18/12/2025
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต๐
On 16 December 2025, representatives of the Crisis Response Action Team (CRAT), coordinated by BARMMโs Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (PSRO), convened to review their operations over the past five months. Based on partial information shared by CRAT teams, since July 2025 they have responded to at least 32 incidents of local violence, addressed 23 emerging concerns and tensions at risk of escalating into armed conflict, and led or supported 54 conflict-prevention and peace advocacy activities.
One rido incident recently addressed by a CRAT team occurred in the municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Rooted in political rivalry and triggered by election results, the violence involved members of an armed group and displaced an estimated 50โ80 families. Homes were damaged, movement was restricted, public establishments were forced to close, and daily life was severely disrupted. As most men in the community were involved in the rido, women faced risks arising from expanded mobility roles, including securing food, assessing conditions, and representing their families in community spaces.
The CRAT team facilitated mediation and dialogue in coordination with local authorities, the security sector, armed group commanders, and peace mechanisms. These efforts resulted in a final peace agreement signed in October 2025. The team also visited evacuation sites and worked with government officials to elevate the concerns of displaced communities, including the need to repair damaged homes. Moreover, the team ensured that the final agreement included provisions for community protection and the safe return of displaced families.
The review session and related activities supporting the strengthening of CRAT processes were facilitated by Geneva Call and supported by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
