KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Mindanao International Monitoring Team (IMT-M13) will depart to Mindanao, the Philippines tomorrow to continue monitoring and overseeing the ceasefire process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said IMT-M13, led by Maj Gen Datuk Mohd Nazir Mami will replace IMT-M12, which will end its duties on March 14.
He said the mission was a continuation of efforts to fulfill the Philippine government's aspirations and an agreement by the Malaysian government to send a monitoring team for a period of 12 months.
"I expect IMT-M13 to be the last assignment because I understand the negotiation process is in the final stages.
"Therefore, this team plays an important role so that no incidents can disrupt the passing of the the Bangsamoro Basic Law," he said in a press conference after officiating the formation of IMT-M13 at Wisma Transit here, today.
Also present were Army chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim and Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
IMT-M13 comprises a total of 16 officers and personnel, namely 11 from MAF, two from the police, and three civil servants from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister's Department.
Raja Mohamed Affandi said IMT had successfully achieved its mission to bring the Philippine government and MILF to the negotiating table.
"So far there have been no incidents which could affect the peace process between both parties," he said.
Based on records, a total of 12 teams have been deployed to Mindanao since Aug 24, 2004, involving officers from Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and Norway.
The team's main goal is to carry out monitoring tasks and create a more conducive environment for the peace process between the two parties.
The Mindanao conflict has persisted for the past three decades, and Malaysia has successfully managed to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with the two agreeing to a ceasefire.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2018/03/06/m13-international-monitoring-team-leave-mindanao-tomorrow
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