Everyday insecurity: The political economy of firearms and peacebuilding in Lanao del Sur, the Philippines

This study examines the localised dynamics of firearm ownership in Lanao del Sur, within the Bangsamoro region, where clan conflict (rido) and political violence persist. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach that combines survey data, interviews, and focus group discussions, the study explores three key dimensions: perceived sources of firearms, the impact of firearm possession on community life, and locally preferred disarmament strategies. Findings indicate that firearms are believed to circulate primarily through the security sector, armed groups, political patrons, and informal channels, emphasising a blurred boundary between state and non-state actors in sustaining armed environments. Firearm ownership is widely perceived as detrimental to peace and order, social cohesion, justice, and family safety. Community preferences for reducing firearm ownership emphasise resolving rido, providing economic incentives such as firearm-for-livelihood and buyback programmes, and strengthening justice and policing mechanisms. The study argues that effective and sustainable disarmament in Lanao del Sur must move beyond coercive state enforcement toward culturally embedded, community-led approaches that address the deeper socio-political roots of violence. This research contributes to local peacebuilding by foregrounding local agencies and context-specific solutions in fragile post-conflict settings.