September 8, 2012 News: The Government of Brunei Darussalam reiterated its full support for the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Her Excellency Malai Halimah Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei to the Philippines, made this statement during the Farewell Ceremony held couple of days ago in Cotabato City for the nine outgoing members of the Brunei contingent with the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

“The Government of Brunei and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah will continue to strongly support the peace process in Mindanao, and we are confident that a peace deal will be achieved by the government and MILF over the negotiating table sooner than later,” Ambassador Malai Halimah said.

Lt. Col Mohammad Ismaon bin Haji Zainie heads the outgoing Brunei Contingent with the IMT which monitors on the ground together with contingents the Governments of Malaysia, Japan, Norway, Indonesia, and European Union (EU) the GPH - MILF Peace Process.

Also present during the Farewell Ceremony were Col Alirupendi, DAFA of Brunei Embassy, MGen Rey Ardo, Commanding General of the 6th Infantry Division of Philippine Army, His Excellency MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Moh’d Yusuff, IMT Head of Mission, Said Shiek, Chairman of MILF CCCH, IMT contingents from Norway, European Union and Indonesai, and Cotabato City Vice Mayor Datu Muslimin Sema.

MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim commended Col Ismaon and his men for a very good performance during the one year tour of duty. Brunei has been a member of the Malaysia-led IMT since 2004 and Col Ismaon heads the 8A Batch of Brunei Contingent.

Gen Rahim cited that Brunei plays a significant important role with IMT in monitoring and sustaining the ceasefire between the government and MILF.

‘Brunei is always at the frontline in ensuring the ceasefire will strongly hold on the ground,” he said.

Earlier, the MILF Central Committee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim organized a Farewell Kanduli / Ceremony for the outgoing Brunei contingents at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Tribute of Commendation and Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by Chairman Murad, Sammy Al Mansur, Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel, to Col Ismaon and the other outgoing Brueni contingents.

“Kindly convey the heartfelt and most profound gratitude and appreciation of the Bangsamoro people and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for the magnanimous support and inspiration being extended for the peace process,” Chairman Murad said.