GPH chair says decommissioning of MILF weapons will be gradual

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25): GPH chair says decommissioning of MILF weapons will be gradual

Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chair of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Tuesday said the decommissioning of weapons for MILF rebels will be gradual. Ferrer made the statement in a text message to this reporter when asked about a news report from Bernama, the Malaysian news agency, quoting MILF chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim as saying that the decommissioning will only start once the Bangsamoro government is in place and operational. Murad was interviewed by Bernama while attending the 8th World Islamic Economic Forum in Johor, Baharu, the second most populous city in Malaysia.

Ferrer said that “while full decommissioning will not happen at once and in one instance, both parties are expected to take steps that will aid in securing the peace and stability on the ground and to continue to build confidence in each other’s sincerity to deliver what has been agreed upon.” “As agreed, the decommissioning process will be gradual and phased. The panels through their technical working groups are still working on an indicative timetable that will match every political milestone with corresponding socio-economic and security measures,” Ferrer said.

In October this year, the Philippine government and the MILF signed the historic Framework Agreement that will be the roadmap to find a just and lasting solution to the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao. Last week, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 120 creating a Transition Commission (TC) that will draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law provided for in the Framework Agreement signed by the GPH and MILF. This affirms the President's resolve to move forward the peace process for the Bangsamoro as a strategic initiative for political stability and economic development, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said.

The EO also provides a mechanism for authentic democratic collaboration in the crafting of a proposed law where the affected people themselves are actively involved. There are 15 members that will compose the TC to be appointed by the President. The government and MILF will come up with a list of candidates from among the Bangsamoro and other residents in the prospective core area of the new political entity. It is also provided that the TC may put up an office and coordinate with other government agencies and Congress to get its work done. It has an initial budget allocation of P100 million. The TC may also recommend to Congress and the people, when necessary, proposed amendments to the Constitution.

"The aim is to install the Bangsamoro through a new organic act as soon as possible in order to have an elected Bangsamoro government by 2016,” Ferrer said, saying that “this does not prevent the TC or its members from examining the constitution and recommending constitutional reforms.

“However, the President has made clear that constitutional change is not his priority during his term," Ferrer said. The Transition Commission shall also assist in identifying development programs together with the Bangsamoro Development Authority and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute-- two institutions affiliated with the MILF. "Government is committed to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas and to fast track socio-economic development in the region.“This will be accomplished by empowering the Bangsamoro themselves through their participation in transforming their own communities,” she said.

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