Unveiling Structural Poverty in Muslim Mindanao: Focus on Power Dynamics and Economic Injustice

The study examines structural poverty in Muslim Mindanao from the perspectives of Thomas Pogge and Iris Marion Young. It attempts to explain the critical aspect of the region’s economic injustice and power dynamics in terms of how the same has contributed to the deprivation of its people. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to help explicate the structural nature of the problem of poverty. The study used primary data from the FGD and secondary data from texts for its analysis. The study explains the influence and impact of the shadow or underground economy in the Bangsamoro. Its predatory character defines the political economy of Muslim Mindanao. The influence of political clans and the lack of people empowerment have subjected the Muslim minority in the Philippines to an exploitative type of economic system that has made the region one of the poorest in the country. The paper argues for structural reforms beyond state-centric measures to sustain peace and development in Muslim Mindanao. Changing the power dynamics in the Bangsamoro is necessary if people are to benefit from authentic autonomy.