View source for Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro

{{Short description|2012 preliminary peace agreement}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox treaty
| name                = Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
| long_name           =
| image               = Ph locator barmm.svg
| image_width         = 
| image_alt           = <!-- alt-text here for accessibility; see [[MOS:ACCESS]] -->
| caption             = Areas in red constitute the existing [[Bangsamoro]] autonomous region
| type                =
| context             = Part of a series of peace agreements between the [[Government of the Philippines]] and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] seeking resolution to the [[Moro conflict]]
| date_drafted        =
| date_signed         = {{Start date|2012|10|15}}
| location_signed     = [[Malacañan Palace]], [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]
| date_sealed         = {{Start date|2012|10|15}}
| date_effective      = 
| condition_effective = 
| signatories         = {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Marvic Leonen]] <br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Mohagher Iqbal]] <br> {{flagicon|Malaysia}} Ab Ghafar Mohamed 
| parties             = {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Philippines]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]]
| ratifiers           = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| depositor           = 
| language            = [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[English language|English]], [[Filipino language|Filipino]]

| wikisource          = <!-- OR: -->
}}

The '''Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro''' is a preliminary peace agreement signed in the [[Malacañan Palace]] in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]] on October 15, 2012. The agreement calls for the creation of an autonomous political entity named [[Bangsamoro]], replacing the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM) which was described by [[President of the Philippines|Former President]] [[Benigno Aquino III]] as "a failed experiment".<ref name="gma">{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277218/news/nation/govt-milf-agree-to-create-bangsamoro-to-replace-armm |title=Govt, MILF agree to create 'Bangsamoro' to replace ARMM |work=GMA News|date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>

==Origins==
{{History of the Philippines}}
The [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] and the [[Philippines]] held peace talks in [[Kuala Lumpur]] in Malaysia from  October 2–6. On October 7, President Aquino announced that the two parties have agreed to sign a preliminary peace agreement which calls for the creation of an [[autonomous administrative division|autonomous]] political entity named [[Bangsamoro]], superseding the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM). He criticized the ARMM as a "failed experiment" that did not address issues such as electoral fraud, political patronage, poverty, war and [[warlord]]ism. Aquino stated that structural reform is necessary, with the creation of Bangsamoro solving these issues while upholding national sovereignty. The agreement was reached after 32 peace talks between the two parties that spanned a period of nine years.<ref name="gma" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.president.gov.ph/news/2012-framework-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro-political-region/|title=2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro political region|publisher=President.gov.ph|access-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017033934/http://www.president.gov.ph/news/2012-framework-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro-political-region/|archive-date=October 17, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Signing==
The Philippine government's chief negotiator [[Marvic Leonen]] and his Moro Islamic Liberation Front counterpart [[Mohagher Iqbal]] signed the agreement on October 15, 2012, in the [[Malacañan#Rizal Ceremonial Hall|Rizal Ceremonial Hall]] of [[Malacañan Palace]] in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]. The agreement was sealed at about 15:00 [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]. [[Malaysia]]n facilitator Ab Ghafar Mohamed, President Aquino, [[Malaysia]]n Prime Minister [[Najib Razak]], MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Secretary-General [[Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu]] of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] were all present at the signing of the agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/289320/govt-milf-seal-preliminary-peace-pact |title=Gov't, MILF seal preliminary peace pact |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>

== International Contact Group ==
The International Contact Group for the Southern Philippines Peace Process<ref>{{Cite book|title = Briefing: International Contact Group for the Southern Philippines Peace Process|publisher = Democratic Progress Institute|year = 2014|isbn = 978-1-905592-98-2|url = http://www.democraticprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Brief-International-Contact-Group-Philippines.pdf}}</ref> worked to help the parties move towards the landmark agreements, the Framework Agreement and two years later [[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]], putting an end to decades of conflict.

The International Contact Group (ICG) was established in December 2009<ref>{{Cite news|title = GRP, MILF sign pact to form international contact group|url = http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/172395/news/nation/grp-milf-sign-pact-to-form-international-contact-group|work=GMA News|access-date = November 5, 2015|date = September 16, 2009}}</ref> to advise and assist the two parties and the Malaysian facilitator in talks.<ref>{{Cite web|title = International Contact Group on Mindanao|url = http://www.c-r.org/where-we-work/southeast-asia/international-contact-group-mindanao|website = Conciliation Resources|access-date = November 5, 2015}}</ref> It was a mix of diplomats and [[Non-governmental organization|NGOs]]. Four countries were members: [[Japan]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Turkey]] and [[Saudi Arabia]], and four international NGOs: the [[Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue]], [[Muhammadiyah]], [[the Asia Foundation]] and [[Conciliation Resources]].

==International reactions==
* {{flag|Australia}} – [[Australian Foreign Minister]], [[Bob Carr]] welcomed the development and said the Philippine government's announcement of the agreement "offered hope that the 28-year conflict in Mindanao could be drawing to a close." He particularly acknowledged the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III whom he described as a "strong advocate for peace."<ref>{{cite web|author=Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |url=http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_121007.html |title=Philippines framework peace agreement welcomed, media release, 7 October 2012, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs |publisher=Foreignminister.gov.au |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|European Union}} – [[EU High Representative]], [[Catherine Ashton]], in a statement, congratulated the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the successful conclusion of the framework peace agreement. Ashton said the EU also recognized the contributions of the Malaysian facilitator in the peace talks, Tengku Datuk Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, as well as members of the International Contact Group. The EU foreign affairs chief also said "the EU, as a member of the International Monitoring Team and major development partner in poverty alleviation in Mindanao since 1990, will continue to lend its full support."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/132750.pdf|title=Document regarding the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the framework peace agreement|publisher=Consilium.europa.eu|access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] of [[Indonesia]] said that Indonesia "warmly welcomes" the development and described this agreement as well as the previous peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] in 1996 as a reflection of the "strong commitment of the Philippine government to create comprehensive peace in the Southern Philippines." It also added that Indonesia "stands ready to provide support and assistance including in exchange of experiences."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kemlu.go.id/Pages/News.aspx?IDP=5861&l=en |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs – RI Welcomes the Agreement between the Government of the Philippines and MILF |publisher=Kemlu.go.id |access-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020103309/http://kemlu.go.id/Pages/News.aspx?IDP=5861&l=en |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Indonesia earlier sealed a similar peace agreement with its decades-long secessionist group [[Gerakan Aceh Merdeka|GAM]] in [[Aceh]] region in 2005.
* {{flag|Japan}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan]] said that Japan "heartily welcomes" the Framework Agreement, which it described as the first step towards the realization of the peace process in Mindanao. Japan also pays respect to the Philippines and the MILF, as well as to Malaysia for its role as facilitator. The ministry also added that Japan hopes for the steady implementation of the agreement and expects more difficulties must be overcome to reach a final agreement. Finally, it said that Japan continues to offer full support to the Mindanao Peace Process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2012/10/1007_01.html |title=The Framework Agreement concerning the Mindanao Peace Process |publisher=MOFA |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] – The OIC welcomed the preliminary peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF). The OIC also calls for the full implementation of the [[1976 Tripoli Agreement]] and the [[1996 Final Peace Agreement]], which the Philippines signed with the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] (MNLF).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.statehouse.gm/Press-releases/DJIBOUTI%20DECLARATION-FINAL_301112.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=July 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123111723/http://www.statehouse.gm/Press-releases/DJIBOUTI%20DECLARATION-FINAL_301112.pdf |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}} – The agreement has been studied by Thailand as a possible framework to help solve its own [[South Thailand insurgency|southern Muslim insurgency]].<ref>[https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21569769-wave-brutal-murders-deep-south-also-some-glimmers-hope-school-killings Thailand’s southern insurgency: School killings]</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey]] "congratulates the Parties on the constructive attitude they have demonstrated during the dialogue process which has paved the way for this important agreement." It also stated that "Turkey believes in the importance of mediation for the prevention and settlement of conflicts and stands ready to provide support also to the subsequent phases of the Mindanao Peace Process."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-233_-10-october-2012_-press-release-regarding-the-peace-talks-between-the-government-of-the-philippines-and-the-moro-islamic-liberation-front.en.mfa |title=No: 233, 10 October 2012, Press Release Regarding the Peace Talks Between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front / Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs |publisher=Mfa.gov.tr |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> Turkey is a member of the International Contact Group involved in the peace talks.
* {{flag|United Kingdom}} – [[UK Foreign Secretary]], [[William Hague]] said the United Kingdom "wholeheartedly welcomes" the framework agreement which he calls a "testament to the commitment and vision of the parties." It also stated that "full implementation of the agreement by 2016 can bring about peace, security, and development which will be good not only for Mindanao, but for the whole of the Philippines." The secretary also reiterated his government's commitment as a member of the International Contact Group for the peace process and said the UK "stands ready to provide further assistance if such a role would be valuable to the parties."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=819140082 |title=Foreign Secretary comments on peace agreement for Mindanao |publisher=Fco.gov.uk |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}} – US Secretary of State, [[Hillary Clinton]] affirmed that "the United States welcomes the announcement of the framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front" and said that the agreement "is a testament to the commitment of all sides for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines". The secretary also added that the next step is for the full implementation of the agreement and "encourage all parties to work together to build peace, prosperity and greater opportunities for all the people of the Philippines".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/10/198716.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009232434/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/10/198716.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |title=Finalization of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front Framework Agreement |publisher=State.gov |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]]
*[[1976 Tripoli Agreement]]
*[[Jeddah Accord|1987 Jeddah Accord]]
*[[1996 Final Peace Agreement]]

==External links==
*[https://peacebuilderscommunity.org/documents/FrameworkAgreementBangsamoro.pdf Framework Agreement on the Bangsamaro]
*[http://peacemaker.un.org/document-search?keys=&field_padate_value%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_pacountry_tid=Philippines&field_paconflict_tid%5B%5D=1 Text of all peace accords for the Philippines]

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
{{Moro conflict}}
{{Bangsamoro political entity topics}}
{{Benigno Aquino III}}

[[Category:2012 in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Bangsamoro peace process]]
[[Category:Treaties of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Peace treaties]]
[[Category:Treaties involving territorial changes]]
[[Category:Presidency of Benigno Aquino III]]