Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro is a preliminary peace agreement signed in the Malacañan Palace in Manila, Philippines on October 15, 2012. The agreement calls for the creation of an autonomous political entity named Bangsamoro, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which was described by Former President Benigno Aquino III as "a failed experiment". Origins. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippines held peace talks in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from October 2–6. On October 7, President Aquino announced that the two parties have agreed to sign a preliminary peace agreement  which calls for the creation of an autonomous political entity named Bangsamoro, superseding the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). He criticized the ARMM as a "failed experiment" that did not address issues such as electoral fraud, political patronage, poverty, war and warlordism. Aquino stated that structural reform is necessary, with the creation of Bangsamoro solving these issues while upholding national sovereignty. The agreement was reached after 32 peace talks between the two parties that spanned a period of nine years. Signing. The Philippine government's chief negotiator Marvic Leonen and his Moro Islamic Liberation Front counterpart Mohagher Iqbal signed  the agreement on October 15, 2012, in the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila, Philippines. The agreement was sealed at about 15:00 PST. Malaysian facilitator Ab Ghafar Mohamed, President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Secretary-General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation were all present at the signing of the agreement. International Contact Group. The International Contact Group for the Southern Philippines Peace Process worked to help the parties move towards the landmark agreements, the Framework Agreement and two years later Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, putting an  end to decades of conflict. The International Contact Group (ICG) was established in December 2009 to advise and assist the two parties and the Malaysian facilitator in talks. It was a mix of diplomats and NGOs. Four countries were members: Japan, United Kingdom, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and four international NGOs: the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Muhammadiyah, the Asia Foundation and Conciliation Resources.