Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: History, Governance and Transition to BARMM

Overview

History of Moro Autonomy

The establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989 was the culmination of centuries of political and cultural distinctiveness among the Moro people in the southern Philippines. The region, which operated under the ARMM Regional Government, was situated in the Mindanao island group and comprised the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Its creation marked a significant shift in Philippine governance, as it became the only region with its own government, with Cotabato City serving as the de facto seat of government despite being technically outside its jurisdiction.

Historical Resistance and Colonial Encounters

The historical context of Moro autonomy is rooted in the long-standing resistance of the Moro sultanates and principalities against external rule. During the Spanish colonial period, the Moro people mounted fierce resistance, maintaining their Islamic faith and political structures in areas such as Sulu and Maguindanao, which remained largely unconquered compared to the rest of the archipelago. This resistance continued into the American colonial era, where military campaigns and diplomatic treaties were used to integrate the southern islands into the broader Philippine administrative framework. The Japanese occupation during World War II further complicated the political landscape, with local leaders navigating alliances and conflicts to preserve regional autonomy.

Precursors to Autonomy in the 1970s

In the 1970s, the push for Moro autonomy gained momentum through various political and social movements. The declaration of Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972 intensified the desire for self-governance among the Moro population. Key events during this period included the formation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the signing of the 1976 London Agreement, which laid the groundwork for the creation of an autonomous region. These efforts reflected the growing demand for recognition of the Moro people's distinct cultural and political identity, setting the stage for the eventual establishment of the ARMM in 1989.

Establishment and Expansion

Legislative Foundation and Initial Composition

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was established in 1989 through the passage of Republic Act No. 6734, which created the first autonomous political entity in the Philippines. This legislative act defined the region's initial composition, comprising five predominantly Muslim provinces: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The creation of ARMM marked a significant shift in Philippine governance, granting the region its own government structure distinct from the national executive branch. Cotabato City served as the de facto seat of government, functioning as the administrative hub despite technically lying outside the region's direct jurisdiction. This unique arrangement highlighted the complex geographical and political boundaries that characterized the region's early years. The establishment provided a framework for local governance tailored to the cultural and religious demographics of the Muslim population in Mindanao.

Expansion and Subsequent Developments

The region underwent significant territorial expansion in 2001 with the enactment of Republic Act No. 9054. This law reorganized ARMM, adding the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur to the existing five provinces, although subsequent plebiscites and legal challenges affected the final composition. The expansion aimed to integrate more Muslim-majority areas into the autonomous framework, enhancing the region's political weight and administrative scope. Following these legislative changes, the province of Maguindanao was further divided, leading to the brief existence of the province of Shariff Kabunsuan. This new province was carved out of Maguindanao to address local governance needs and demographic shifts within the region. However, Shariff Kabunsuan's status was later subject to legal scrutiny, reflecting the ongoing complexities of defining autonomous boundaries in Mindanao. The region's evolution through these legislative acts underscored the dynamic nature of political autonomy in the Philippines.

How did the transition to BARMM occur?

The transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was a multi-year process anchored in the final peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The political framework for this shift was established with the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which served as the basic law for the new autonomous political entity. This legislation replaced the earlier Administrative Order No. 965 and the Organic Act of ARMM, aiming to address the root causes of the centuries-long conflict in the southern Philippines through a more comprehensive devolution of powers.

Following the congressional approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018, the region proceeded to hold a series of plebiscites to ratify the new charter. These votes were critical in determining the territorial scope and political will of the constituent provinces. The plebiscites allowed voters in the five original ARMM provinces—Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—to decide on their continued membership in the new autonomous region. Additionally, the law provided for the inclusion of Cotabato City and the province of Lamitan, which required separate voting mechanisms to determine their status within the BARMM jurisdiction.

The official turnover of power marked the culmination of this transition. In February 2019, the ARMM Regional Government formally handed over its administrative functions to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). This event signified the end of the ARMM era, which had been established in 1989, and the beginning of the transitional period leading to full autonomy under the BARMM framework. The transition involved the transfer of personnel, assets, and legislative mandates, ensuring a structured shift from the previous governance model to the new political entity designed to deliver lasting peace and development to the Muslim Mindanao region.

Government and Administrative Structure

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao operated as the Philippines' only region with its own distinct government structure, exercising executive, legislative, and judicial powers over its constituent provinces. This administrative framework was designed to provide a degree of self-governance to the predominantly Muslim population of the region, which included Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The regional government functioned under the authority of the ARMM Regional Government, which managed regional affairs while coordinating with the national government in Manila.

Executive and Legislative Branches

The executive branch of the ARMM was headed by the Regional Governor, who served as the chief executive of the autonomous region. The Governor was responsible for implementing regional laws, overseeing the regional budget, and managing the various departments and agencies within the ARMM. The legislative power was vested in the Regional Assembly, a unicameral body composed of representatives elected from the five provinces and the cities within the region. The Assembly was tasked with enacting regional legislation, approving the annual budget, and exercising oversight over the executive branch through committees and hearings.

Judicial Powers and Sharia Application

The judicial system within the ARMM incorporated both the national court system and specialized Sharia courts, reflecting the region's cultural and religious diversity. The application of Sharia law was a distinctive feature of the ARMM's judicial structure, particularly in cases involving personal status, family law, and inheritance for Muslim residents. The Sharia courts operated alongside the Regional Trial Courts, providing a dual judicial mechanism that allowed for the resolution of disputes according to Islamic legal principles. This integration of Sharia into the regional judiciary was intended to enhance the accessibility and relevance of the legal system for the Muslim population, although it also required careful coordination with the national judicial framework to ensure consistency and fairness in legal outcomes.

Cultural Heritage and Significance

The cultural identity of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was deeply rooted in the traditions of its five constituent provinces: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. As the only region in the Philippines with its own government, the ARMM served as a primary custodian of Mindanao’s diverse Muslim heritage. The region’s cultural landscape was characterized by a blend of indigenous animist roots, Islamic influences, and maritime trade connections that shaped its artistic and architectural expressions.

Kulintang Music Tradition

Kulintang music stands as one of the most significant cultural exports of the region. This traditional ensemble, centered around a set of eight small gongs laid horizontally, is a hallmark of the Maguindanao and Maranao peoples of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. The music is not merely auditory but serves as a social and ceremonial anchor, often accompanying dances, festivals, and royal court rituals. The intricate melodies of the kulintang reflect the sophisticated musical theory of the pre-colonial Sultanates that once dominated the area, preserving a sonic heritage that distinguishes the region from other parts of Mindanao.

Royal Sulu Architecture and Daru Jambangan

Architecturally, the region is renowned for its royal structures, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago. The Daru Jambangan, located in the province of Sulu, is a prime example of this heritage. Known as the "Garden Palace," it was the residence of the Sulu Sultanate and features a distinctive blend of Malay and Islamic architectural styles. The structure is characterized by its ornate wood carvings, colorful tile work, and elevated design, reflecting the status and cosmopolitan connections of the Sulu royalty. The preservation of such sites underscores the historical significance of the Sulu Sultanate in the broader narrative of Philippine history.

The cultural significance of the ARMM extended beyond individual artifacts or buildings. It represented a living heritage where language, religion, and art converged. The region’s identity was further defined by its unique administrative status, which allowed for the integration of customary law and traditional governance structures into the modern political framework. This unique position made the ARMM a vital center for the preservation and promotion of Muslim Filipino culture, influencing the broader cultural tapestry of the Mindanao island group.

See also

• Davao del Norte: Province Profile, History and Economic Significance
• Zamboanga Sibugay: Provincial History, Demographics and Economy
• Iloilo Customs House: Heritage Building Profile
• Surigao del Sur: Province Profile, Geography and History
• Eastern Samar: Provincial Profile, History and Geography

References

1. "Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao" on English Wikipedia
2. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Philippine Statistics Authority
3. Department of the Interior and Local Government - ARMM Profile
4. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Department of Tourism
5. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - National Historical Commission of the Philippines