MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY IDB CHAIRMAN FATIH ULUSOY DURING THE MEDIA FORUM ON THE DECOMMISSIONING OF MILF-BIAF COMBATANTS AND WEAPONS

06 September 2019, Cotabato City

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

Interim Chief Minister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim

Minister Mohagher Iqbal

Assistant Secretary David Diceano

Distinguished participants and members of media

I would like to start by expressing our greetings as IDB to each and everyone of you present here today. As tomorrow we will have a major event, today we gather to provide you with the necessary information.

On behalf of IDB I would like to commend the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for reaching another milestone in the Bangsamoro Peace Process – the commencement of the second phase of decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons, with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gracing the launching tomorrow at Old Provincial Capitol, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. This endeavor affirms the unwavering commitment and sincerity of both parties towards the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) has been established in 2014 based on the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB). Its mandate is to oversee the process of decommissioning of the MILF forces and weapons. Its functions are to conduct inventory, verification and validation of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) members, arms and weapons; Develop and implement a schedule of decommissioning of BIAF forces; Plan, design and implement techniques and technologies for weapons collection or retrieval, transport, and storage and putting weapons beyond use in accordance with the agreement of the Parties; and coordinate with the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) on other aspects of Normalization.

The mandate of IDB requires us to work with full adherence to confidentiality. To fulfill this mandate, IDB has developed guidelines and protocols to ensure that the decommissioning process will be conducted efficiently with utmost impartiality, integrity and confidentiality. This effort is in close coordination with other key normalization mechanisms with guidance from the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels.

Tomorrow’s event, marks the launch of the Phase II of the decommissioning process in accordance with the parties. The decommissioning of the first 30% of MILF combatants and weapons signifies the transition of their communities to progressive societies and their combatants to peaceful and productive civilians. On this important day, we would like to congratulate the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This is another milestone in the history that the parties are making, in the GPH and MILF Peace Process.

This decommissioning process is a firm demonstration of the Parties’ sincerity and commitment to the peace process. The presence of President Duterte at all stages of the peace process, attest the solid will of the GPH. The MILF, on their side, has also repeatedly showed its sincerity to work together with the Government and this event is a clear example to that. IDB lauds both the GPH and the MILF for taking brave steps in the path for a lasting and comprehensive peace.

Taking this opportunity, let me underline that the cooperation and coordination among GPH, MILF and the IDB has been exemplary.  We look forward to a seamless continuation of this process in the upcoming phases as agreed with the parties.

The IDB acknowledges the impact of this process, which not only promotes peace to the region of Mindanao, but to the whole Philippines and beyond.

The member countries of IDB – Governments of the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Norway, and Brunei Darussalam reiterate their steadfast commitment and optimism in overseeing the decommissioning process together with the local experts and representatives from the GPH and MILF.

 IDB acknowledges the strong support of local and international stakeholders, including valuable financial contributions from the Governments of Turkey, Germany, Australia, and Japan which will surely contribute to the success of the 2nd phase of decommissioning and the over-all peace process. Likewise, the continued presence of experts from Norway and Brunei is essential to the work of IDB and is highly appreciated.

As Chairman, on behalf of the members of the IDB, I would like to express our appreciation for the honor given to us in becoming a part of this historic peace process.

Below are the highlights of the media forum in photos: