IMT-M10 To Continue Malaysia's Commitment In Monitoring, Observing Peace In Mindanao

From the Malyasian Digest (Mar 15): IMT-M10 To Continue Malaysia's Commitment In Monitoring, Observing Peace In Mindanao

The International Monitoring Team - Mindanao 10 (IMT-M10) arrived in Mindanao on Saturday to continue Malaysia's commitment in monitoring and observing the ceasefire between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The team arrived at the Awang Airport here on a C130-owned Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) before being taken to the IMT-M headquarters located about five kilometres away.

A ceremony to hand over duties and roles was then held between IMT-M10 Head of Mission Maj Gen Datuk Sheikh Mokhsin Sheikh Hassan and IMT-M9 Head of Mission Maj Gen Datuk Abdul Samad Yaakub.

It was witnessed by Chairman of the Government of Philippines-Ad hoc Joint Action Group (GPH-AHJAG) Brig Gen Manokuto O.Orense, Head of Government of Philippines-Coordinating Committees for the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH-CCCH) Secretariat Major Carlos T.Dol Jr and MILF-CCCH chairman Rasid Tan Ladiasan.

In line with the IMT-M slogan of "Together We Make It Happen", Sheikh Mokhsin said he was optimistic and confident that his team was capable of carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them with dedication and discipline.

"We will continue to tread the path of excellence of the previous team in ensuring that the peace process can be achieved in the near future," he told Bernama.

The IMT-M10 comprises 16 members, of whom 11 are from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), two from Royal Malaysian Police and three others are civil servants from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although the team would be the last group to be entrusted with the tasks after the final stage of the peace agreement was signed, Sheikh Mokhsin demanded full cooperation among team members in carrying out their duties, besides working closely with members of the international team from Indonesia, Brunei, Norway and Japan.

The IMT-M10 will be stationed in four areas, namely in Catabato City, Illigan City, Zamboanga and General Santos City, for a term of one year.

Meanwhile, Orense said the Malaysian team had been deemed by the local community as an important body that would help facilitate and ensure smooth running of the ongoing peace process.

"Without their help, the people don't know how to move forward as the bonding has existed for a long time.

"Therefore, we will continue to work with this team effectively to ensure the peace process could be achieved soon," Orense said.

His view was shared by Carlos who pointed out that the presence of the Malaysian team during the observation process was very strong, thus increased the level of security and peace at the affected areas.

"Their monitoring activity and assistance have somehow stabilized the peace process.

"The situation has improved and progressed very well," said Carlos who also praised Malaysia's commitment to the peace agreement.

Ladiasan, on the other hand, expressed hope that the team would stay during the transition as the community needed them to ensure that the peace and stability would remain after the finalisation of the peace agreement.

"People see the difference and feel the presence of the international monitoring team (IMT), especially from Malaysia, which led the team successfully.

"They see the IMT as a very important mechanism in monitoring good partnership with relevant parties involved with the agreement.

"Thanks to the partnership, the situation on the ground now is very stable and this helps build confidence among the people," he added.

The agreement is also expected to enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law which is being deliberated in Congress.

http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/545654-imt-m10-to-continue-malaysia-s-commitment-in-monitoring-observing-peace-in-mindanao.html