Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (left) talks with Maj. Gen. Dato Abdul Samad Bin HJ Yaaub, head of the International Monitoring Team, as the AFP official inspects some of the weapons returned by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Malacañang is optimistic that the symbolic turnover of weapons and firearms by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) troops is a positive step towards achieving genuine peace in Mindanao.
In a statement Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the decommissioning process seeks to forge “mutual trust” between the MILF and the Philippine government.
President Benigno Aquino III will lead the decommissioning rites at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday where at least 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) fighters are set to participate.
READ: Aquino guest of honor at MILF decommissioning rites
“Marking the start of a series of decommissioning phases, this event highlights the sincerity of both sides to go forward with the peacebuilding process and work together toward lasting stability,” Lacierda said.
Describing the event as “unprecedented,” Lacierda said that the decommissioning process of MILF troops is “a significant step forward in the peace process.”
“We remain optimistic that the future will bring more positive developments, cognizant that—together with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao—we can achieve peace and inclusive prosperity through unity,” he added.
The Palace official lauded the MILF as “the only armed organization in conflict with the Philippine government which voluntarily agreed to turn over its weapons as part of a peace agreement.”
The decommissioning process is in accordance with the Annex on Normalization stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which was signed by the two parties last year.
Decommissioned officers are said to undergo registration and validation and will subsequently receive PhilHealth cards and P25,000 financial assistance. They will also be assisted to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Congress failed to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during its June 11 deadline as some lawmakers questioned the legality of the measure. Deliberations on the proposed measure will resume on July.
The BBL seeks to carve out a new political entity which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and will adopt a parliamentary form of government.
AFP lauds decommissioning
Despite the delay in the passage of the proposed BBL, the Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed hope that the decommissioning event will start the end of armed conflict.
“Nagagalak kami na meron ding pag-asa na matapos itong armed conflict na di ginagamitan ng karahasan (We’re happy there’s hope to end this armed conflict peacefully),” Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.
The MILF will turnover 55 of its high-powered and 20-crew serve weapons as well as the decommissioning of 145 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., in a statement, has lauded the ‘sincerity’ of the MILF, and at the same time recognized the Philippine government and MILF negotiating panels’ efforts on the peace process.
“We laud the MILF’s commitment and sincerity to peace. This is a historic event,” said Catapang.
“What is more laudable here is that the MILF is voluntarily turning in their firearms in an environment that continues to have other armed groups,” Catapang said.
The decommissioning of the Moro fighters will pave the way for the smooth transition to productive and normal civilian life, he added.
RELATED STORIES
Gov’t, MILF sign pact to decommission Moro rebels’ firearms
MILF proceeding with decommissioning process as ‘ultimate sacrifice’ for peace