TPMT

Statement of the Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT)

24 July 2015

Some 16 months ago, on 27 March 2014, the world applauded as the Chairs of the GPH
and MILF Peace Panels signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro
(CAB). Since then, the peace process has continued to move forward, notwithstanding
the tragic incident at Mamasapano on 25 January.

Deliberations on the BBL continue in Congress, though it remains uncertain when this
work will be completed, and how far the law to be adopted will hew to the agreements
painstakingly negotiated since 1997. Nevertheless, the first stage of MILF
decommissioning was successfully completed on 16 June, with the ceremonial turnover
to the IDB of 75 crew-served and high-powered firearms, and the return to civilian life of
145 former MILF combatants. Work has begun to help convert the former MILF camps
into peaceful and prosperous farming communities, and preparations for the transition
from the ARMM to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority have commenced (though in
these as in other areas this work will need to be intensified).

Local governments, the business sector, civil society groups and religious leaders have all
confirmed the importance they attach to achieving a sustainable peace, and to allowing all
inhabitants of the future Bangsamoro autonomous region to reap the benefits of this
peace, building a new future for their children, free of the shadow of war. For the region,
for Mindanao, and for the Philippines as a whole, the prize of peace is within reach.

Time is short, however, and much remains to be done. When the 16th Congress convenes
for its final regular session on 27 July, it will have on its priority agenda the task of
completing deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Decades of violent conflict have
wracked Mindanao, blighted the lives of generations of civilians, and led to the deaths of
so many combatants (whether on the side of the MILF or of the government forces), The
adoption of a BBL which will help ensure that the Philippines can bring an end to the
conflict will be a truly historic achievement.

The TPMT wishes the Congress well in carrying forward these responsibilities. And as
we carry forward our task of monitoring the implementation of the CAB, we would also
commend the two Peace Panels, and all those who are working for peace, for their
dedication in carrying forward the peace process during these difficult months, and we
wish them every success in bringing this process through to a successful conclusion.

Rahib Kudto, Huseyin Oruç, Steven Rood, Karen Tañada (TPMT members)
Alistair MacDonald (TPMT Chair)