IDB intensifies preparations for Phase 3 Decommissioning through series of simulation exercises

COTABATO CITY (20 October 2021) – The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) conducted series of simulation exercises at the identified Assembly and Processing Area (APA) in Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao in preparation for the succeeding phase of decommissioning, signaling that the actual process is set to commence soon.

On 12-13 October 2021, the IDB Internal Verification and Decommissioning Simulation Exercise transpired where 30 MILF-BIAF members participated to simulate and assess the procedure of the actual decommissioning, the pivotal roles of both the international and national IDB personnel, and as well as the technical aspects incorporated in the process – specifically the upgraded IDB database system.

Consequently, the Normalization-wide Verification and Decommissioning Simulation Exercise was spearheaded by IDB together with other normalization mechanisms on 14 October 2021 wherein another 30 MILF-BIAF members participated. The said simulation exercise showcased both the pre-APA process being manned by the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) and Joint Normalization Division (JND) and the APA process wherein IDB and the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) are in-charged. More so, the activity became an avenue for the exchange of recommendations between IDB and the participants as well as other mechanisms to enhance the process and to ensure inclusive planning.

Gracing the norm-wide simulation exercise are IDB Vice-Chairman, Mr. William Hovland; GPH Peace Implementing Panel Chair and JNC Member, Usec. David Diciano; MILF-JNC Head Secretariat, Deputy Minister Akhmad “Toks” Brahim; GPH-TFDCC Chair, MP Atty. Laisa Alamia; Ministry of Health (MOH) – BARMM Minister, Dr. Bashary Latiph; and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Mr. Rey Martija (Central Office) and Ms. Norhata Benito (Region XII).

With the ongoing pandemic situation, IDB ensured to strictly observe the COVID-19 health protocols during the simulation exercises. Moreover, the participation of MOH-BARMM provided inputs to improve the COVID-19 preventive measures of IDB for the seamless implementation of the third phase of verification and decommissioning process which is expected to commence within fourth quarter this year. //CRA

Below are the highlights of the event in photos: