“Transforming MILF into a social movement: The most viable option in a democratic struggle.” This is the theme of the 2024 General Assembly and Consultation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), held last Monday, 23 September 2024, at Camp Darapanan, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Our team from PeaceBuilders Community, Inc., and Coffee For Peace was invited by the Hon. Mohagher Iqbal (Chair, MILF Peace Negotiating Panel) through MP Mary Ann Arnado (Bangsamoro Parliament). Before a crowd of 300,000+, I was invited to be one of the speakers to express support to their transformation from being an armed revolutionary group to becoming a social movement. As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance continue to take shape, I found myself reflecting on the MILF’s future. With the transition period nearing its conclusion, the MILF faced a critical decision: What comes next for a movement born out of armed revolution?
