GPH-MNLF peace process moves from review to implementation

The Philippine government (GPH), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) formally signed on Tuesday (Jan. 26) the Joint Communique that marks the conclusion of the Tripartite Review Process (TRP) of the Implementation of the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement (FPA) that has run for more than eight years. “This is an important milestone we have reached as it sets the convergence of the two Bangsamoro peace processes,” explained Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and head of the delegation of the Philippine Government during the two-day 5th Ministerial Level meeting of the TRP. The Joint Communiqué of the conference stated that the TRP ministerial meeting was held “to define a road map towards the completion of the Review Process and identify ways and means of coordination and collaboration for the implementation of what they agreed upon during the Review Process.” “What this means is that we have finally finished the eight-year long review of the implementation of the FPA, and we can now move forward towards implementing the agreements reached this time under the TRP,” added OPAPP Undersecretary for Programs Yusuf Jose Lorena. Specifically, the Joint Communique identified four key areas that the parties agreed to implement: - The establishment of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund that will be used for for socio-economic development projects for MNLF communities - The agreement on the Co-Management of Strategic Minerals will be referred to the Oversight Committee created by RA 9054 for the continuation of its devolution process. - The participation of the MNLF in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission of the envisioned Bangsamoro Parliament; and, - The creation of the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee, a body that will oversee the implementation of all points of consensus arrived at by the TRP. The communiqué was signed by Undersecretary Jose Yusuf Iribani Lorena for the Philippine Government, and Atty Randolph Parcasio and Muslimin Sema on behalf of the MNLF as principals, along with OIC Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani for the 57-nation Islamic organization. OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Samsula Adju of the MNLF signed as witnesses. (OPAPP)