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4February

GPH, MILF peace panels vow to fulfill CAB commitments, strengthen peace in Bangsamoro

Davao City  – The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panels held their 36th meeting on January 31, 2025, reaffirming their commitment to fulfilling all commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and strengthening peace in the Bangsamoro region.
The meeting, held on the heels of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)'s 6th Founding Anniversary, saw both parties agree on several key initiatives to further build upon and preserve the gains of the peace process.
 
Key Agreements:
 
- Normalization Progress:  The panels adopted a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Normalization based on the Peace Accords Matrix – Mindanao (PAM-M).  This system will supplement the Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) and be fully transferred to the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) by December 2025.  The meeting also saw approval for the Joint Security Assessment (JSA) regarding the redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a framework for the transition plan for the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs).
 
- Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: The GPH and MILF approved a Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJR) Roadmap, which outlines a two-track approach based on recommendations from the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).
 
- Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW):  The panels discussed the status of SALW reduction and management and recognized the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) Project as a key initiative.  They agreed to form a joint Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop a comprehensive program framework.
 
- International Monitoring Team (IMT): The panels reached a consensus on key aspects of the proposed IMT revitalization and committed to finalizing its Terms of Reference (TOR).
 
- Amnesty Process: The panels discussed recommendations for the efficient implementation of amnesty applications for MILF members, including intensified orientation sessions and safe passage arrangements.
 
- Decommissioned Weapons:  The panels discussed recommendations for putting decommissioned weapons beyond use, following a recent meeting of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) with GPH and MILF representatives.
 
- Localization of Normalization Implementation (LNI): The panels committed to resolving concerns regarding the LNI initiative, including the role of peace mechanisms in project implementation, at future meetings.
 
- Ceasefire Incidents:  The Panels directed the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) to conduct joint inquiries and investigations into recent ceasefire-related incidents.
 
Gratitude and Recognition:
 
Both panels expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., for his continued support of the peace process. They also acknowledged the efforts of Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., and commended the various GPH-MILF joint peace mechanisms for their contributions.  The MILF leadership under Chair and Bangsamoro Government Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim was recognized for their commitment to peace and development in the Bangsamoro.
 
Outlook:
 
The GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels, through their recent agreements, demonstrate a shared commitment to realizing the Marcos Administration's peace agenda in the Bangsamoro.  They remain hopeful that the region will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, peace, and empowerment for the Bangsamoro people.