MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) unveiled new knowledge products aimed at enhancing peace, justice, and governance in barangays on January 22, 2025, at the Grand Pagana Convention Hall in Cotabato City.
The launch marks a significant step in BARMM’s ongoing efforts to promote justice, inclusivity, and community-based governance. Central to the event was the introduction of Barangay Justice System (BJS) Module, designed to institutionalize conflict resolution and improve governance at the barangay level. This initiative, led by MILG, reflects BARMM’s commitment to fostering peace through participatory governance that respects local culture.
The BJS Module provides barangay officials, traditional leaders, and community members with practical tools to resolve disputes, build social cohesion, and promote justice. It integrates legal frameworks, cultural practices, and community-driven approaches to help barangays effectively manage disputes.
“This launch is not just the release of tools but a statement of our shared vision—a Bangsamoro where peace and justice form the foundation of governance. Through the Barangay Justice System, we empower communities to address conflicts with fairness, ensuring a legacy of harmony,” said MILG Minister Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba.
A video message from BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas L Maslamama further emphasized the importance of grassroots justice in sustaining peace. “True justice starts at the community level, grounded in the values that unite us. This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to unity, progress, and equity,” he stated.
A ceremonial turnover followed, with Bai Shaima Baraguir, Planning and Research Officer for the Justice System and Judiciary under SUBATRA, handing over the knowledge products to Minister Dumama-Alba. These were then entrusted to key partners, including the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, RTC Branch 15, Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, Cotabato State University, the League of Barangays President of Maguindanao del Norte, United Youth for Peace and Development, and the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. This act highlighted the collaboration needed to implement the BJS Module across Bangsamoro communities.
Supported by the European Union in the Philippines and the AECID Philippines-funded Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, the MILG Knowledge Products underscore BARMM’s commitment to building a region where governance is inclusive, justice is accessible, and the aspirations of all Bangsamoro people are realized. (MILG/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
