NEWS
20August
Ceasefire Mechanisms strengthen security mandate to preserve gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process
- Aug 20, 2025
- Abdul Jamie Bin Shawk
- HITS: 1952
Earlier this year, a series of violent incidents posed serious threats to the peace process. On April 11, 2025, an alleged ambush in Barangay Lahi-Lahi, Tuburan, resulted in the death of two (2) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and the wounding of another. On May 26 and June 13, 2025, improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—reportedly carried by drones—were dropped on an MILF community in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
Though carried out by unidentified perpetrators, these incidents underscore the vulnerability of both GPH and MILF communities to attempts by peace spoilers to destabilize the fragile gains of the peace process. The Joint Field Verification served as a proactive response, addressing emerging security concerns in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and civilian communities, while reaffirming both parties’ commitment to collaborative action against threats to peace.
As part of these efforts, the Pledge of Commitment was signed in Barangay Magcawa, Al-Barka Municipality, affirming strict adherence to GPH-MILF ceasefire protocols and the Guidelines of Mutual Understanding between the Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Groups (AHJAG) of both parties. The pledge is particularly significant in light of the upcoming October 13, 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Elections in Basilan.
The event gathered key stakeholders including Core Members of MILF-CCCH, Mr. Malik Caril (ZamBaSulTa) and Mr. Omar Bayao (Central Mindanao); Core Members of MILF-AHJAG, Mr. Gapor Otoh (Basilan) and Mr. Carlos I. Akkuh (Sulu); GPH CCCH-AHJAG Chairmen, BGen. Patricio Ruben P. Amata and PBGen. Romaldo G. Bayting respectively; PNP Provincial Director Col. Cerrazid A. Umabong; Mayor of Tipo-Tipo Hon. Ingatun P. Istarul; Vice Mayor of Al-Barka Hon. Murilin Tokong; Local BIAF Commanders and Basilan GPH Security Forces.
The Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), regarded as the backbone of the GPH-MILF Peace Accords, is tasked to ensure the full implementation of ceasefire agreements, creating an environment conducive to peace negotiations and the peace process, in general. Working alongside it is the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), mandated to interdict criminal and lawless elements in MILF areas while ensuring that law enforcement operations do not compromise the ceasefire. Together, these two mechanisms form the security framework of the GPH-MILF Peace Process Infrastructure.
All stakeholders have expressed vigilance and proactive commitment to supporting peace initiatives in Basilan. With the concurrence of both the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels, the series of joint activities further solidifies the resolve of both parties to safeguard the hard-earned gains of the peace process.
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