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Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Hamidullah Atar on Situationer on Conflict and Peace-building efforts in Local and regional Context

(Hamidullah Atar gave updates to Council of Elders of Moriatao Sultan sa Maraw (Descendants of Sultan sa Marawi) on the present situation of the peace process between GRP-MILF during the Seminar-workshop on Conflict Management at Villa Lucida, Linamon, Lanao del Norte last June 23-25, 2006 )

Historical Perspective

Common Bond:
-prior to their coming of the Chinese, Indian, Arab and Indonesian traders, Mindanao was populated by people of Malay origin
-13th century traders introduced Islam
-deep impact in the Sulu archipelago

The Colonial Intrusions
- in 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed and claimed the region for Spain
- Spain introduced political, economic and social reforms allowing very limited Filipino participation in government
- After Spain was defeated, a treaty granted the US authority over the Philippines
- WW II intervened and the Japanese forces landed in 1941
- Independence was declared on July 4, 1946

Bangsa Moro Struggle

1968- creation of MNLF which resulted to the crafting of 1975 Tripoli agreement
- signed on December 23, 1976 with the help of Libya and organization of the Islamic conference (OIC)
- agreement to create autonomous region in Mindanao
- 13 provinces and 9 cities as possible areas under ARMM; will follow constitutional process
- signed in Manila on September 2, 1996 with the help of Indonesia and OIC
- provided the present ARMM
- created transitory mechanism (SPCPD), consultative council and SZOPAD

1984- MILF itself declared itself as a separate organization
1989- creation of ARMM, only 4 out of 13 provinces
1996-final peace agreement signed by GRP and MNLF,Misuari was elected as governor of ARMM

1997-GRP-MILFinformal agreement for general cessation of hostilities
2000-president Estrada announce all out war against MILF
2001-Arroyo declared all out peace policy
2003-up to date GRP-MILF peace negotiation in Malaysia

Projected GRP-MILF Peace Agreement
-will acknowledge unique history and identity of Bangsamoro people
-will recognize and protect Bangsamoro rights to their land and natural resources
-will ensure Bangsamoro’s direct participation in socio-economic development efforts with their Ads
-will explore workable formula for Bangsamoro self-governance.

Three major aspects in the GRP-MILF Peace Agreement

Security aspect (ceasefire)
-implementation of GRP-MILF ceasefire agreements
-establishment of ceasefire mechanisms
-now being implemented by both sides

Humanitarian, Rehabilitation, & Development Aspect
-commitment to respect human rights
-assistance and development of conflict-affected communities
-implementing guidelines already signed

Ancestral Domain Aspect
-critical issue in the negotiations
-discusses Bangsamoro identity, culture, traditional lands, long-term solutions for Bangsamoro people etc.

Accomplishment in the three aspects of the Peace Agreement
Security Aspect
Joint Ceasefire Committee (CCCH)
-monthly joint meetings to strengthen ceasefire
-fact-finding and verification of ceasefire-related incidents

Local Monitoring Team (LMTs)
-functional 13 provinces
-operating arm of joint CCCH

International Monitoring Team
-60 members from Malaysia, Brunei and Libya
-observes implementation of ceasefire and socio-economic assistance in conflict affected communities

Humanitarian, rehabilitation and Development Aspect
-Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) fro Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) completed in September 2004
Ø -MTF program to be implemented after signing of Peace Agreement
Ø Capacity-building programs for Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) personnel
Ø GRP inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) to partner with BDA for projects in MILF communities

3. ANCESTRAL DOMAIN
Discussion divided into 4 strands:
A. Concept
B. Territory (area of coverage)
C. Resources
D.Governance
Ø Concept, territory and resources discussed during 7th Explo Talks (April 18-20)
Ø Governance discussed during 9th Explo Talks (September 15-16)

General principles
Ø Rights of Bangsamoro people and other indigenous groups of Mindanao
Ø Self-governance rooted on distinct political/cultural history
Ø Appropriate/workable self-governance institutions for Bangsamoro people
Ø Bangsamoro homeland
Ø Adherence to IHL and HR instruments
Ø Common definition for AD and ancestral land (AL)
Ø Joint determination of extent of Bangsamoro AD
Ø Utilization and development of resources within AD/AL

CURRENT STATUS of the Peace Agreement
a. Ground Environment
Ø Armed encounters are drastically reduced
Ø Regional economy is picking up due to improving ground situation
Ø Solid cooperation vs. criminality
Ø Civil society and community role in peace process proven effective; more involvement needed in other aspects
Ø Strong local and international support for peace process
b. Negotiations Environment
Ø Peace negotiations is moving forward
Ø High level of trust and confidence between negotiating Panels
Ø Sincerity between GRP and MILF mechanisms (CCCH, AHJAG, LMTs, IMT); 2-year ceasefire still holding
Ø Malaysian facilitators play active role
Ø Peace talks entering a critical stage; root-cause problems must be addressed
Ø Parties open to observers in formal talks; guidelines drawn up
Ø Utilization and development of resources within AD/AL

Parallel Considerations
Ø A just solution to a social issue rather than a palliative cure to a political problem
Ø Peace Agreement that will benefit ALL Bangsamoro people
Ø Bangsamoro concerns shall be resolved while maintaining the rights of Lumads, non-Moros, other constituents
Ø Traditional IP-Moro agreements shall be respected
Ø GRP-MILF peace process shall have ownership from ALL Mindanaons by hearing all sides
Ø MILF peace negotiations shall complement gains in 1996 MNLF Agreement
Ø MILF peace negotiations shall give due regard to ARMM
Ø Workable arrangement for Bangsamoro self-governance shall be found
Ø Peace Agreement that will bring genuine development to Bangsamoro and other areas
Sustaining Gains
Ø CCCH-IMT shifting to advocacy work
Ø Fresh batch of IMT members; socio-economic monitoring
Ø Workable policy on ridô
Ø Refocusing relief assistance efforts
Ø Preparation for MTF implementation
Ø Ongoing trainings for BDA through the help of Malaysia & WB
Ø Seminars/Forum on AD
Ø More GRP-MILF partnership with civil society and community
Ø Interfaith Dialogue

How Partners Can Help?
Ø Support for recognition of Bangsamoro people
Ø Strengthen support and partnership on ceasefire and relief/rehab/dev’t activities
Ø Help establish/strengthen local conflict-resolution mechanisms
Ø Provide helpful recommendations/inputs to Panels on substantive agenda items
Ø Facilitate more dialogues and consultations to broaden awareness on peace process
Ø Advocate/lobby in support of GRP-MILF peace process
Ø Constantly remind Panels that civilians/constituents are the actual 3rd party in the peace talks