The article discusses the concerns surrounding the impending anti-terrorism bill in the Philippines, which has been fast-tracked by Congress amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill is criticized for its broad definition of terrorism, which could conflate revolutionary movements with terrorist organizations, and for granting law enforcement excessive powers, such as extended warrantless detention and surveillance. The author argues that the bill threatens to undermine decades of peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the Bangsamoro region, and could lead to increased targeting of Muslim communities and activists. The military views the bill as a means to end the communist insurgency, but the author suggests it may instead escalate violence. The article calls for the government to reconsider the bill and engage in more inclusive deliberations to address the root causes of terrorism without compromising human rights and democracy.

An economic revival in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is underway with the approval of the region's first development plan by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. The plan aims to build on the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, focusing on trade, agriculture, and fishing to boost economic growth and raise labor force participation. The plan's success will require international support, with commitments from the World Bank, United Nations, and Australia. The development aligns with the Philippines' long-term vision for a stable and satisfying life for all Filipinos.

A series of violent incidents involving the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other armed groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have resulted in deaths and displacement ahead of Ramadan. The Philippine Army clashed with BIFF in Maguindanao del Sur, killing two suspected militants. In a separate incident, armed men stormed a village in Maguindanao del Norte, displacing residents. Additionally, a university student was killed in Cotabato City. The violence underscores ongoing challenges in the region, including the presence of armed groups and slow economic development. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed solidarity with Muslim Filipinos as they prepare for Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of cultural and religious diversity in the Philippines.