Porous Peace in Mindanao's Free Trade Area

The size, scope and operation of illicit trading across the porous borders of the Sulu seas and the amounts involved in informal trading hint at its developmental role in Mindanao. At the same time, the associated aspects of foregone tax revenues, clan interests and corruption have an impact on conflict dynamics and sub-national statebuilding of the Bangsamoro. This policy brief aims to stimulate discussions around an examination of enabling mechanisms that could harness the development and peace-promotive potentials of this type of trade and curb its violent tendencies.