SUCCESSFUL SIMULATION SIGNALS IDB PREPAREDNESS FOR MILF DECOMMISSIONING

25 April 2019

A Verification Processing Team (VPT) member refers to the BIAF registration form while inputting information to the IDB database. Through a monitor, the combatant views the details being put in simultaneously.

A Verification Processing Team (VPT) member refers to the BIAF registration form while inputting information to the IDB database. Through a monitor, the combatant views the details being put in simultaneously.

The outcome of the full-scale decommissioning simulation signaled that the actual process is ready to begin soon.

COTABATO CITY - On April 24 (Wednesday), a decommissioning simulation exercise was conducted by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) at the Old Provincial Capitol, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The activity is the 8th exercise aimed at testing the processes and procedures as planned by the IDB. This time, the simulation was joined by around a hundred BIAF members – representing the different units and base commands from the MILF. All experienced the decommissioning process first-hand.

The IDB internationals and nationals, together with representatives from the GPH and MILF assumed their actual roles in the process. Also tested during the simulation was the IDB database system which facilitated the flow seamlessly. The socio-economic counterpart of the decommissioning, the Task Force for the Decommissioned Combatants (TFDCC) also joined the exercise.

The simulation culminated with an exchange between the participants of the event, ensuring inclusive planning. Some minor remarks were brought to light which may help improve the process. Generally, the simulation exercise was a success with combatants looking forward to the actual process, and eager to share their experience in their communities.

Below are the highlights of the event in photos: