MILF: GPH-MILF joint mechanisms begin preparations for decommissioning of MILF combatants

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jun 25, 2019): GPH-MILF joint mechanisms begin preparations for decommissioning of MILF combatants

DECOMMISSIONING. Members of the different joint mechanisms under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and international independent bodies pose for a photo opportunity after a two-day meeting over the weekend in Island Garden of Samal to kick off preparations for the smooth decommissioning of at least 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their weapons and camps this year. The meeting was held to harmonize the collaborations between the parties and their international partners as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a new phase. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

Sultan, Kudarat, Maguindanao-- Members of the different joint mechanisms under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as well as international independent bodies have begun the preparations for the smooth decommissioning of at least 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their weapons and camps this year, said a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) on June 24, 2019.

The purpose of the two-day meeting over the weekend here is to harmonize the collaborations between the parties and their international partners as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a new phase, said by co-chairs of GPH-MILF Joint Normalization Committee (JNC).

"We are in unity to express our hope for faster implementation of the Normalization Track," said Ariel Hernandez, the government's chair of the JNC and a member of the government panel.

“Our aim here is for the normalization process to be felt down to the households of the (MILF) communities,” Hernandez added, the PNA report quoting him saying.

According to the PNA report, Eduard Guerra, the chair of the MILF’s JNC had emphasized that a strong partnership is the key to surmount the challenges in the normalization process.

“We should work in partnership and always with consultation,” he said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said it is critical for the normalization process to address the “drivers and triggers” that breed conflict in these communities in Mindanao.

He noted this is “through eliminating the conditions and vulnerabilities for potential conflict, changing the behavioral patterns and mindset of individuals and organizations, and pushing them to work to achieve harmony, interdependence, and the common good.”

The Normalization Track will be implemented through four different components to ensure that the intervention is comprehensive. The components are subdivided into the security aspect, socio-economic development program, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Each of these components has a specialized joint body composed of different government agencies and the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1831/gph-milf-joint-mechanisms-begin-preparations-for-decommissioning-of-milf-combatants