Cotabato City – The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) recently hosted a visit from a delegation of Nordic Ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, and Norway on 18 September 2025 at its Headquarters in Cotabato City, BARMM, accompanied by officials from Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). This collaborative engagement served as a learning opportunity and a testament to the international partnership underpinning the Bangsamoro peace process. The visit provided a platform for the Ambassadors to gain a firsthand understanding of the IDB’s operational standards, mandates, and the meticulous process of decommissioning.

During the visit, discussions focused on the IDB’s commitment to a phased and secured decommissioning process, emphasizing the prioritization of trust and confidence with all involved parties. The IDB showcased its thorough procedures, including a simulation activity designed to orient new staff members and a detailed discussion of the technical and logistical complexities involved in the “Putting Weapons Beyond Use (PWBU)” process. The delegation was particularly impressed by the team’s expertise and dedication, which ensures the IDB’s operations are carried out with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

This collaborative engagement is essential for strengthening support for the peace process and reinforces the importance of international partnership in achieving shared goals. The IDB remains fully committed to its mission of contributing to a more peaceful and stable Bangsamoro. Through continued dedication to the decommissioning process and collaborative partnerships, the IDB is working towards a future where peace and security pave the way for a better Bangsamoro community.

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