The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) organizes a series of camp consultation meetings with MILF BIAF
The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) recently held a series of consultation meeting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in an effort to advance the peace process in the Philippines. The meeting was spearheaded by IDB Chief of Staff, Tom Hjertholm from Norway, IDB Deputy Chief of Staff LTC Hairin Jafar from Brunei, IDB Chief Support Services Officer Ret. Col. Michio Suda from Japan, Verification and Monitoring Assistance Team (VMAT) Commander Police Inspector Huseyin Kara from Turkiye, VMAT International Leaders namely Capt. Asma Ahmad Farisulamin (Brunei), Capt. Khairul Karia (Brunei), Lt.Cmdr Mohd Muiz (Brunei), Police Officer Bora Bayrakci (Turkiye), Police Officer Mert Colak (Turkiye), Alf Solheim (Norway), and IDB local staff from MILF and GPH. Other peace-implementing mechanisms are also present in this activity with representatives from the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) and Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) from both GPH and MILF.
The main objective of the camp consultation meetings was to disseminate information on the steps/procedures in the conduct of the decommissioning process, update the BIAF commanders on the progress of the normalization program specifically the socio-economic assistance for decommissioned combatants, and answer any questions or gather valuable feedback regarding the ongoing processes.
The first consultation was held on February 14, 2023, at Camp Bushra, Brgy. Butig, Lanao Del Sur, attended by 136 participants comprising of base commanders, brigade commanders, admin officers and provincial committee chairs under the leadership of (NEMF) Northeastern Mindanao Front Commander, MP Jannati “Basit Abas” Mimbantas.
The second camp consultation was held on February 15, 2023, at Brgy. Munai, Lanao Del Norte, and attended by 98 participants headed by (NWMF) Northwestern Mindanao Front Commander MP Abdullah “Commander Bravo” G. Macapaar together with base commander, brigade commanders and political committees.
The third camp consultation was held on February 22, 2023, at Camp Salman in the Municipality of Tungawan, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, and attended by 44 participants headed by Deputy Commander of (WMF) Western Mindanao Front Malik Kari, Admin Base Command and several Political Committees including neighboring island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-tawi.
The fourth camp consultation was held on February 27, 2023, at Camp Rajahmuda in Pikit, Special Geographic Area - BARMM, and attended by 84 participants headed by (EMF) Eastern Mindanao Front Commander MP Akmad “Commander Jack” I. Abas including 108th – 112th Base Command and Nayang Base.
The last camp consultation was held on March 6, 2023, at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and attended by 100 participants spearheaded by leaders of National Guard Front under FC-OIC Von Alhaq, Southern Mindanao Front under FC Hadji Jordan, and Central Mindanao Front under Gordon Saifullah. Political committee from these base commands were also present in the event from Maguindanao, Lanao and Davao committee.
These camp consultation meetings are considered a crucial step in the peace process in the region, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and updated on the peace process and initiatives for the affected communities. The IDB acknowledges the cooperation and commitment of the MILF BIAF and different committees involved in the peace process, hoping that these efforts will contribute to the development of the Bangsamoro region. //JCB
