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The GPH-MILF peace process: Mechanisms to promote security in Moro communities Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer “Global Autonomy, Governance & Federalism Forum 19-20 October 2016, Metro Manila • Dealing with the violence is the most important confidence building measure. Violence is double- edged: it could spur the peace or justify the war. • All peace processes were pockmarked with violence. But these hostile incidents should not break the process. • Keeping the peace on the ground is everyday work. Multiplicity of Armed Groups • MILF-BIAF Moro Islamic Liberation Front- Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces • MNLF Moro National Liberation Front • ASG “Abu Sayaff Group” • BIFF Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters • RSM Rajah Solaiman Movement • JIM Justice Islamic Movement • KIM Kalifah Islmaiyah Mindanao • Maute Group • FLTO Foreign and Local Terrorist Organizations • PAGs Private Armed Groups Spatial, family, cultural, ideological affinity make borders porous but distinctions among groups should be made nonetheless. Efforts to draw in rank and file toward the peace process must continue, with the peace partner also as the most effective ally to serve as buffer if not counterforce to the seamless operations of criminal and terrorist groups. There is unprecedented opportunity to quell terrorism and crime with the success of a political process with a major player, as in the case of the standing peace agreements with the MNLF and the MILF. Without this, the job is much more difficult and deadly. In GPH-MILF process, three crucial elements are at play • The MILF leadership has been decisively cutting off ties with terrorist/criminal groups. • The peace negotiation has progressed; there is already a comprehensve agreement. • Functional mechanisms are in place, namely the Coordinating Committees for the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) for criminal interdiction. O GPH Panel MILF Panel GPH-MILF Joint Coordinating Committee Observes talks, provides advice when requested by Parties - - - Independent body monitors implementation of agreements - - CEASEFIRE IMPLEMENTATION SOCIO-ECON DEVELOPMENT SAJAHATRA BANGSAMORO Malaysian Facilitator [Secretariat] Transition Commission TPMT Int’l Contact Group ICP Study group: Prepares draft Bangsamoro Basic Law GPH – MILF AHJAG GPH – MILF CCCH IMT Coordinates interdiction of criminal elements in MILF areas Coordinates ceasefire implementation LMTs Fact- finding/inq uiry; local ceasefire monitoring Observes implementation of ceasefire-related agreements, Malaysia as HOM Security Humanitarian, Rehab &Devt Socio-econ CPC Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Norway, Libya EU Japan MinHRAC, MOGOP, MPC, NVPF Ad hoc joint monitoring bodies in identified high-risk areas JCMPs Japan, KSA, Turkey, UK; CR, CHD, CSE, Muhammadiyah OIC Observer: Secretariat Secretariat Other Mechanisms 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 698 569 16 10 13 8 218 115 14 8 1 Sample Successes • Against KFR Gangs • Military-Police operations against JI, ASG, and BIFF • Clan Wars • Land Conflicts Next Areas: • Private Armed Grousp • Drugs JOINT ACTIVITIES STRENGHENS THE SECURITY COOPERATION ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TROUBLE-SHOOTING LOCAL HOSTILE INCIDENTS The parties signing the Joint Statement on 15 December 2015 at the end of the two-day 44th Regular Meeting of the GPH and MILF CCCHs and the 23rd Tripartite Meeting with the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Davao City . Sample” Repositioning” Of BIAF (Feb-April 2016) Encounter Site AFP BIAF Cmdr. Haun Sindatok House (105th BC, BIAF- MILF) 228.31m LEGEND: AFP Troops BIAF Troops Civilian House Encounter Site Distance Measurement Area Coverage Road Sample “Misencounter” Feb 6, 2016 OTHER INITIATIVES Anti-illegal Drugs Disbandment of Private Armed Groups Vulnerable sectors work (detainees & their families, widows, oprhans) Bangsamoro “convergence” Inter and intra-faith dialogues Proposed Forms of Cooperation on Drugs with the MILF as discussed with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency • Information exchange/sharing, • The MILF can conduct information drive on the ill- effects of illegal drugs in the conflict-affected areas • The MILF shall be encouraged to assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users • Other forms of cooperation may be encouraged on a case-to-case basis. • The GPH-AHJAG or GPH-CCCH may relay information or recommend courses of action. • . The PDEA and the anti-drug units of the PNP, NBI and BOC shall coordinate/consult directly with the AHJAG/CCCH mechanisms. PDEA’s perspective • The MILF is not authorized to effect an arrest except as may be allowed by existing laws, and provided that the MILF member shall observe the requirements in the conduct of arrest and turnover of arrested suspect and confiscated illegal drugs, following the chain of custody of evidence, including becoming a witness in a court proceeding. For the current administration • Pursue the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro • Prepare for the constitution o f the Bangsamoro police force • Support the convergence of this peace effort with that of the MNLF through the OIC-led Bangsamoro Cooperation Forum • Developing similar cooperation with the MNLF • Define policy on Sabah claims of the Sultanate of Sulu • A specialized body or forum to include other agencies like the NCMF, ARMM, DEpED, OPAPP • Legislative review of relevant laws to reconstitute the “ATC” and provide a more holistic framework where counter-terrorism is infused with the peace building framework. • Strengthen the rule of law
