COSANIE M. DEROGONGAN
Director, BPCR
Contact No.:
Email Address: [email protected] | [email protected]

The Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution (BPCR) shall primarily be responsible for the conduct of peace and settlement of conflict among Muslim Filipinos and shall likewise participate in the national peace process efforts, particularly for Muslim Mindanao. It is aimed to prevent, de-escalate and find solution to conflicts by peaceful means.

The Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution (BPCR) takes the lead role of NCMF in advocating for Peace and resolving conflict in Muslim Filipino Communities.

The Bureau also participates in Peace Process programs of the government, conduct and participate in inter-faith dialogues in the localities.

 

FUNCTIONS

  • Initiate and conduct peace initiatives and effective settlement mechanisms for the solution of conflicts between and among Muslim Filipinos, including conflicts involving non-Muslims where the parties submit to such resolution mechanism; (NCMF
  • Introduce concept, plan, and implement projects and activities to promote peace, harmony and understanding among Muslim Filipino communities and monitor the progress thereof;
  • Coordinate with different relevant traditional institutions to strengthen relationships among Muslims and to settle disputes through mediation, arbitration and other effective modes of dispute resolutions among Muslims;
  • Assist the Secretary and participate in the national peace process efforts, particularly, for Muslim Mindanao to prevent, de-escalate and find doable solution to conflicts through peaceful means;
  • Conduct studies and related analyses on the scarcity of human and natural resources as roots of conflict, and recommend to the Secretary nonviolent interventions to address such source of conflict;
  • Gather information and document human rights abuses in Muslim communities and recommend to the Secretary appropriate responses and/or approaches to remedy and/or rectify abuses; and perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Secretary.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution (BPCR) is composed of two divisions to manage its operations, namely:

  1. Peace Program Development and Maintenance Division
  2. Conflict Resolution Division

 

PEACE ADVOCACIES

January

  • Byaheng Bangsamoro, 19 January 2016 (co-organizer, mobilized participants)

February

  • Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) Jail Visit and Qur’an and Relief Distribution, 17 February 2016 (organizer)

March

  • See attendance and participation in several activities under Others.

April

  • MasterPeace Boot Camp, 04-07 April 2016 (provided administrative, technical and financial assistance)
  • Jail Visit and Distribution of Qur’an and Relief Goods in SICA 1, 15 April 2016 (provided admin & financial support)
  • Jail Visit and Distribution of Qur’an and Relief Goods in SICA 2, 15 April 2016 (provided admin & financial support)
  • Muslim Filipino Community Leaders Caucus, Angeles City, Pampanga, 30 April 2016 (resource person)

May

  • Muslim Filipino Community Leaders Caucus, Lucena City, Quezon 02-03 May 2016 (resource person)
  • Mindanao Peace and History Education Project, initial meeting with Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines – 19 May 2016, with draft MOU (collaborator)

June

  • Jail Visit and Distribution of Dates and Supplies, Camp Karingal Female Dormitory, 17 June 2016 (co-organizer)

Others:

  • Co-organized the World Hijab Month Celebration (February)
  • Submitted 2016 BPCR Budget Proposal and Calendar of Activities Gender and Development (GAD) during the GAD Strategic Planning, 04-06 February 2016
  • Participated in the 30th EDSA Anniversary Celebration, 25 February 2016
  • Participated in the Peace Forum on the Status of the Bangsamoro Peace Process, 01 March 2016
  • Participated in the Bangsamoro Chevening Forum, 05 March 2016
  • Attended an enthronement ceremony in Tanauan, Batangas, 9-10 March 2016
  • Attended the final meeting on Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 15-16 March 2016
  • Participated in the Women’s Month Celebration, 16 March 2016 (with peace theme; participant)
  • Qur’an and Relief Goods Distribution, Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal, 20 March 2016 (co-organizer)
  • Attended the Jabidah Massacre Commemoration, 18 March 2016

Attended the second anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), 28 March 2016

Submitted comments to the draft report of the UN Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons to OPAPP (inter-agency coordinator), 11 April 2016

Participated in the 2nd inter-agency consultation on the Philippine National Action Plan to End Statelessness 21 April 2016

Provided support to the Paggunita sa Araw ng Pagboto ng Kababaihan, 29 April 2016

  • Participated in consultation-workshop on National Family Violence Prevention Program (NFVPP); had presentation on feud and conflict resolution in Moro communities, 17-20 May 2016
  • Provided support to the Consultative Meeting on Halal, 21 May 2016
  • Attended the presentation of the white paper and recommendations for National Security Policy/Strategy, OPAPP and Security Reform Initiative, 10 June 2016
  • Attended the Independence Day Celebration, 12 June 2016

July

  • Showing of the documentary “Bangsamoro: The Quest for Peace in Mindanao“ in Visayas to be followed by a forum (resource person)
    • Produced by K.A.K. Tri-Media Productions, written by journalist and producer Luz Rimban, and directed by Boyette Rimban
    • “an attempt to discuss the roots of the conflict and present a deep understanding of the Bangsamoro’s struggle to attain genuine peace and autonomy”
    • Initiative of an internal organization/development partner
    • Initial/informal talks

August/September

  • Training on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation for NCMF Employees (organizer)
    • A 2 to 2.5 day training for select employees from the central and regional offices
      • Dealing with the Past Framework
      • Bangsamoro Context
      • Recommendations of the TJRC
    • Coordinating with GPH nominee in the TJRC
    • Drafting the concept paper to be forwarded to prospective sponsor/s

3rd to 4th Quarter

Multi-sectoral/intra-faith dialogues

  • National Congress of Muslim Filipinos for peace
    • Venue to discuss the agreements, the status and prospects of the different peace process tracks
    • To be conducted in various locations
    • Come up with a peace agenda
      • How about a Muslim Filipino agenda instead?
        • Activity can be expanded/elevated to a National Congress of Muslim Filipinos
          • To know the concerns and suggestions of Muslim Filipinos
          • Guide in policy setting, program development, budget prioritization, among others.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms (mediation, conciliation, dialogue, etc.)
  • Disposition rate of cases
    • Challenges:
      • Manpower complement – Who will mediate? Do they have the necessary skills set?
      • Inadequate office space, furniture, fixtures and equipment
      • Started studying rido/clan feuding and conflict settlement mechanisms in Moro communities
    • Next step: Manual of Procedure in Conflict Resolution

BPCR News

NCMF conducts forum on International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law jointly with the International Committee on the Red Cross and UP – Institute of Islamic Studies

Posted: November 30, 2016

On November 17, 2016, a forum on “Exploring Correspondences between International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law related to armed conflict and their relevance in the Southern Philippines” was conducted under the joint sponsorship of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the University of the Philippines – Institute of Islamic Studies, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) through Bureau of Peace Conflict and Resolution (BPCR) at Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Peace advocates and stakeholders gather at the “National Peacebuilding Conversations” organized by OPAPP and NCMF

Posted: October 16, 2016

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) together with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) (mainly through the Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution and NCMF Davao Office) and in coordination with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, organized and hosted a two-day peace and development summit dubbed as “National Peacebuilding Conversations,” on 14-15 October 2016 at Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. The summit is intended to ensure that there will be a convergence approach among major stakeholders in the achievement of the Administration’s Peace and Development Agenda.

Observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month

Posted: October 1, 2016

By virtue of Proclamation No. 675, September of every year is being celebrated as the National Peace Consciousness Month. For this year, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in particular, the Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution, collaborated in holding the PeaceTalk Campus Tour in various colleges and universities across the county.

First Access to Justice Network Oversight Committee meeting held in Palawan

Posted: August 11, 2016

In August 2016, the first Access to Justice Network (AJN) oversight committee meeting on the implementation of AJN centers in ten baragays in Palawan was held at the Provincial Capitol, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Research project on pluralist justice, women and peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro

Posted: April 30, 2016

In April 2016 Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the Australian National University (ANU) and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) thru office of Commissioner Aisha Flores- Malayang in coordination with NCMF regional offices in Zamboanga, Sulu and Cotabato to conduct a research project on pluralist justice, women and peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro areas. From May to June 2016 the NCMF personnel conducted the actual survey in the cities of Zamboanga and Cotabato and in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Taw

IT equipment turned over to AJN beneficiaries

Posted: June 30, 2015

In June 2015, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Palawan (PGP), and the United Muslim Communities in Palawan for Peace and Progress (UMCPPP) launched the Access to Justice Network (AJN) Program under the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme II (EP JUST II).