RECENT developments in the decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have raised serious concerns about the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
On July 26, 2023, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez announced that the government aims to complete the decommissioning of MILF combatants before the BARMM elections in May 2025.
Presently, the third phase of decommissioning, which involved 26,145 MILF combatants and 4,625 weapons, has been completed. However, the fourth and final phase still aims to decommission the remaining 40,000 combatants and 7,000 firearms.
The lack of a detailed plan, milestones, and timelines for addressing these normalization aspects is a significant concern.
Questions remain about what level of progress is required in these areas for decommissioning to be considered complete and what role the whole government, national and local, and other stakeholders should play in implementing the plan.
Despite the completion of the third decommissioning phase, there has been no corresponding dismantling of MILF base commands. This absence of concrete security improvements in LGUs where MILF camps and base commands are located has eroded community trust in the decommissioning process and the overall peace process, the OPAPRU said in a statement.
In light of these challenges, the BGC (Bangsamoro Governors’ Caucus), represented by the five governors of BARMM, called on Philippine government and MILF implementing panels to assess the true state of the decommissioning process and work towards a clear and detailed plan, timeline, and milestones for meaningful completion before the 2025 elections and the adoption of a whole-of-government approach, involving regional and local government units as well as Congress, to address the measures necessary for successful decommissioning.
This call reflects BGC’s commitment to contributing to the success of the peace process in BARMM, with the aim of creating peaceful and progressive communities. BGC is open to cooperation and assistance to both the Philippine Government and the MILF to ensure enduring benefits for all citizens in BARwMM through the normalization process.
The following Congressional Representatives have also expressed their support through signing the BGC Manifesto namely Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of 1st District of Lanao Del Sur, Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong of 2nd District of Lanao Del Sur, Rep. Munir N. Arbison, Jr. of 2nd District of Sulu, and Rep. Shernee A. Tan-Tambut of Kusug Tausug Partylist.