The violent landscapes in the Philippines show a high-level of subnational diversity regarding actors and levels of violence. Peace agreements can significantly reduce violence, but remain fragile if they do not produce viable livelihoods and political spaces for ex-combatants and local Communities. The labeling and criminalization of civil society actors – very common in war and armed conflict – are dangerous practices as they undermine the important role that civil society actors can play in supporting and monitoring peace agreements at different levels.