Cotabato City – The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) demonstrated its enduring commitment to peacebuilding in the region by actively participating in the Mindanao Week of Peace, a significant annual celebration that rallies Mindanaoans under the shared aspiration for harmony and unity. Taking a visible role in the week-long observance, the IDB lent its full support to two key public activities: a Walk for Peace on 27 December 2025, and a Bike for Peace on 29 December 2025. These events serve as potent symbols of solidarity, illustrating that journey toward lasting peace is a collective effort that requires the active participation of all sectors, including the security and normalization mechanisms.

The scheduled events provide a physical manifestation of the progress achieved through the peace process. The Walk for Peace is set to bring together diverse communities, symbolizing unity and the shared path towards a more peaceful future. Similarly, the Bike for Peace highlighted mobility, progress, and the collective forward momentum in establishing a stable and prosperous Bangsamoro. The IDB, whose core mandate is to oversee the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces and weapons, recognizes that its mission extends beyond technical procedures; it involves cultivating a culture of peace and trust among the people. By joining these activities, the IDB reinforces the message that the normalization track is strongly supported by an international and multi-sectoral body dedicated to the region’s stability.

The participation of the IDB in the Mindanao Week of Peace activities underscores the body’s dedication to its role as a partner for peace and development. These efforts resonate with the broader theme of the Mindanao Week of Peace, which encourages all families, youth, and multi-faith groups to take a proactive “hand-in-hand” approach for harmony and justice in their homeland. The successful conduct of the Walk and Bike for Peace is expected to inspire more citizens to take ownership of the peace gains, showcasing that former adversaries and international partners are united in ensuring that the dividends of peace are felt across all communities in Mindanao.