In its official statement dated August 28, 2025, the TPMT noted that recent developments—particularly the sudden change in leadership within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the suspension of the decommissioning process—have negatively affected the implementation of the peace agreement.

The TPMT said, “Rebuilding trust between the Parties is now essential to keep the peace process on track. Commitment to shared objectives which has been built over years must be continually nurtured, not just in words but in a spirit of effective cooperation and partnership. “

The monitoring body emphasized that it is critical for both parties to reaffirm their mutual trust and commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The TPMT stressed that such confidence-building measures are especially urgent ahead of the first-ever regular parliamentary elections in BARMM, scheduled for October 13, 2025.

The Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF. Established after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2012 and the CAB in 2014, the TPMT serves as an independent mechanism to monitor, assess, and report on the implementation of these landmark agreements. By providing neutral oversight, the TPMT helps maintain trust between parties, assures stakeholders of continued progress, and upholds accountability throughout the transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Composed of international and local experts, the TPMT brings together representatives from foreign governments, international NGOs, and Philippine civil society to collectively evaluate the peace process. Its core functions include monitoring the implementation of the agreements, providing independent assessments, and submitting reports to both parties and, when necessary, to the public. The presence of this impartial body strengthens confidence among all actors involved, ensuring that commitments—such as the decommissioning of MILF combatants and the establishment of autonomous Bangsamoro governance structures—are met with transparency and diligence.