regional voice in moments of international crisis.

In light of these realities, PCID respectfully recommends the following actions by the Philippine government:

1) Prioritize the protection of Filipinos in the Middle East – The government should strengthen crisis coordination among the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, and other relevant agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs. This includes intensified monitoring of the security situation, expanded consular assistance, and clear communication channels with Filipino communities in affected countries.

2) Prepare contingency plans for voluntary repatriation if conditions deteriorate – Government agencies should ensure readiness for possible repatriation operations, including logistical planning for transport, temporary accommodation, and reintegration assistance for returning workers.

3) Mitigate potential energy and economic shocks – Given the Philippines’ dependence on oil imports from the Middle East, the government should activate measures to manage potential supply disruptions and price volatility, including close monitoring of energy markets, supply diversification where possible, and policies to cushion vulnerable sectors from sudden increases in fuel prices.

4) Maintain a consistent diplomatic position calling for restraint and de-escalation – The Philippines should continue to emphasize the importance of diplomacy, respect for international law, and the protection of civilian populations in all statements concerning the conflict.

5) Issue a Statement the Philippines Could Advance as Chair of ASEAN – In its capacity as Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines could encourage the Association to issue a collective statement that:

• Calls for the immediate cessation of bombing and military escalation by all parties;
• Urges maximum restraint to prevent the conflict from widening across the region; Appeals for an urgent return to negotiations and diplomatic engagement through the
• United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms; and
• Reaffirms ASEAN’s longstanding commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the protection of civilian populations.

At moments such as this, responsible leadership requires both prudence and clarity. Protecting citizens, safeguarding economic stability, and advocating for diplomacy over escalation must remain the guiding priorities of the Philippines and the wider international community.###

For PCID Convenor, civic leader, and humanitarian advocate Samira Gutoc, the Marawi siege is not a distant memory. It is a lived experience and a continuing crisis. Speaking at a 2025 World Refugee Day panel titled “Stories of Displacement: Palestine & Beyond,” organized by the Palestine Collective and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy at De La Salle University, Ms. Gutoc’s account of the Marawi siege served as a mirror that reflected cracks in the broken system of the Philippines. 

“There was no structural support to bring people, senior citizens, pregnant women to a form of transportation,” she says. “It was like a death march, with 6-12 hours of walking from Marawi to a place of light. From Marawi to a place of resettlement. From Marawi to a place where you can seek refuge and safety.” 

A native of Marawi herself, Samira Gutoc provides a firsthand account of the systemic neglect IDPs face in national policymaking. “There have been no structural laws to address displacement from calamity and conflicts between people,” she stressed, pointing to a critical gap in legislative protection and long-term support. 

Amid this silence, Ms. Gutoc finds importance in the role of interfaith dialogue, an essential tool in mending and uniting communities. “In Islam, love means that if you kill one person, it is as if you kill the whole of humanity. In Christianity, they say to love thy neighbor as thyself. In Jew, love yourself as if you love your neighbor.” Although these quotes come from different religious books, they all hold the same essence. “There is no difference between the three Abrahamic religions,” she added, highlighting humanity’s shared capacity for compassion, respect, and peace, despite diversity and differences.

Ms. Gutoc also recalled the story of Father Terisito “Chito” Suganob, a Christian priest held captive during the siege. Muslim leaders swiftly ordered his rescue, risking their lives to save someone of a different faith.  At the same time, Christian volunteers rushed into Iligan City, under martial law, to aid thousands of displaced Muslim evacuees. As a rescue volunteer herself, Ms. Gutoc saw these acts of courage and solidarity firsthand. These stories, she emphasized, show how interfaith action can persist even in times of war.

But displacement, she added, is not a singular event. “Displaced persons continue to be fundamental stories that we, and the youth, must continue to champion and rally,” she said. Displacement serves more than physical ties; it threatens the survival of identity, tradition, and culture. In Marawi, for example, weaving is more than an art form. It is a vibrant expression of resilience, history, and community. Yet, for many displaced children, the opportunity to learn this tradition is lost.

Thus, storytelling becomes an act of preservation and resistance. The voices of IDPs must not only be heard; they must be woven into the fabric of law and protected through deliberate action. Ms. Gutoc’s call is clear: justice must be rooted in compassion, and peace must be interlaced with faith. Only then can displaced communities begin to rebuild not just homes, but also lives.

The project aims to enhance the Diploma on Women, Peace and Security (DWPS), currently being offered in MSU by strengthening its academic framework, capacitating the faculty, and promoting wider outreach by offering training to communities. The launch, held at the CHED Auditorium in Quezon City, brought together academics, government officials, the diplomatic community, development partners, and civil society representatives committed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

The president of PCID, Amina Rasul-Bernardo, and the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Massimo Santoro opened the event with inspiring messages for the future of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which set the tone of the afternoon: optimistic and forward-looking. The ceremony was a celebration of new beginnings and a commitment to the future, not only in the academe in Mindanao but to the whole of the Philippines.

The Ambassador Santoro stated, “I have witnessed the resourcefulness, resilience, and capacity of Filipino youth. Among you are future leaders, peacebuilders, and change makers. By equipping you with knowledge and skills on women’s role in resolving conflicts and building peace, we are one step closer to guaranteeing that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is not only discussed at policy tables, but that women’s role is recognised and respected in communities.”

Affirming this statement, current students of the DWPS highlighted how the program has deepened their understanding of gender-responsive peacebuilding and empowered them to lead transformative initiatives with their stakeholders. This was further strengthened by Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, the chancellor of MSU- Maguindanao campus, who emphasized the program’s role in equipping women leaders and peace advocates with critical skills and knowledge to address conflict through inclusive and sustainable approaches. Dr. Limbona underscored the program’s continued commitment to strengthening the capacities of its diverse cohort—comprising government workers, grassroots organizers, and civil society actors—through interdisciplinary training grounded in both theory and practice.

This commitment was supported by the President of Mindanao State University, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, the Minister of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and newly appointed member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, the Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, Chair Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, who delivered the message of support for DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.

They delivered inspiring messages of support that touched on the importance of this moment and the opportunities that lie ahead for the project. Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, confirmed this in his keynote speech, stating that “Mindanao, as we know, has been at the heart of some of the most complex peace processes in the Philippines and so it is especially meaningful that an institution located at the epicenter of both challenge and resilience is taking a role—a crucial role—in building peace from the ground up. This project will provide the tools, the knowledge, and the platform for women and allies to engage more effectively in peace-building processes.”

To solidify their support and their stance in the institutionalization of the women, peace, and security agenda in Mindanao through higher education, the key figures of the event, together with the attendees, signed a pledge wall led by Executive Director Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida, the head of the newly created Center of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security.

Capping off this momentous event of solidarity, Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, the President of UPCWSFI, encapsulates the program’s goals: “At the end of the day, what we want are desired outputs, outcomes, and impacts. […] This is not only for the women of Bangsamoro but for everyone who believes in our collective responsibility to ensure that peace and security are strengthened across now and for future generations.”
The ceremony serves as a reminder that this new beginning is not just a moment in time but a journey of growth, development, and service to the community. It marked a significant milestone in the journey towards institutionalizing Women, Peace and Security in Mindanao. It underscores the commitment of the EU, PCID, and MSU to empower women and promote peace and security in the Bangsamoro region.

The launch coincides with the 25th year anniversary of UNSCR 1325, the landmark resolution adopted in 2000 recognizing women’s roles in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict recovery.

At the Special Forum, leaders and advocates from Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions gathered to strengthen regional collaboration for peace and security. This event provided a vital platform for exchanging experiences, exploring shared priorities, and establishing meaningful partnerships that transcend borders. The Special Forum aimed to build a network of support, commitment, and action to advance the WPS agenda and create a safer, more inclusive world for all.

Speakers Included:

• Amina Rasul-Bernardo, President of PCID
• Nurul Izzah Anwar, representative of the Government of the Day of Malaysia
• Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, a member of ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR)
• H.E. Artauli RMP Tobing, Indonesian Representative of ASEAN – IPR Advisory Board
• H.E. Koung Sorita, Secretary of State, Cambodia Ministry of Women’s Affairs
• Mitra Modaress, Representative of The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID
• Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah, Country Director for the Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN)
• Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, Founder and CEO, International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)
• Norul Mohamed Rashid, Policy Advisor from UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Special Thanks to Partners

For the Special Forum, PCID thanks our partners, namely:

• Brigham Young University (BYU) International Center for Law and Religion Studies
• International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID
• Sasakawa Peace Foundation
• The Asia Foundation
• Women’s and Gender Studies Association of the Philippines (WSAP)
• University of the Philippines Law Center
• University of the Philippines Women Lawyers’ Circle
• University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance
• Mindanao State University
• United States Institute of Peace
• Embassy of Switzerland
• The Australian Government
• The United Nations Development Programme
• The United Kingdom Government

Core Organizing Partners

For the overall ICWPS, PCID collaborated with:

• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
• Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU)
• Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
• Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
• UN Women
• ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR)

Together, we are building stronger regional networks for a more peaceful and inclusive future.

#ICWPS2024 #WomenPeaceSecurity #BridgingRegionsForWomenPeaceSecurity

A day before the Marawi Siege’s 6th anniversary, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), UP Law Center’s Institute for Administrative Justice and Islamic Studies Program, and the Mindanao State University (MSU), with technical assistance from Impact Publishing, held the #EyesOnMarawi Forum to discuss the lived realities of Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). On Monday, May 22, speakers Atty. Saliha Lalanto, Amb. Macabangkit Lanto, Dr. Steven Muncy, and Rep. Zia-Ur Rahman Adiong took part in the panel discourse moderated by Atty. Senando Angelo Santiago. 

The Marawi Siege alarmed the nation when it incited the flight of around 350,000 people and left more than 1,000 dead in its wake. According to MSU President Atty. Basari Mapupuno, the brutal destruction involved burned schools, mosques and churches, bombings, attacks on the city jail, and the slaughter of civilians. “These are scenes that many survivors or IDPs witnessed and carried with them in their long journey into [the] night,” he said.

Plight of the IDPs

For these damages, Rep. Adiong emphasized the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation of Marawi, covering 5 areas: “livelihood, education and health, women, peace and order, and infrastructure.” He also lamented the Philippine government’s prioritization of restoring public infrastructure while overlooking other areas. 

Dr. Muncy added to these insights, pointing out the lack of permanent housing for the displaced. While several IDPs have successfully applied for permits to rebuild their homes, Dr. Muncy reported “little construction has begun as many lack the required financial resources.” He recommended that the government provide the poorest of IDPs with both livelihood assistance and socialized housing.   

Struggle for Compensation and Social Healing

All eyes are now on the Marawi Compensation Board as victims of the Marawi Siege look to rebuild their lives. Atty. Saliha Lalanto remained optimistic about the Board’s potential as a mechanism for transitional justice. She tagged it as “an instrument that will drive the IDPs to not only reconstruct their homes but also normalize their lives, restoring them to the way they lived before the Siege.” 

Rep. Adiong, in a later response, added that compensation alone is insufficient compared to the enduring trauma experienced by the affected individuals. PCID President Amina Rasul-Bernardo emphasized that “[the] rehabilitation process is not solely about rebuilding infrastructure or providing basic services. It goes far beyond that. It encompasses the healing of wounds, both physical and psychological, the restoration of livelihoods, the reestablishment of social cohesion, and the empowerment of individuals and communities. It is about fostering hope and resilience, while honoring the cultural heritage and identity of the people of Marawi.”

National Government’s Obligation to Marawi 

Describing the siege as “[the Philippines’] worst devastation at the hands of other Filipinos,” Amb. Lanto further emphasized that militarization would not provide a solution and warned against transforming Marawi into a garrison city which would compromise the Islamic City’s sanctity. 

Recalling that much of the destruction was caused by Philippine military airstrikes, Rep. Adiong expressed profound sadness that the city was devastated by air bombs rather than ground combat. Although he believes that the “only way to liberate Marawi [was] to destroy Marawi,” Rep. Adiong asserted that rehabilitating Marawi is the responsibility of the Philippine state given the immense damage it has caused.

A day before the Marawi Siege’s 6th anniversary, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), UP Law Center’s Institute for Administrative Justice and Islamic Studies Program, and the Mindanao State University (MSU), with technical assistance from Impact Publishing, held the #EyesOnMarawi Forum to discuss the lived realities of Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). On Monday, May 22, speakers Atty. Saliha Lalanto, Amb. Macabangkit Lanto, Dr. Steven Muncy, and Rep. Zia-Ur Rahman Adiong took part in the panel discourse moderated by Atty. Senando Angelo Santiago. 

The Marawi Siege alarmed the nation when it incited the flight of around 350,000 people and left more than 1,000 dead in its wake. According to MSU President Atty. Basari Mapupuno, the brutal destruction involved burned schools, mosques and churches, bombings, attacks on the city jail, and the slaughter of civilians. “These are scenes that many survivors or IDPs witnessed and carried with them in their long journey into [the] night,” he said.

Plight of the IDPs

For these damages, Rep. Adiong emphasized the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation of Marawi, covering 5 areas: “livelihood, education and health, women, peace and order, and infrastructure.” He also lamented the Philippine government’s prioritization of restoring public infrastructure while overlooking other areas. 

Dr. Muncy added to these insights, pointing out the lack of permanent housing for the displaced. While several IDPs have successfully applied for permits to rebuild their homes, Dr. Muncy reported “little construction has begun as many lack the required financial resources.” He recommended that the government provide the poorest of IDPs with both livelihood assistance and socialized housing.   

Struggle for Compensation and Social Healing

All eyes are now on the Marawi Compensation Board as victims of the Marawi Siege look to rebuild their lives. Atty. Saliha Lalanto remained optimistic about the Board’s potential as a mechanism for transitional justice. She tagged it as “an instrument that will drive the IDPs to not only reconstruct their homes but also normalize their lives, restoring them to the way they lived before the Siege.” 

Rep. Adiong, in a later response, added that compensation alone is insufficient compared to the enduring trauma experienced by the affected individuals. PCID President Amina Rasul-Bernardo emphasized that “[the] rehabilitation process is not solely about rebuilding infrastructure or providing basic services. It goes far beyond that. It encompasses the healing of wounds, both physical and psychological, the restoration of livelihoods, the reestablishment of social cohesion, and the empowerment of individuals and communities. It is about fostering hope and resilience, while honoring the cultural heritage and identity of the people of Marawi.”

National Government’s Obligation to Marawi 

Describing the siege as “[the Philippines’] worst devastation at the hands of other Filipinos,” Amb. Lanto further emphasized that militarization would not provide a solution and warned against transforming Marawi into a garrison city which would compromise the Islamic City’s sanctity. 

Recalling that much of the destruction was caused by Philippine military airstrikes, Rep. Adiong expressed profound sadness that the city was devastated by air bombs rather than ground combat. Although he believes that the “only way to liberate Marawi [was] to destroy Marawi,” Rep. Adiong asserted that rehabilitating Marawi is the responsibility of the Philippine state given the immense damage it has caused.

QUEZON CITY (MindaNews / 19 June) — Last week, The United Nations (UN) commended Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. for his role in advancing the Bangsamoro peace process as Presidential Pdviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.  UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo González cited Galvez’s “commitment and professionalism in peacebuilding efforts”.

I couldn’t agree more.  Sec Galvez’ support for the peace process has been instrumental in strengthening the foundation for peace in Muslim Mindanao.

The peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was no walk in the park.  The peace talks started under then President Fidel V. Ramos, lasting almost two decades with many ups and downs, many armed clashes caused by perceived violations of terms of the peace talks.  Finally, an agreement was signed under the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and a law was passed under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.  This law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), was the foundation for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Government, which came into being after a plebiscite in Muslim Mindanao.  The 2019 Bangsamoro autonomy plebiscite  ratified BOL and replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  (BARMM).  The plebiscite also determined the provinces and communities that would become part of BARMM.

The creation of the BARMM introduced a new system of government – a parliamentary system –  in the country.  The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).  is the transition parliament mandated to pass the laws needed to enable parliamentary system to function.  This is a unique experiment in governance as the nation is under a unitary system but the BARMM region will be parliamentary.  Much work is required to ensure smooth governance.  

You may be interested to know that Bangsamoro and Muslim women lobbied hard for the passage of the law, demanding that their rights be respected, that women be supported to be part of decision making.  I remember well the interesting meetings that we had with then MILF Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal.  (Thanks Chair IQ, for your support!)

Lobbying by civil society had positive results: women, youth, and indigenous communities each have reserved seats in Parliament, and at least one woman must be appointed to the Cabinet. The law ensures an allocation of at least five per cent of the budget for programs on gender and development. It calls for addressing the rights of women, and for women’s needs to be considered in rehabilitation and development programmes for internally-displaced people. 

However, in BARMM, women’s participation and promotion still need to be ensured.  During the pandemic, there was a rise in women’s radicalization and gender-based violence due to conflicts including “rido” or clan feuds.  Women’s access to justice and opportunities remains weak.  And yet the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda is crucial not just to BARMM but all conflict-affected communities.

Our guest on “She Talks Peace” is the perfect resource to understand the issues.  Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba, who placed 3^rd in the Special Shariah Bar Examinations in 2018, is the Attorney General (AG) of the BARMM. AG Lai, as she is fondly called, was part of the 2019 Obama Leaders Class in Asia, recognized by Tatler Asia as one of the Gen T 2020 Leaders of Tomorrow and an Asia Peace Innovators Fellow 2020.

AG Lai served as Deputy Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and Attorney VI of the Civil Service Commission – ARMM before being appointed AG in 2019.   Atty Lai is the co-chair of the Joint Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Relations Body, that ensures governance in BARMM and the national government are in sync.  As the Attorney General, she is the Chief Legal Counsel of the Regional Government.  She facilitates the gradual phasing out of the employees of the ARMM as it transitions to the BARMM.   

I asked her what challenges she faced in BARMM.  She  gets to sit at the same table with powerful men. At first, she questioned whether she belonged at the table.  Today, she speaks her mind, comfortable that the BARMM leadership does listen to what she has to say.  That is good news indeed.  Another challenge:  physical security.  The shift from ARMM to BARMM threatened the employment of many who belonged to armed clans so she had to beef up her security – couldn’t even go out alone.  

Then there is the matter of ensuring that national law and Islamic law or Sharia are in sync.  I asked her, for instance, about laws like the banning child marriage, which is in effect in many Muslim majority countries – even Saudi Arabia.  After consultations with the leadership, religious leaders and other sectors, she had to present the position of BARMM to Congress – that BARMM be exempted as it is governed by Sharia.  She had to present the official position.  I know that situation well, having been part of the Cabinet of former President Fidel V. Ramos: you have to support the position of the administration.  If you cannot, then resign – don’t ever take a public position contrary to the official position.

AG Lai is optimistic that BARMM laws will, in the long run, respond to the needs of all constituents.  For instance, there are positive developments with regards to women’s access to justice and opportunities.  The Bangsamoro Women’s Commission under Chair Bainon Karon, also a member of the BTA, has been busy with consultations to ensure that the needs and priorities of women are brought to the attention of the leadership and are responded to.   

AG Lai shared that a recent assessment shows that the Sharia Courts have become a women’s court – with most cases dealing with women’s cases (divorce, inheritance, among others).  The Regional Government has instituted a mechanism – the Regional Interagency Council Against Trafficking (RIACT), expanding its mandate to include violence against women.  There are structural challenges, she acknowledges, but together with the BWC and civil society, she is confident that women’s access to justice, rights and participation will be greatly improved. 

She says that BARMM is slowly changing the view that women are victims of conflict to partners for peace.   But more needs to be accomplished in BARMM.

Want to know what the men in her life think about her position and work?  What her dad, DOH Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama, did when Lai said she wanted to be a lawyer and not a doctor? What her husband says?  Then listen to Atty Lai on “She Talks Peace”.  

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(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Amina Rasul is the President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, an advocate for Mindanao and the Bangsamoro, peace, human rights, and democracy)

Source: https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2022/06/she-talks-peace-women-and-justice-in-barmm/