THE ancestral house of the late Ameerul Mujahideen Sheikh Salamat Hashim, founding chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in Camp Abubakar, located in what was previously known as Camp Abubakar (now Camp Iranun), Barira, Maguindanao del Norte is being considered for designation as a "cultural and historical heritage site”.
According to the proponents of Parliament Bill No. 335, this site is not only historically significant but also serves as a symbol of resilience and leadership for the Bangsamoro people. Abandoned during President Joseph Estrada's "all-out war" in 2000, it has since become a pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors who honor Hashim's martyrdom, including many young Moro leaders.
Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, told Mindanao-based journalists visiting the site for their Bangsamoro cultural immersion on March 21, 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Estrada’s declaration of all-out war, that they have been conducting an annual environmental drive in collaboration with the MILF and other government agencies.
Quemado explained that the Joint Task Force on Camp Transformation is working on converting the house of the MILF founding chair into a heritage site. The task force is also considering establishing a peace museum at the location of the MILF's former training camp, the Abdur Rahman Bedis Military Academy.
However, he emphasized the importance of being cautious and seeking guidance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to ensure that their efforts align with proper policies.
Meanwhile, he noted that progress on converting the MILF founding chair’s house into a heritage site has been slow due to the ongoing decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons.
The task force, lacking preservation expertise, is working with specialists to ensure cultural and religious sensitivities are respected, avoiding potential misinterpretations.
In the meantime, the official explained that there are efforts focused on protecting the area's biodiversity, with the general documentation of wildlife such as tarsiers and hornbills.
On March 21, 2000, Estrada launched an “all-out war” against the MILF. Government forces attacked the MILF’s Camp Abu Bakr in Mindanao on April 28, 2000 and that Salamat Hashim's house, which served as his stronghold during the war, was among the military's targets.
This was followed by violent clashes between government troops and MILF rebels on May 3, 2000, resulting in the deaths of 35 people. In the wake of the conflict, around 100,000 individuals were displaced in late April and early May. On May 6, 2000, the MILF declared a 48-hour temporary ceasefire. DEF