Where We Work > Philippines
Philippines
Supporting the transition to lasting peace, dignity, and local leadership for Mindanao’s most at-risk communities.
Understanding the local context:
The need for protection in the Philippines
Mindanao has experienced decades of armed conflict, displacement, and insecurity. The 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the ongoing normalization process have changed the context and created new opportunities for peace and self-governance. Large-scale armed conflict has declined, but localized armed clashes, rido (clan-related conflict), firearms-related risks, displacement, and other protection concerns continue in some areas.
Our response
- By the end of 2025, the Bangsamoro region had 47 gun-free barangays, and counting.
Together in community
NP began working in the Philippines in 2007. Our Head of Mission for the Philippines is Dr. Delsy Ronnie.
Since 2009, our team has protected civilians and strengthened peace in Mindanao.
From the height of armed conflict to today’s transition, we’ve worked alongside communities using Unarmed Civilian Protection, keeping civilians safe and building lasting peace. Our work includes:
- Protective presence and accompaniment for civilians and displaced families facing threats.
- Peace process support: monitoring civilian protection and ceasefire agreements, and supporting normalization, including small arms management and community safety.
- Early warning and early response: helping communities identify risks and act before violence escalates, including during elections.
- Dialogue and conflict transformation: helping local actors manage disputes, rebuild relationships and find nonviolent solutions.
- Women and youth leadership in peace, protection and local decision-making.
The future of NP’s work in the Philippines
Looking ahead, Nonviolent Peaceforce will continue supporting the peace process and normalization while strengthening Unarmed Civilian Protection as a practical way to prevent violence and protect people. We will grow a Community of Practice where peace practitioners and community actors learn from one another, and partner with universities to build a knowledge hub that keeps years of field experience accessible. Throughout, we’ll stay guided by the priorities communities and partners identify.
Reducing Election-Related Violence
Elections can heighten tensions in parts of the Bangsamoro. Nonviolent Peaceforce works with communities, women, youth and security actors to spot early warning signs, prevent escalation and respond to election-related violence.
The latest
News & Stories
Want stories of peace in your inbox?
Discover the latest updates, upcoming events, and new opportunities to take action.