STATEMENT BY THE INDEPENDENT DECOMMISSIONING BODY ON THE SUBMISSION OF MILF LIST OF COMBATANTS AND WEAPONS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
25 March 2019
THE LIST turned over to IDB Chairman HE Fatih Ulusoy by MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal. The ceremony is joined and witnessed by the IDB board members (left side of photo), the GPH Panel Chairperson and the MILF Panel members and secretariat (right side of photo).
The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) compliments the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) for reaching a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The submission of the MILF list of combatants and weapons to the IDB on March 25, commences the vital task of decommissioning as provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
In the steadfast aspiration of enduring peace, the decommissioning will render possible the transition of MILF combatants, ensuring them the opportunity to pursue productive lives as civilians, in the peaceful communities of Bangsamoro.
IDB, as the mechanism mandated to oversee the decommissioning of MILF, has been preparing to ensure that this process will be dealt with utmost professionalism and integrity. In line with the agreed principles, confidentiality is an important aspect of IDB’s conduct. We are deeply honored to continue our work with all stakeholders, as we embark on the next phase of the Bangsamoro normalization process.
In our work we will be coordinating closely with the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) and other relevant mechanisms, to ensure a steady implementation of the upcoming phases of the process.
At the same time, the inauguration sessions of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in the presence of the President of the Philippines and the Chief Minister of BARMM on March 29, are historic achievements, which will bring lasting peace to Bangsamoro and the entire Philippine nation. IDB lauds both the GPH and the MILF for taking key steps in the path for a lasting and comprehensive peace.
IDB acknowledges the support of international and local stakeholders in maintaining the positive momentum and progress towards a lasting peace in Mindanao.
IDB reiterates the commitment of the member countries - Governments of Turkey, Norway and Brunei Darussalam of continuing support to the Bangsamoro Peace Process. We also acknowledge the assistance of the Governments of Germany, Australia and Japan.
