Peacebuilding in the Philippines: The Challenge of Mindanao

This article examines the processes of peacebuilding in the southernmost part of the Philippines, on the island of Mindanao and smaller, surrounding islands. It begins with the history of the conflict there between Muslim inhabitants and three waves of colonization and settlement by Christians: the Spanish, the Americans, and then Filipinos from other islands. Then efforts at building peace, by Christians and interfaith groups of Christians and Muslims, follow. The author then presents his own experience of working there over the past eight years. It concludes with some reflections about the learnings about peacebuilding that have been emerging over the most recent period.