The Institute of Bangsamoro Studies
Report - Training of Trainors Philippines
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Context
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a liberation movement formed in 1977 that has fought for a Bangsamoro independent state in the southern Philippines comprising parts of Mindanao Island, Palawan, Basilan, the Sulu archipelago and neighbouring islands. It is the largest, and perhaps most significant, of the armed non-State actors (NSAs) operating in the Philippines today. Currently, it has a ceasefire with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines while ongoing talks are pursued to bring an end to the Mindanao conflict.
The MILF and its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), was one of the first groups to sign the “Deed of Commitment under Geneva Call for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and for Cooperation in Mine Action” in March 2000. It reaffirmed its commitment in April 2002 following a field verification mission conducted by Geneva Call. Geneva Call has been working with the MILF to improve the implementation of the Deed of Commitment and the group’s understanding of and respect for humanitarian standards.