KUALA LUMPUR: The next batch of Malaysian members of the International Monitoring Team will soon take up residence in Mindanao, but have been warned they may face the toughest test yet of any peacekeeping force in the southern Philippines.
The Malaysian contingent takes over from the previous batch beginning March 14, following a one-year extension to the Malaysian-led IMT team’s mandate in monitoring the peace process, the final details of which are being worked out between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
But Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, speaking at the sending-off ceremony for the members of the IMT-Mindanao 10 (IMT-M10) team today, said the small force may just face a tough time, due to the risks posed by detractors who seek the peace deal’s collapse.
“This is a critical time, as the peace process is nearing its conclusion, there are many detractors who may try to derail and sabotage the peace process.
“Members of this mission, you must be careful for your own safety and security. Remember that there are two circumstances where the IMT can be withdrawn — first, when either the Philippines government or MILF stops heeding IMT's advice, or when the safety and security situation of IMT members is jeopardised.
“My concern is that, in order to derail this mission, the detractors may try to make the situation unsafe for IMT's mission, especially in areas like Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, among others,” he said at Wisma Transit in Jalan Padang Tembak.
Speaking to reporters later, Zulkifeli said there was the possibility that saboteurs may strike.
“However, it all depends on the resolve of the (Philippine) government and MILF to ensure that these detractors are dealt with effectively.”
Zulkifeli said the IMT-M10 comprised 16 officers and personnel from the armed forces, police, Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry. It will be led by Major-General Datuk Sheikh Mokhsin Sheikh Hassan.
The team will be conducting their duties together with 20 other observers from Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and Norway.
Zulkifeli said the mission, which was initially scheduled to end by this year, was continued after both the Philippine government and MILF agreed for its mandate’s extension.
He said members of IMT-M10 had been reminded to execute their duties professionally and in a neutral manner.
On another matter, Zulkifeli said the armed forces believed that the Islamic State terror group was an emerging threat which should be dealt with immediately.
Commending the government's move to enact the Prevention of Terrorism Act, he said the upcoming law was a smart move that will enable the authorities to curtail terrorism activities effectively.
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