Cotabato City – In a significant stride toward regional stability and normalization, the leadership of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) conducted a series of engagements in Cotabato City on January 14–15, 2026. The mission, led by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Board Members, alongside the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and the VMAT Commander, commenced on 14 January with an IDB Board Meeting dedicated to refining the technical strategies for verifying and decommissioning MILF forces and weapons. This was immediately followed by a coordination meeting with the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) to synchronize progress reports and ensure that the implementation of the Annex on Normalization remains transparent and aligned with international benchmarks. These sessions reinforced the IDB’s role as a primary impartial arbiter in the peace process, ensuring that every operational step is backed by institutional integrity.

The mission continued 15 January with a focus on strengthening the security and political frameworks essential for a peaceful transition. The delegation conducted a courtesy visit to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) Philippine Army, where they discussed the security landscape and ensured that the Verification, Monitoring, and Assistance Teams (VMATs) can operate in a safe and enabling environment. This was followed by a strategic meeting with the Minister of Ministry of Basic and Higher Education (MBHTE), a key member of the MILF peace panel with his constituents, to discuss the socio-economic transition of former combatants and reaffirm the political will driving the decommissioning efforts. The two-day mission concluded with a Solidarity Dinner at the IDB Headquarters, an event designed to foster camaraderie and a renewed sense of mission among the personnel. A central highlight of the evening was the formal send-off of two dedicated members of the VMAT-GPH staff: LTC Edward J Meim PA and LTC Maniago B Macalintangui PA.

The Board took the opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions and steadfast service to the decommissioning process. By honoring these individuals, the IDB leadership reaffirmed that the success of the peace process relies not only on high-level diplomacy but on the hard work and dedication of the staff on the ground. Collectively, these activities underscore the IDB’s steadfast commitment to its mandate, bridging the gap between security coordination and the human-centric goals of the Bangsamoro peace process.