Publications

WP267 | Of Auxiliary Forces and Private Armies: Security Sector Governance (SSG) and Conflict Management in Maguindanao, Mindanao

Organisation: NTS, RSIS

Authors: Maria Anna Rowena Luz G. Layador
Research Themes:
Conflict and community security
Type: Working Papers
16 January 2014

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Abstract

This paper focuses on the governance of the security sector in situations of armed conflict and the role of effective governance in conflict management. Specifically, it seeks to examine whether the security sector has helped to advance conflict management objectives in Mindanao, or whether their activities have aggravated the situation. It critically examines the role of the core security sector, namely, the armed forces, the police and the auxiliary forces, the use of which was expanded during the Arroyo administration. Beyond that, it highlights the impact of those elected politicians with authority and oversight over the armed units. The paper uses Maguindanao, a province in Mindanao in the southern Philippines, as a case study.

About the Author

Maria Anna Rowena Luz G. Layador is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, and a Fellow with the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies, Inc. (ISDS Philippines).

She holds a master’s in International Studies from the University of the Philippines and a master’s in Regional Integration from the Asia–Europe Institute, University of Malaya, Malaysia.