LIKE VACCINATION | TPMT says peace process to turn back radicalization, terrorism in Mindanao

From InterAksyon (Feb 13): LIKE VACCINATION | TPMT says peace process to turn back radicalization, terrorism in Mindanao



Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces in formation

Even as the Mindanao peace process gets stuck in limbo following the Mamasapano debacle, it is still "the best possible vaccination against radicalization and terrorism," said Alistair MacDonald, head of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), the five-member body that monitors, reviews, and assesses the implementation of all signed agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"The best way to avoiding radicalization is to promote peace and prosperity. Some people said the peace process is best possible vaccination against radicalization and terrorism. I am absolutely sure that is the case," said the former ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines in a press briefing for its yearly review.

The TPMT has five members (two nominated by the Philippine government, two by the MILF, and a jointly nominated chair): Huseyin Oruç (from humanitarian relief organization IHH, Turkey), Karen Tañada (Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, Philippines), Rahib Kudto (Unypad, Philippines), Rood (The Asia Foundation, US), and MacDonald (chair, retired EU diplomat).

MacDonald was quick to point out that the TPMT does not have the mandate to investigate the Mamasapano incident, and should maintain its neutrality and focus on specific tasks assigned to it.

"We cannot tell the parties what to do, we can only monitor the implementation of their agreements," he said.

According to the TPMT annual review, the Mindanao peace process - as outlined and agreed by both parties when they signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) - was already facing delays in relation to the mutually agreed timetable. It said the Mamasapano incident on January 25 is expected to further make it more difficult to meet the deadlines.

"I think it is evident the very tight deadline in which Congress is working is already very difficult. [The timeline is] now thrown in disarray.  We cannot make predictions," MacDonald said.

Source of optimism

However, he and the rest of the TPMT remain optimistic that the Mamasapano incident notwithstanding, the peace process will proceed with "not quick or easy solutions."

In the course of the press briefing, the team said it is optimistic about the peace process principally because both parties and the respective political leaders are still supportive of it.

"It is encouraging that President (Benigno) Aquino, (MILF's Mohagher) Iqbal, the House Speaker, the Senate President, including a number of members of Congress, so many people, have been pointing to the importance of carrying this process forward. I think these voices will move (the process) forward," MacDonald said.

"It is worth underlining that both (Senate President Franklin) Drilon and (House Leader Feliciano) Belmonte said they want to continue efforts (to proceed with discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law) once all (the factors) and manner of addressing the problem of Mamasapano have been identified," he added.

Even as the sincerity of the MILF had been put into question with the Mamasapano incident, the TPMT saw some silver lining.

"Fortunately, we saw some steps to this commitment (to peace with its promise to) return the weapons (taken from the slain police commandos) and to assist in bringing to justice (those who were responsible for the killings)," MacDonald said.

"All of that helps. I think it's also worth mentioning: We also saw yesterday Iqbal before the Senate. Here we have a group which has been in conflict with the government for four decades appealing before one of the highest institution in the land. I think that should not be underestimated," he added.

Another TPMT member, Steven Rood of the United States' The Asia Foundation pointed out another positive development: "The MILF has never as a body run for office. Each of its members ran for office as individuals, whereas now the MILF has already put in place a political party so it can run for regional elections. It is getting into the democratic process as part of the peace process."

Calls for all-out war and other continuing challenges
Nevertheless, the TPMT acknowledged that BBL discussions in Congress may have to be suspended until the issues of responsibility in relation to the Mamasapano incident are resolved.

"It would probably be as well not to try to take the details of the BBL forward at this particular point in time. Emotions are running high. It would not be a neutral discussion. How it would affect timeline? All of that will be seen. It is impossible to make predictions at this point," MacDonald said.

"So much will depend on the results of the investigation [into the Mamasapano incident]. To say that the events of January 25th made successful process of the BBL more difficult is correct. These issues need to be addressed, but have to move on," he said.

To the calls for all-out war against the MILF, MacDonald said: "A number of people have called for all-out war. But those calling for all-out war are not people who have to live it, [they are] not the military, [not the] police, not people who live in areas where conflict will take place." 

Rood also echoed MacDonald's statement about the need to move the Mindanao peace process forward.

"There was a problem. Considerable efforts have been made to learn lessons and implement those learnings [from failed peace processes in 1996 and 2008]," Rood said.

Among these lessons, Rood said, is that "normalization is a complex process that was not addressed in 1996."

MacDonald reiterated the need for peace.

"I am optimistic about the peace process. I am always optimistic. I am not optimistic about a quick solution, an easy solution. We do believe that the parties will eventually find a way forward for sustainable and just peace, if only because this remains so essential for peace, security, and prosperity of the Philippines and the image of the Philippines as a whole," MacDonald said.

"The human cost as well as the social and economic costs of continued conflict will be enormous. The challenge for peace for generations has to remain the long-term goal. We are optimistic of a lasting solution," he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105012/like-vaccination--tpmt-says-peace-process-to-turn-back-radicalization-terrorism-in-mindanao