Abstract:

Abstract

The resort to arms is as primordial as many of the grievances over which some conflicts in the worldoccurs.The continuous resistance of the Bangsamoro people since the coming of the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese in the Philippines has gradually assimilated into their culture particularly the people of Lanao, the ‘Mranaws’. This study aims to determine the main historical and cultural factors that contributed to the proliferation of firearms in Lanao del Sur which deleteriously affects the socio-economic development of the province. Moreover, the widespread availability of firearms and poor management over their transfer has become a serious threat to peace and security.The finding of this study revealsthat the perpetuation of firearms in Lanao del Sur can be attributed to historical and cultural experiences of the Mranaws and the Bangsamoro people in general.To quell this proliferation, there is a need to understand the factors and condition in which this proliferationcauses in order to generate pragmatic interventions and sustainable programs from the local, regional, and national government. The researcher applied mix-methods approach with Focus Group Discussion (FGD), followed by random survey in each selected municipalities as well as Key Informant Interviews (KII).