Gov’t, MILF form task force for decommissioned rebels

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have signed an agreement creating a task force for decommissioned combatants.

The Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities will “undertake all efforts related to socio-economic and development programs” and to “assist the panels identify and implement socio-economic priorities and development projects” for the decommissioned rebels and their communities, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The new Task Force is part of the continuing effort by the government and the MILF to move forward the other dimensions of the peace agreement, alongside the passage of the law establishing the Bangsamoro government,” said government chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

The task force will be composed of three members from the government and MILF. It will exist until the signing of an exit agreement that will be signed when all agreements under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) have been realized.

The task force will also undertake socioeconomic and development programs for the women auxiliary forces of the MILF.

Under the CAB, the decommissioning process is wherein the weapons will be surrendered and the rebels will return to their “normal” lives.

The government and MILF also agreed to renew the mandate of the civilian protection component of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as well as the Ad Hoc Joint Group (AHJAG) for two years and nine months respectively.

“So much work remains to be done to build peace on the ground. We cannot afford to lose more time and resources before the peace dividends are felt in the communities,” Ferrer said. RC