Informal and unregulated economic activities remain an important feature of Mindanao's economy. Despite its enduring presence, the informal economy has largely been overlooked in the analysis of Mindanao's conflict dynamics. As a result, little is understood about the informal economy's impact on armed violence, development, and governance. The study argues that one cannot comprehend Mindanao's political and economic challenges, let alone address them, unless these shadow economies are scrutinized further. The different case studies in this book seek to answer a number of questions. What explains the resilience and thriving nature of these shadow economies? How do Mindanao's shadow economies affect the prospects for conflict resolution and democratic change in the region? What are the implications of the findings in this book for policies and interventions in areas pertaining to peace building, development, and governance?