Agreement on Safety and Security Guarantees

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Agreement on Safety and Security Guarantees AGREEMENT ON SAFETY AND SECURITY GUARANTEES The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), herein referred to as the Parties, in the interest of upholding, protecting and keeping the peace process moving towards a lasting and peaceful solution to the armed conflict in Mindanao, hereby agree on the following: 1. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) hereby extends safety and security guarantees to MILF members who are directly and principally involved in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks. These MILF members, for the duration of the peace talks, shall not be restrained, searched, seized, and harassed on their persons or property in connection with their participation or involvement in the peace talks, except in cases of commission of common crimes such as crimes against persons, chastity, property and other similar offenses. Appropriate identification cards shall be jointly issued by the GRP and MILF Peace Panel Chairmen to MILF members covered by this Agreement. 2. The MILF shall submit a list of their members who shall be extended protection under this Agreement. Signed at the Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City this 9th day of March 2000. For the GRP: For the MILF: LT.GEN. EDGARDO E. BATENGA AFP(Ret.) VICE-CHAIRMAN GHAZALI JAAFAR Chairman, GRP Peace Panel Acting Chairman, MILF Peace Panel REP. ANTHONY P. DEQUINA MR. MOHAGHER IQBAL Member, GRP Peace Panel Member, MILF Peace Panel MGEN SANTOS B . GABISON JR AFP MR. SAMMY AL-MANSOOR Member, GRP Peace Panel Member, MILF Peace Panel REP. SIMEON A. DATUMANONG USTADZ OMAR PASIGAN Adviser, GRP Peace Panel Adviser, MILF Peace Panel ATTY. RUBEN D. TORRES AMB. ALUNAN GLANG Adviser, GRP Peace Panel Adviser, MILF Peace Panel EXEC. DIR. ALMA R. EVANGELISTA PROF. MONER BAJUNAID Chairperson, GRP Technical Committee Chairperson, MILF Technical Committee .
Recommended publications
  • Children in Armed Conflict: Philippines
    CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT: PHILIPPINES Processes and Lessons Learned | 2009-2017 Action Plan on the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict United Nations and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front FOREWORD The successful implementation of the UN-MILF Action Plan was a significant milestone in the international community’s global commitment to fulfil the rights of children in situations of armed conflict. The eight-year implementation started in 2009 and ended in July 2017 with the disengagement of nearly 2000 children and the delisting of the MILF- BIAF from the annexes of the UN Secretary General’s Report. Reaching its completion was challenging and required tremendous effort by all involved. I am pleased to acknowledge the commitment of the Government of the Philippines and the MILF leadership toward ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Action Plan. Particular appreciation is also owed to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict for its oversight and guidance, and to the United Nations in the Philippines. We also recognize the large number of our civil society partners in Mindanao who worked tirelessly on the ground to achieve the results highlighted here. This report acknowledges their special contributions. This report is a valuable resource, locally and internationally, for understanding how to effectively implement a plan that has successfully stopped and now prevents recruitment and use of children by armed groups. However, while we celebrate this success, we must not forget that armed groups in Mindanao and many other locations around the world are still recruiting and using children in their struggles.
    [Show full text]
  • Jennie SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS of the ) (©Lltcf O( Tbf »I'trftarp REPUBLIC of the PHILIPPINES ) Third Regular Session ) *19 MAY 22 P6;20 SENATE P.S
    Jennie SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) (©lltcf o( tbf »i'trftarp REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) Third Regular Session ) *19 MAY 22 P6;20 SENATE P.S. Resolution No.l4 O 3 RECEIV'lu bv Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon RESOLUTION HONORING THE LATE GHAZALI JAAFAR, CHAIRPERSON OF THE BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION, FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PURSUIT OF PEACE IN THE BANGSAMORO REGION WHEREAS, Ghadzali Jaafar was an outstanding Moro leader who dedicated his life to establish unity among the Bangsamoro people and champion the recognition of the justness and legitimacy of their cause of the Bangsamoro people; WHEREAS, Jaafar started his distinguished leadership while in high school, when he established a group that mobilized the students and out-of-school youth into activisim in Cotabato City and neighboring areas. He went on to become one of the most prominent figures in the historic establishment of the Bangsamoro region; WHEREAS, Jaafar was the first Vice-Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and was credited for steps in pursuance of peace in the Mindanao region. Under his leadership, the MILF started peace dialogues with the Philippine government starting 1997; WHEREAS, from 1996 to 1997, Jaafar served as the first Chairman of the MILF Negotiating Peace Panel who signed the general cessation of hostilities between the government and the MILF; WHEREAS, President Rodrigo R. Duterte appointed Jaafar as the Chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2017, which was later enacted as Republic Act No. 11054, creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2018; WHEREAS, the realization of the BARMM was a result of Jaafar’s peace­ keeping efforts, earnest work and decades-old comprehensive peace negotiations with the Philippine government and the movement; WHEREAS, he contributed in the campaign for R.A.
    [Show full text]
  • D:\Working Folder\Bantay Ceasef
    BANTAY CEASEFIRE Mindanao Grassroots Ceasefire Review and Assessment January 6-12 & 18-19, 2003 Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao & Sultan Kudarat CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4 COTABATO 10 LANAO 17 MAGUINDANAO 25 SULTAN KUDARAT 31 LOBBY MISSION IN MANILA 34 C O N V E N O R S : Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Mindanao Peace Advocates Conference Initiatives for International Dialogue Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs Sumpay-Mindanao Balay Balik-Kalipay Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement LAFFCOD, Inc. Muslim Multi-sectoral Movement for Peace and Development Maranao Peoples Development Center United Youth of the Philippines Pikit Parish Freedom from Debt Coalition FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) Secretariat Telefax: (63) (82) 2992052 Tel: (63) (82) 2992574 to 75 E-mail: [email protected] INTRODUCTION From January 6-12 & 18-19, 2003 the “Bantay Ceasefire” led an investigative mission into Maguindanao, Lanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato. The mission was prompted by, first, the reported violations of the ceasefire in these areas; and second, the apparent failure of the GRP-MILF peace talks to develop an effective monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire. The success of future peace talks rests largely on mutual confidence and trust between the two parties to observe previous agreements. Thus, a secure environment is a pre-requisite for the impending questions of development, ancestral domain and a politically negotiated settlement. A secure environment is also essential to the thousands that live,
    [Show full text]
  • Reflections on the Gph – Milf Peace Process
    BEYOND THE PEACE TABLES: REFLECTIONS ON THE GPH – MILF PEACE PROCESS 1 This book is dedicated to the family of Dato’ Tengku Abdul Ghafar, who miss him dearly and are immensely proud of the work he has done and the contribution he has made for the establishment of peace in the Philippines. May this be an inspiration for his grandchildren. May he be granted Jannah Al-Firdaus. Author Dato’ Tengku Ab Ghafar Bin Tengku Muhammad Edited by Tengku Ab Kabir Shahpur Karen Simbulan Laurens Visser Cover Design Tengku Shahriar Layout by Boonruang Song-ngam Photographs Iona Jalijali Published by The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies Siem Reap, Cambodia 2 ‘I would like to pay tribute to Dato’ Tengku Abdul Ghafar, who sadly passed away last week, after playing a key role as the facilitator in the Bangsamoro Peace Process. Dato’ Tengku Abdul Ghafar was an exemplary peacemaker and an inspiration to all working for peace in ASEAN and the UN.’ - Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, 8th ASEAN-UN Summit (7th September, 2016). 3 4 FOREWORD My father passed away on a September morning at our family home at the age of 68; he was the most generous and kindest man I have ever known. He was born in 1948 during a time when Malaysia was under colonial rule; he was from a northern part of the country and due to the conflict and the eventual assimilation of the state into Thailand, his mother and his eleven siblings were forced to move to Kelantan where they lived an impoverished life.
    [Show full text]
  • Bangsamoro Transition Authority: a Transition Beyond Bridging Armm to Barmm
    BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY: A TRANSITION BEYOND BRIDGING ARMM TO BARMM This policy report is a product of a series of round table discussions organized by: For questions or concerns regarding the findings of this report, you may contact: Ramie Toledo Communication Manager Institute for Autonomy and Governance [email protected] Executive Summary This policy report is a product of a roundtable discussion facilitated by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) on 29 March 2019 in Cotabato City where participants from civil society and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) generated recommendations to ensure a smooth transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The ARMM transition portal OpenBangsamoro.com has released a trove of transition documents and data the new BARMM government can use in navigating this critical period. This roundtable yielded a number of insights and recommendations based on the information contained in the ARMM Transition Report. The most critical are the following: • The ARMM government has already procured more than Php10-B worth of infrastructure programs for 2019 through the Department of Public and Highways (DPWH). These procured programs would have just to be awarded in due time. As of March 2019, however, no procurement has been made by the BARMM government. That means the allocated money could be forfeited and reverted back to the national government. The BARMM government has the option to prevent this from happening. • While the block grant is a welcome development, it should be noted that in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the powers granted to the BARMM are “subject to national laws”.
    [Show full text]
  • News M Philippines
    FROM News Philippines JANUARY - MARCH 2 0 1 6 New JICA President Kitaoka visits Philippines, reaffirms strong Japan-PH ties Photo from Malacanan Photo Bureau Photo shows (left) President Benigno Aquino receives JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka in Malacanan Palace; (top right, from left to right) Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Commissioner Ibrahim Ali, BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Pres. Kitaoka, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 1st Chair Ghazali Jaafar, MILF 2nd Vice Chair Alem Solaiman during the courtesy call in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat; (bottom, right) with Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral William Melad New Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) The 8.6 kilometer road project under JICA’s Community President Shinichi Kitaoka made his first official visit to Development in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao the Philippines and met with Philippine President aims to raise agriculture prospects and jobs in the Benigno Aquino III, reaffirming the strong bilateral region. relations and development cooperation of Japan and the Philippines. More than half of the population in Mindanao is involved in agriculture, fishery or forestry. Despite the During the meeting, Kitaoka expressed Japan’s agriculture potential, Mindanao remained one of the continuous support to Mindanao peace and country’s poorest regions with 54% poverty incidence, development while citing the country’s ‘culture of based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reconciliation.’ Earlier, Kitaoka inaugurated a 1.1B yen (PSA). farm-to-market road project in Alamada, North 1 Cotabato. of JICA Philippines in 2009 and has served in key JICA names new Chief Rep executive positions in JICA Southeast Asia Division and in Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in the Philippines in Washington DC and in the ASEAN region.
    [Show full text]
  • Fourth Public Report, March 2016 to June 2017
    TPMT 28 July 2017 Third Party Monitoring Team Fourth Public Report, March 2016 to June 2017 1) Summary In line with the terms of reference of the Third Party Monitoring Team, this fourth public report is intended to provide an overall assessment of developments in the implementation of the Agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The period of transition from the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III to that of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte , now marking a year in office, has seen some continuity but also change in the roadmap for implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Despite the failure of the 16th Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the parties in May 29-30, 2016 met in Kuala Lumpur and signed a “Declaration of the Continuity of the Partnership of the GPH and MILF in the Bangsamoro Peace Process”. The first year under the new administration began with optimism for peace as President Duterte had reiterated his campaign promise to bring peace to Mindanao and support the BBL. The following are the main developments during this year: - a new roadmap was put forward by the Philippine government, and agreed by the MILF, that proscribed a “Two Simultaneous Tracks: Federalism + Enabling Law Approach,” where an expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission would work to draft an “Enabling Law” and also propose constitutional amendments to be taken up during a change to federalism. Subsequent discussions affirmed the MILF position that the
    [Show full text]
  • Dynamics and Directions of the Peace Negotiations Between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
    1st Edition (9/24/04) – Comments Welcome DYNAMICS AND DIRECTIONS OF THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT by SOLIMAN M. SANTOS, JR.* OUTLINE I. HISTORY AND DYNAMICS A. History and Stages B. The “Domestic Stage” (1996-2000) C. Political Will and Peace Agenda D. Ceasefire Mechanisms and Recurrent Hostilities E. The Thorny Issue of MILF Camps F. Negotiating Strategies G. The “Diplomatic Stage” (2001-04) H. Nuancing the Framework and Agenda I. Three Aspects for Now J. Rehabilitation+++ K. The Negotiations: from Quick Upturn to Long Downturn L. Formal vs. Back-Channel, and Other Dynamics M. Ancestral Domain and Final Peace Agreement II. THE PARTIES AND OTHER DOMESTIC PLAYERS A. GRP B. MILF C. MNLF D. Other Rebel Groups E. Moro Political and Civil Society F. Mindanao Peace Advocates G. Peace Zone Communities H. Local Political and Religious Leaders III. MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT A. Malaysia B. Libya C. OIC D. U.S. E. UN and Other International Organizations IV. MAIN OBSTACLES A. Competing Policy Positions 2 B. Terrorism and the Peace Process C. Failed and Flawed Approaches (10) D. Structural Obstacles (5) V. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. On the Fiscal Crisis 2. On the MILF and the Peace Process 3. On Substantive Negotiations and a Road Map 4. On the Choice of Negotiators 5. On the Ceasefire and Projects 6. On Multiple International Involvement 7. On MILF-MNLF Unity 8. On Solutions and New Formulas 9. On a Negotiated Constitutional Settlement 10. On the Lumad Agenda 11. On the Mindanao Peace Movement 12. On a National Peace Policy The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiations studied here span the years 1996 to 2004 (up to September, that is) and have not yet been concluded.
    [Show full text]
  • CCCH.Presentation.Pdf
    BRIDGING FOR PEACE: INCLUSIVE POLITICAL TRANSITIONS IN THE BANGSAMORO ? 1. WHERE ARE WE NOW? 2. WHERE ARE WE HEADING? Where are we now? ANNUAL TREND OF GPH-MILF ARMED SKIRMISHES As of 15 April 2016 698 700 ABUBAKAR CONFLICT 569 600 BULIOK CONFLICT 500 400 300 218 MOA AD CONTOVERSY 200 115 MAMASAPANO INCIDENT MADIA, 100 DSA 13 16 10 8 14 8 1 1 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 MOA AD CONTROVERSY from 2008 to 2009, a total of 333 armed skirmishes or one (1) armed skirmish per day. more or less 600, 000 civilians were displaced . CEASEFIRE MECHANISMS CCCH AHJAG IMT COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES (CCCH) The GRP and the MILF, through their undersigned authorized representatives agreed to commit the armed forces of the GRP and the MILF to a General Cessation of Hostilities. Signatories: For the GRP: For the MILF: AMB FORTUNATO U ABAT GHAZALI JAAFAR Chairman, GRP Panel V-Chair for Political Affairs, MILF Chairman, MILF Panel Attested by: RUBEN D TORRES SEC RENATO B DE VILLA Executive Secretary Dept of Nat’l Defense Witnessed by: MGEN JOSELIN B NAZARENO MOHAQHER IQBAL Chairman, Sub-Committee Member, Central Committee On Cessation of Hostilities MILF LTGEN EDGARDO N BATENGA (RET) SAMMY AL MANSOUR Member, Technical Committee Dep Chief of Staff, BIAF MILF ASEC JOVENAL LAZAGA OMAR HASAN Chairman, Technical Committee Member, Central Committee MILF on Agenda Setting ATTY GRACE M TAN ABDULMANAF MANTAWIL Dir, Office of the President Chairman, Secretariat MILF Technical Committee ATTY ALBERTO A BERNARDO ATTY OMAR B UMPAR Exec Dir, NPUDC MILF Legal Counselor Prohibited Hostile Acts Prohibited Provocative Acts Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities Ground Rules CCCH MANDATE Coordinate and ensure the implementation of the AGCH of 1997 and guidelines on the security aspect of the agreement on peace of 2001 in the conflict affected areas in Mindanao.
    [Show full text]
  • JICA, BTC Officials Sign Minutes of Meeting for the CCDP-B in 2013
    Issue no.1 April-December 2014 JICA, BTC officials sign Minutes of Meeting for the CCDP-B in 2013 (L-R) Mr Sinichi Masuda, Chief Advisor, JICA-CPO; Mr Naoyuki Ochiai, the Senior Advisor to the Director General of the Economic Infrastructure Department; BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal; and Engineer Mohajirin Ali, CCDP-B Project Director. In 2013, following the historic signing of Rec- ords of Discussion for the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) between Japan International Cooperation Agency In this issue: (JICA) Chief Representative Mr Takahiro Sasaki and JICA supports Development Plan the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) for the Bangsamoro………………..p2 Chairman Mohagher Iqbal on July 25, 2013 at Al Nor Convention Center, JICA Headquarters in Tokyo dis- CCDP-B implements 20 Quick patched a Mission headed by Mr Naoyuki Ochiai, the Impact Project in Mindanao...........p4 Senior Advisor to the Director General of the Eco- Human Resource Mapping............p6 nomic Infrastructure Department, to consult the stakeholders on the future Bangsamoro government Institutional Organizational Building for the full implementation of the new project. Cont.p2 conducts Capacity Training- JICA, BTC officials Workshops………………………….p7 JICA, BTC officials... JICA supports Tran- sitional Development Plan for the Bangsamoro The Development Plan for the Bangsamoro as one of the four components of the CCDP-B has been doing its best to fulfil its mandated task in coordination with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the agency tasked by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front The outcome of the Mission‟s series of consulta- (MILF) to lead the formulation of the Bangsamoro De- tions with BTC officials, Bangsamoro Development velopment Plan (BDP).
    [Show full text]
  • FEF Letter of Condolence to MILF On
    Foundation for Economic Freedom 13 March 2019 BOARD OF ADVISERS: AL-HAJJ MURAD EBRAHIM Chairman, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Thomas Allen Raul Fabella Interim Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gerardo Sicat Cesar Virata Dear Chairman Murad: BOARD OF TRUSTEES: The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) would like to extend its deepest Roberto de Ocampo sympathy and offer prayers to the family and friends of Ghazali Jaafar. Chairman The Bangsamoro lost a good man but gained so much from the fruits of Jaafar’s work Romeo Bernardo Vice-Chairman with the Philippine Government on ensuring lasting peace in Mindanao. Calixto Chikiamco His track record in the struggle for peace is greatly recognized having served as the President chairperson of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel from 1996 to 1997; First Vice chairperson of the MILF Central Committee and MILF for Political Affairs; Chairman of Eduardo Gana the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), and member of the Bangsamoro Treasurer Transition Authority. His commitment and hard work as Chairman of the BTC ensured that a better version of the Bangsamoro Organic Law was crafted. Ricardo Balatbat III Corporate Secretary The work that he has done is a manifestation of his unwavering service to the Muslim community. Anthony Abad Joseph Angeles Arturo Corpuz FEF with the Philippine Center on Islam and Democracy recognizes his dedication and Felipe Medalla Vaughn Montes commit to support and help in the transition of the newly installed Bangsamoro Simon Paterno Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Perry Pe Ma. Cecilia Soriano Very truly yours, CALIXTO V. CHIKIAMCO President 105 Philippine Social Science Center (PSSC) Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Telefax: (632) 4532375 (Main Office) Tel No.: (632) 8939602 (Accounting) Website: www.fef.org.ph Email: [email protected] / [email protected] .
    [Show full text]
  • Cross-Section Discussions on Moro-Rule Takes
    Vol. 3 No. 2 February 2008 Peace Monitor Multi-donor assisted projects to continue despite minor setbacks Cotabato City - Despite some drawbacks in the Malaysian-brokered peace process, the prospect for peace is still high, the MILF Central Committee said on Monday, 28 January 2008 during a meeting attended by both the World Bank delegates and the Bangsamoro Development [MULTI /p.11] EXPLORING CONSTITUTIONAL OPTIONS --- Participants to the dialogue on constitutional options to Moro self-deteemination pose for posterity after a session during the two-day event held in Davao City. Cross-section discussions on Moro-rule takes off COTABATO CITY —- Lawyers, “constitution Cooperation among government experts” and representatives of Mindanao’s cross- section held a two-day forum last month in Davao City agencies usher developments on constitutional options to the Moro quest for self- rule. COTABATO CITY (Jan.24) —— Line agencies Participants to the forum agreed to vigorously pursue and support offices under Malacañang have been continuing dialogues on the subject to encourage peaceful cooperating with one another extensively to meet discussions needed to generate support to the Mindanao President Arroyo’s development targets and full peace process. activation of the Mindanao Super Region, the Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Mindanao Economic and Development Council said. peace panel, a legal counsel of the Moro National Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, Chair of the Liberation Front, Randolph Parcasio, and Speaker Mindanao Economic Development Council Paisalin Tago of the 24-seat Regional Assembly in the (MEDCo), said there have been considerable Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao attended the accomplishments last year in furthering January 16-17 event, held at the Marco Polo hotel in Malacañang’s development agenda for the South Davao City.
    [Show full text]