Bangsamoro Civil Relations Unit

16/01/2026

15/12/2025

Peace Partners Invest in Shared Future

The newly enhanced facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Civil Relations Unit for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CRU-BARMM) stand as more than just improved infrastructure. They represent something far more significant: the deepening trust between former adversaries who have chosen partnership over conflict.

When M**F Chairman and former Interim Chief Minister Ahod 'Alhaj Murad' Ebrahim, along with former BTA Member of Parliament Amilbahar 'Amir' Mawallil, current BTA Member of Parliament Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, and Bangsamoro Youth Commission Chairperson Nasserudin 'Nas' Dunding stepped forward to support the CRU-BARMM's facility enhancement, they weren't simply donating to a military unit. They were investing in the infrastructure of peace itself.

The gesture speaks volumes about how far the GPH-M**F peace process has come. These are leaders who understand that the success of the Bangsamoro peace process depends on institutions that can bridge communities, facilitate dialogue, and maintain the fragile gains of reconciliation. The CRU-BARMM serves precisely this function, and the Bangsamoro leadership's willingness to strengthen it demonstrates their confidence in the AFP as a genuine partner in peace-building.

Chairman Murad's involvement carries particular weight. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the M**F from armed struggle to political participation, and his continued engagement with AFP initiatives signals his commitment to making the transition work. When the chairman of the M**F supports the operational capacity of an AFP unit, he sends a clear message to both communities: the relationship between these two institutions is not merely strategic convenience but a foundation for lasting peace.

The other contributors—Mawallil, Sinarimbo, and Dunding—represent different facets of Bangsamoro governance, from parliamentary leadership to youth empowerment. Their collective support shows this isn't the initiative of one leader but the shared vision of Bangsamoro's emerging political class. They recognize that effective peace requires functional institutions, and they're willing to back that recognition with tangible support.

To Chairman Murad, former MP Mawallil, MP Atty. Sinarimbo, and Youth Chairperson Dunding, the Armed Forces of the Philippines extends its profound gratitude. Your contribution goes beyond the physical improvements to our facilities. You have strengthened our capacity to serve the communities of the Bangsamoro region, and more importantly, you have reaffirmed your trust in our shared commitment to peace. Your support enables our personnel to work more effectively in fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and building bridges between communities. This generosity reflects the spirit of partnership that has made the GPH-M**F peace process one of the most successful in Southeast Asia, and we are honored to be beneficiaries of your confidence in our mission.

For the AFP, particularly for those serving in the CRU-BARMM, this support validates their evolving role in the region. They are no longer viewed solely as a security force but as partners in community development and conflict resolution. The enhanced facilities will enable them to do this work more effectively, but more importantly, the act of receiving this support from M**F leadership reinforces the mutual respect that has developed between the two organizations.

This is what successful peace processes look like in practice. Not grand pronouncements or ceremonial signings alone, but the steady accumulation of trust demonstrated through concrete actions. When former combatants invest in each other's institutional capacity, when they strengthen rather than undermine each other's ability to serve communities, peace moves from aspiration to reality.

The Bangsamoro region has traveled a long and difficult road to reach this point. The facility enhancement of the CRU-BARMM may seem like a modest development in the broader peace narrative, but it exemplifies the kind of practical cooperation that will determine whether the peace process endures. It shows that both the Bangsamoro Government and the AFP understand that their futures are now intertwined and that investing in each other's success is investing in the region's stability.

As the CRU-BARMM utilizes these enhanced facilities to deepen its community engagement and peace-building work, it does so with the backing of the very leaders and institutions that once stood on opposite sides of the conflict. That transformation, more than any building or equipment, is what gives hope that peace in Bangsamoro can be permanent. ☝️💛

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim MP Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo Amir Mawallil Nas Dunding Jazakallahu khairan. 💚

🇵🇭

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23/09/2025

Bangsamoro Youth Rally Behind Maritime Rights in Historic West Philippine Sea Forums

AFP partners with educational institutions to educate over 2,500 young leaders on territorial rights and national security

Maguindanao del Norte | The Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) has successfully mobilized thousands of young Filipinos in the country's southernmost region to champion Philippine sovereignty in the disputed West Philippine Sea through two groundbreaking advocacy forums.

In an unprecedented digital outreach effort on August 23, the CRU-BARMM partnered with the 16th Regional Community Defense Group to conduct an online forum that drew 2,218 ROTC cadets from colleges and universities across all six provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The virtual event, themed "Heroes from the South: Bangsamoro Youth for the West Philippine Sea," marked one of the largest youth engagement initiatives on maritime security in the region's history.

Six days later, the unit took its advocacy campaign to the ground with an on-site forum at Mindanao State University-Maguindanao in Datu Odin Sinsuat. Working alongside the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, the event attracted over 350 students from the Fundamentals of Peace Education program, extending the reach to nearly 400 young leaders, including peace club members from Maguindanao and Region XII.

Both forums strategically coincided with National Heroes Day celebrations, emphasizing the connection between historical patriotism and contemporary maritime challenges. Participants received comprehensive education on the 2016 Arbitral Award, Exclusive Economic Zone rights, and methods to counter disinformation narratives surrounding the West Philippine Sea dispute. Key speakers included military officers and civilian leaders who stressed the importance of youth participation in defending national sovereignty.

The dual-approach campaign successfully influenced over 2,500 young Filipinos through Project Mulat advocacy, featuring audiovisual presentations and promotional materials to strengthen patriotic engagement. Beyond education, the forums aimed to inspire civic participation and potentially encourage future military service among participants, representing a significant step in building pro-Philippine maritime advocacy across the Bangsamoro region.




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31/08/2025

AFP Strengthens Partnership with Bangsamoro Religious Leaders for Community Development

Civil Relations Unit in BARMM forges a consultative alliance with Islamic scholars to leverage faith-based influence for peace and development initiatives.

COTABATO CITY | The Armed Forces of the Philippines has taken a significant step toward deeper collaboration with Islamic religious authorities in the Bangsamoro region, as personnel from the Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) met with key religious leaders to discuss joint initiatives for community development and peace-building.

During a courtesy visit, CRU-BARMM representatives headed by Staff Sergeant Raymond Quin engaged with Bangsamoro Grand M***i Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, along with Bangsamoro Darul Ifta Executive Director Sheikh Marhan Borhan and Youth Development Officer Sheikh Talal Sabpa. The meeting centered on establishing a consultative partnership that would harness the moral authority and community influence of Islamic leadership to support development programs across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The religious leaders pledged their full support for the AFP's peace and development efforts, offering to provide Islamic guidance through fatwas, which are judicial religious rulings that help shape community behavior and decision-making. This collaboration recognizes the vital role that faith-based leadership plays in influencing positive change within Bangsamoro communities, particularly in areas where traditional governance structures intersect with religious authority.

"This partnership represents a new chapter in civil-military relations within the BARMM," SSg Quin stated. "By working closely with respected religious scholars, we can ensure our programs align with Islamic principles and gain broader community acceptance." The religious leaders emphasized their commitment to issuing guidance that promotes community welfare, education, and peaceful coexistence.

Both parties agreed to maintain regular communication and coordinate future joint programs, signaling a sustained commitment to faith-informed development work. This collaboration reflects the AFP's evolving approach to community engagement, recognizing that lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region requires the active participation and blessing of its most trusted spiritual leaders.

Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' BARMM


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30/08/2025

BARMM Digital Partnership Takes Shape as Military and Tech Agency Join Forces

AFP’s CRU-BARMM and DICT forge a strategic alliance to boost connectivity and disaster response capabilities across the Bangsamoro region.

COTABATO CITY | A significant step toward digital transformation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) unfolded as military and technology officials formalized plans for expanded cooperation that could reshape how government services reach communities across the region.

The Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM), under the leadership of Major Jhoe Manda, met with Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Maguindanao del Norte head Engr. Manan Butongkay at the agency's Rosary Heights office in Cotabato City. The meeting marked the beginning of what both officials described as a transformative partnership designed to strengthen digital infrastructure and emergency response capabilities throughout BARMM.

At the heart of the collaboration lies DICT's commitment to provide GOVNET services, offering free fiber internet connectivity to government institutions. This initiative represents more than technical upgrades; it signals a coordinated effort to ensure reliable communication networks reach even the most remote areas of the autonomous region.

The partnership extends beyond basic connectivity. Butongkay announced support for CRU-BARMM plans to establish an Armed Forces of the Philippines FM radio station, specifically designed to enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations. Given BARMM's vulnerability to natural disasters and its complex geographical challenges, this radio infrastructure could prove crucial during emergency situations when traditional communication systems fail.

Both agencies also committed to comprehensive capability-building programs, including Training of Trainers activities that will be delivered through hybrid face-to-face and online formats. This educational component ensures the partnership's benefits extend beyond hardware installations to include sustained knowledge transfer and skills development, essential elements for long-term success in the region's ongoing digital modernization efforts.

DICT R12 - Maguindanao del Norte Province


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29/08/2025

CRU-BARMM Partners with PTV Cotabato for Peace and Development Initiatives

Building stronger media partnerships to amplify peace-building efforts across the Bangsamoro region

The Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) has forged a promising partnership with the People's Television Network (PTV) Cotabato Regional Center, marking a significant step forward in collaborative media engagement for peace and development in the region.

CRU-BARMM personnel, led by Major Jhoe Manda, hosted a productive meeting with Engineer Emmanuel Sucgang, Officer-in-Charge of PTV Cotabato Regional Center, along with his dedicated team, including Reporter Trisha Salik Aragon, Cameraman Monico Haron, and Technical Staff Jun Nespiros. The meeting, held at the CRU Building in Pedro Colina Hill, Cotabato City, focused on exploring joint initiatives that could strengthen information campaigns, facilitate content sharing, and enhance community engagement programs throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The collaboration continued the same day with a strategic visit to the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Del Norte. CRU-BARMM personnel accompanied the PTV team for a meeting with Colonel Rey Rico, the Assistant Division Chief of Staff for CMO, G7, further cementing the multi-stakeholder approach to peace-building efforts in the region.

A highlight of the partnership activities included a guided tour of the Kampilan Peace Museum, where the PTV team gained valuable insights into the region's peace journey and the ongoing efforts to sustain stability and development. This visit underscores the importance of media in documenting and sharing the positive transformation taking place across BARMM.

These collaborative initiatives represent CRU-BARMM's commitment to leveraging media partnerships as powerful tools for promoting peace, understanding, and development throughout the Bangsamoro region. Through strategic alliances with credible media outlets like PTV, the unit continues to amplify its mission of fostering lasting peace and prosperity for all communities in BARMM.

PTV Davao PTV


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28/08/2025

AFP Strengthens Parliamentary Ties for Bangsamoro Peace

CRU-BARMM and BTA MP Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo Team Forge Partnership for Bangsamoro Peace

COTABATO CITY | In a significant step toward strengthening collaborative efforts for peace in the Bangsamoro region, the Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) held a strategic meeting with representatives of Member of Parliament Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo at the headquarters in Pedro Colina Hill, Rosary Heights 1.

The meeting, spearheaded by Major Jhoe Manda and CRU-BARMM personnel, focused on identifying concrete areas of collaboration and developing project initiatives that would directly benefit the Bangsamoro people. This gathering represents the unit's continued commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with parliamentary leaders in pursuit of sustainable peace in the region.

MP Sinarimbo was represented by former BARMM READi Executive Director Norhassim Sinarimbo and Chief of Staff Atty. Dayan Lao Andoy. The high-level representation underscores the importance both offices place on strengthening institutional cooperation and ensuring effective coordination between military and civilian leadership.

In a demonstration of practical support for the unit's mission, MP Sinarimbo extended assistance for facility renovation projects at the CRU-BARMM office. This gesture reflects a shared understanding that proper infrastructure is essential for delivering effective services to the Bangsamoro community.

The meeting exemplifies the collaborative spirit necessary for advancing peace initiatives in the region, bringing together military expertise and parliamentary insight to create comprehensive solutions for the challenges facing the Bangsamoro people. Such partnerships are crucial as the region continues its journey toward lasting peace and development.




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27/08/2025

AFP's Civil Relations Unit Champions Indigenous Rights in Bangsamoro

The military team works with the right leaders to make sure that people in the IP community in the area are safe and healthy.

COTABATO CITY | The Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is working with local governments to make its case for the rights of indigenous peoples stronger. The unit attended a number of important meetings this month to show how serious it is about making IP communities safer and better off. This is one of its most important jobs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Major Jhoe Manda and other CRU-BARMM staff members met with Hon. Froilyn T. Mendoza, a Member of Parliament from Maguindanao del Sur who speaks for the Indigenous Peoples sector. We mostly talked about how things are progressing and what problems IP communities are facing, especially the hard ones in South Upi's Teduray-Lambangian Ancestral Domain. MP Mendoza's suggestions from the ground up helped the military unit figure out how to better support indigenous groups that are experiencing difficulties with their native region.

The delegation then went to Cotabato City to greet Hon. Guiamal B. Abdulrahman, the new Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs. Minister Abdulrahman's decades of work fighting for the rights of indigenous people helped him explain how military and civilian institutions should work together to defend those rights and give people in the Bangsamoro region more authority.

Both BARMM executives pledged to fully support AFP policies and actions that strive to promote the rights, well-being, and empowerment of indigenous peoples. The CRU-BARMM strives to make peace by making sure that everyone's needs and rights are met, especially those who are most vulnerable. This is the only method to keep the area steady for a long time.

The CRU-BARMM enables the AFP play a stronger role in community development by doing these things. The AFP is doing more than just keeping people safe; they are also fighting for social justice and a government that works for everyone. This effort to speak up for the Bangsamoro is a very important investment in their future. It makes sure that the rights of native people are respected and that their opinions are heard as the area grows.




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Office of MP Froilyn T. Mendoza | Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs - BARMM 💚💛

26/08/2025

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR PEACE: BARMM Youth Commission and AFP Strengthen Collaboration

A new chapter in civil-military cooperation unfolds as young leaders take center stage in the Bangsamoro's development agenda.

COTABATO CITY | The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Civil Relations Unit for Bangsamoro (CRU-BARMM) are working together in a new way that puts young leaders at the center of efforts to bring peace and development to the area. This August, BYC Chairperson Nasserudin D. Dunding spoke at the 6th State of the Bangsamoro Youth Address about several great things that had transpired, such as digital inclusion programs, policy co-creation initiatives, and the Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study, which showed how evidence-based governance works.

Major Jhoe Manda led strategic conversations with the BYC that made the relationship real. Most of the talks were about ways to help young people in BARMM support nationalism, patriotism, and maritime security while also helping the region establish peace. Chairperson Dunding said he would fully support the project, which would include improving the facilities and talking to high-ranking officials in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and the M**F.

There is more to this cooperation than just words. The BYC recently gave CRU-BARMM air conditioning equipment to make the buildings better. This shows that people want to help the military keep the peace in the area. Dunding also claimed that CRU-BARMM would help make policy, which is even more important. This would make it easier for civil-military cooperation to keep going in government and development.

This is a new method for young people and the military to work together after a war. More than 60% of the residents in BARMM are younger than 30. The neighborhood is working toward lasting peace by getting young leaders active instead of just letting them watch. This gives the next generation the power to affect the future of the Bangsamoro.




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