GPH, MILF Peace Panels reaffirm commitment to peace process despite non-passage of BBL

• Feb 13, 2016
• Gandhi Kinjiyo
• HITS: 1809

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels expressed their disappointment over the Philippine Congress’ failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), however they reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and to preserve the gains of more than 17 years of peace negotiations through a Joint Resolution issued as they concluded the special meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 10-11, 2015.

Believing that it continues to provide a viable roadmap and comprehensive approach towards resolving armed conflict in Mindanao, the two parties further committed to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a peace deal signed by the government and the MILF in 2014.

The GPH and MILF Peace Panels held the special meeting together with the various infrastructures working under the Bangsamoro peace process following the demise of the BBL on February 3 when the House of Representatives adjourned without passing the proposed legislation.

The resolution stated that the Parties shall sustain the existing peace infrastructure which is fundamental in keeping the peace on the ground and supporting the implementation of the CAB. “It is important that it remains functional for the next administration to carry forward the implementation of the agreements,” the resolution said.

“They agreed that the means forward is the early passage of this legislation (BBL) in the next Administration and Congress, which is a requirement for implementation of significant aspects of the CAB including the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants,” the resolution stated.

Both panels further vowed to exert further efforts to promote understanding and greater acceptability of the proposed basic law.

They also agreed to renew the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) until March 31, 2017 as part of ensuring the long-standing ceasefire between the Government and the MILF.

AHJAG is part of ceasefire mechanisms whose important task is interdicting criminal syndicates/kidnap for ransom groups and terrorist groups operating in Mindanao.

“The Parties expressed their appreciation to His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, under whose guidance and leadership, the peace agreements were signed; to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support to the Bangsamoro Peace Process; and to the members of the MILF Central Committee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for their resolve to pursue the path to peace despite challenges,” the resolution said.

It also highlighted the two panels’ deep gratitude to the International Monitoring Team, Third Party Monitoring Team, Independent Decommissioning Body, and Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission for their support to the Bangsamoro peace process.

The resolution was signed by Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Panel Chair and Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, GPH Panel Chair with the Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

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