Natural Resource Management – 1996

Written by

A widely acknowledged juxtaposition in the conflict literature on Mindanao is that the area is extremely rich in natural resources, yet the area is the single poorest in all of the Philippines. Articles 134, 143, and 147 are means of putting a greater amount of control over the area’s natural resources in the hands of the inhabitants of the region (ARMM) and, consequently, to increase the benefits enjoyed by ARMM residents from the utilization of these resources by firms. As outlined in article 146 and 147, MNLF leaders and GRP leaders will meet and define strategic minerals at a later date. The peace agreement does not indicate that the GRP retains full control over strategic minerals and all revenues from strategic minerals. The accord states that the ARMM has 100% control over all minerals, except strategic minerals.

To evaluate the degree of implementation for this provision, two streams of information can be used. First, did the GRP and Regional Government meet and collectively agree upon strategic minerals and how to allocate revenues from strategic minerals? Second, does the ARMM budget in its revenue inlays reflect increasing revenue flows from control over natural resources? No developments along these lines were observed this year.

Detailed Implementation Timeline – 2001

Written by

Five years past the deadlines put forth in the 1996 accord, the Expanded ARMM Law or Republic Act 9054 became law on March 31, 2001 and the government scheduled the plebiscite for August 2001. MNLF leader and Regional Governor Nur Misuari demanded that the plebiscite be postponed for three more years, fearing that the development projects had not had enough time to be successfull and that voters would oust him as leader and not choose to join the expanded ARMM.1 The referendum was held in August 2001 as planned. Of the 14 provinces and 9 cities in the SZOPAD, only one additional province (Basilan) and one city (Marawi) voted to be included in the new expanded ARMM. Nur Misuari was ousted as Governor and replaced by Parouk Hussin.2