The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) held its 35th monitoring session in the Philippines from 2 to 13 September 2019. During the two-week session, they were able to visit Cotabato City (from 3 to 8 September 2019), Metro Manila (on 9, 10 and 11 September 2019), and Sulu (12 & 13 September).
In Cotabato City, the TPMT met with the MILF Peace Implementing Panel led by Chair Mohagher Iqbal. We also met with key officials of the BTA, particularly Interim Chief minister Al Haj Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, Min. Naguib Sinarimbo, Min. Dickson Hermoso, Min. Mohammad Yacob, and MP Marjanie Mimbantas. For the GPH-MILF mechanisms, we met with IDB Chair Ambassador Faith Ulusoy along with IDB members, and we visited the Assembly and Processing Area (APA) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol. We also consulted with Cotabato City-based civil society organizations (CSOs). The TPMT attended the Launch of the 2nd Phase of Decommissioning of MILF Combatants and Weapons held at the APA on 7 September 2019, which was also graced by President Duterte.
In Manila, we met with the GPH Peace Implementing Panel led by Chair Asec. David Diciano and with World Bank officials.
In Sulu, we met with Gov. Abdusakur Tan, BTA Member Nabil Tan, and with the local security sector and Sulu-based CSOs.