THE Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday launched the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJR) Roadmap, a core element of the Bangsamoro peace process.
The roadmap was unveiled at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan on Dec. 9, marking what both parties described as a crucial step toward healing and long-term reconciliation.
The TJR, deemed the heart and soul of the Bangsamoro peace process, is one of the key components of the Normalization Program of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark peace agreement between the two government and the Muslim separatist movement.
“TJR aims to take into account the narratives and grievances of the Bangsamoro people, while reflecting on the lessons of the past that have caused wars, distrust, biases, and large-scale abuses,” the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. Reconciliation and Unity said.
The drafting of the TJR Roadmap was led by the Inter-Cabinet Cluster on Normalization’s Sub-Cluster on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation and was later refined by a technical working group.
The final version was approved by the government and MILF peace panels on Jan.31, 2025, incorporating inputs from the TJR Commission’s consultations and research across Bangsamoro communities.
In his remarks, MILF leader Mohagher Iqbal reiterated that the launch of the roadmap “signifies the seriousness and dedication of both Parties in completing what is considered the heart and soul of the peace process.”
For his part, government representative Cesar Yano emphasized that the TJR is not just an abstract concept,” adding that it also represents a comprehensive set of actions aimed at addressing legitimate grievances and historical injustices, human rights violations arising from the conflict in Mindanao.”
