(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
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hamidullah Atar on Situationer on Conflict and Peace-building efforts in Local and regional Context
Posted by VIOLETA GLORIA at 6/27/2007 03:29:00 PM