Boundary Demarcation: Mindanao Final Agreement
Implementations
Boundary Demarcation – 1996
In 1996, the peace agreement was brokered between the MNLF and the Philippine government. Under the peace agreement, there would be a transition phase (Phase I), lasting a couple of years, that would be characterized by intense development and aid projects, followed by another referendum for creating a larger expanded autonomous region. The peace agreement designated the current 4 provinces of the ARMM and 10 other provinces and nine cities to comprise a Special Zone of Peace and Development (SZOPAD). After previous democratic rejections, the MNLF hoped that the two phase agreement would pave the way for an expanded ARMM, as provinces would vote for inclusion after seeing the benefits of autonomous rule.1
- Astrid S. Tuminez, “This land is our land: Moro ancestral domain and its implications for peace and development in the Southern Philippines,” SAIS Review 27, no. 2 (2007): 77-91.
Boundary Demarcation – 1997
There were no changes made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Boundary Demarcation – 1998
There were no changes made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Boundary Demarcation – 1999
There were no changes made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Boundary Demarcation – 2000
There were no changes made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Boundary Demarcation – 2001
As called for in the 1996 accord, the Filipino legislature passed the Republic Act 9054 or Expanded ARMM Law in 2001 and the plebiscite which was to determine which provinces would join the new ARMM was scheduled for August 2001. Of the 14 provinces and 9 cities in the SZOPAD that voted in the referendum, only one additional province (Basilan) and one city (Marawi) voted for inclusion in the new expanded ARMM. Thus, the new ARMM consisted of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan and Marawi.1
Boundary Demarcation – 2002
No further boundary changes took place.
Boundary Demarcation – 2003
No further boundary changes took place.
Boundary Demarcation – 2004
No further boundary changes took place.
Boundary Demarcation – 2005
No further boundary changes took place.