IDB Vice-chairman Engages with Key Stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Region

On May 23 and 24, 2023, the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) held meetings with various stakeholders to discuss the progress of the decommissioning process and to advance the gains of peace in the Bangsamoro region. Those meetings include representatives from the Switzerland Embassy, the Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), the MILF Panel, and the MILF Joint Normalization Committee (JNC). These meetings were spearheaded by IDB Vice-Chairman William Hovland from Norway with Deputy Chief of staff Comdr. Zouhdy Razak from Brunei and Ret. Col. Michio Suda from Japan. The international community's presence and engagement underscored the global commitment in supporting peacebuilding efforts in the region.

On May 23, 2023, the IDB facilitated a meeting with the Switzerland Embassy, led by Mr. Thimon Furst and Nicolas Torrente. The primary focus was to discuss the progress of the decommissioning process in the Bangsamoro region and emphasize the unwavering support of the international community in achieving lasting peace. The meeting had also highlighted concerns raised during the MILF Camp consultations last March 2023.

The following day, May 24, 2023, the IDB and the TPMT met to discuss the status of decommissioning. Both parties emphasized the need for the normalization program to run concurrently with other initiatives. This meeting underlines the mandate of TPMT to monitor the implementation of the GPH-MILF peace agreement, as provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

On the same day, the IDB engaged in a discussion with the chairman of MILF Peace Implementing Panel, Minister Mohagher Iqbal. The consultation focused on discussing funding for decommissioning and the monitoring and implementation of signed agreements. This dialogue contributed to building trust and understanding, an essential element in the decommissioning process. During this meeting, the chairman highlighted that the decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons must be parallel and commensurate with other programs stipulated in the signed agreement.

Additionally, the IDB held a meeting with the MILF-JNC Co-chairman, Minister Akmad "Toks" Brahim, to discuss the status of decommissioning and camp consultation concerns. The parties emphasized the importance of socio-economic support for combatants and expressed gratitude for the initiative of camp consultation.

In conclusion, these meetings and consultations highlighted the commitment of all stakeholders to achieving lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region through dialogue, collaboration, and peaceful resolution with the foundation of trust is the “way forward” for maintaining peace. This effort aims to create a conducive environment for trust-building, cooperation, and the fulfillment of the peace agreement, ultimately benefiting the Bangsamoro community. ## JCB