On March 18, the Philippine Center for  Islam and Democracy, in partnership with the UP Law Center Institute for the Administration of Justice, convened a forum titled “Transitional Justice Forum: Remembering the Jabidah Massacre. 

Held at the 2nd Floor Conference Room, Bocobo Hall, UP Law Center, the discussants included Bai Norhanta Alonto, Dr. Hannbal Bara, Dr. Tirmizy Abdullah, Atty. Cecilia Jimenez, and Abdulmari “Toym” De Leon Imao, each possessing in depth knowledge on the tragic incident.

Through the perspectives and insights of the speakers, the forum sought to bring the discourse on the Jabidah Massacre and other significant episodes in the history of Muslim Filipinos to a broader audience  beyond the BARMM region, and ultimately into the national consciousness. For those interested, the forum was live-streamed and can be accessed at the following link:

https://fb.watch/r3sGJnKRnG/.

On March 21, the Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), and the Women and Gender Institute of Miriam College, convened a dialogue on “Investing in Women Peacemakers: the Key to Lasting Peace”.  The event was in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2024.

In his keynote address, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo announced the Philippines’ hosting of the International Conference on Women Peace and Security from October 28 to 30.  PCID was the CSO (Civil Society Organization) representative in the Steering Committee, with DFA and OPAPPRU as chair and co-chair respectively.

On March 27, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy participated in the 2024 Women’s Month Celebration event organized by BWC BARMM, in partnership with UNDP and MSU-Maguindanao. The event’s highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between MSU-Maguindanao, BWC, and PCID to launch the Women, Peace, and Security Diploma Program. The WPS program is set to begin in the 1st Semester of the academic year 2024-2025 at MSU-Maguindanao.

Amina Rasul and the PCID team were invited by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to attend the 10th-anniversary commemoration of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27. Chief Minister Ebrahim emphasized that maintaining peace, justice, and security in BARMM remains a top priority on his agenda.

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy partnered with the Ayala Foundation to showcase Bangsamoro women weavers at the International Furniture Expo held from March 7-9. With the women’s participation, PCID aims to raise awareness on the importance of preserving weaving as a traditional craft and creating new markets for its sustainability.

On March 1, the United States Institute of Peace, led by Peter Mandaville, PhD, visited the office of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy to explore potential collaborations on initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in BARMM.