It is estimated that at least half of the gold deposits of the country are found in Mindanao. Most of the last remaining old growth forests in the Philippines are also located in the island. Its coastal areas teem with abundant aquatic resources contributing almost half of the country's tuna produce.

As a land of paradox, the richness of its natural resources contrasts with brutal poverty: 14 of the 20 poorest of the poor provinces in the Philippines are in Mindanao, with the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao or ARMM registering the highest poverty incidence and the lumad areas exhibiting the lowest literacy rates. On the other hand, Government military expenditure in Mindanao continues to be the highest than in any other part of the country. This was exacerbated further in 2000 by the adoption of a total war policy in Mindanao and the suspension of peace talks by the administration of President Joseph Estrada.

With its stable climate, fertile soil and abundant resources, Mindanao has easily attracted corporate investments and development projects. To date 60% of the island has been leased to large private interests, most of whom are based in the capital of Manila representing a relatively small circle of affluent families.

While the Freedom Constitution has guaranteed equal access to the nation's resources for all, this has remained an elusive dream in the Philippines. The Mindanao situation mirrors the sad state of a society where the balance is always tipped in favor of the interests of a select few.