The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) released its 8th Public Report, which covers the period from February 2022 to October 2023 at The Dusit Thani Residence, Davao City, on November 23, 2023.
The TPMT was established to oversee the implementation of signed agreements between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, specifically the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its Annexes and the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).
The report provides detailed insights into the progress of the Bangsamoro Peace Process and offers comprehensive information about the team’s findings.
Mr. Heino Marius, the Chair of the TPMT, laid the groundwork for a comprehensive assessment with his opening remarks. Karen Tanada, Huseyin Oruc, Rahib Kudto, and Sam Chittick, members of the TPMT, shared their statements, highlighting the team’s collective effort in the monitoring process. Their statements reflect the team’s dedication to impartial evaluation and constructive engagement.
Acknowledging Progress and Addressing Challenges: The TPMT acknowledged positive elements in the Bangsamoro peace process, such as the adoption of priority legislation by the Bangsamoro Parliament laying the foundations for meaningful self-governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the active role of women, and the representation of all MNLF factions in the Bangsamoro Parliament. However, concerns were raised about the pace of normalization track implementation.
Recommendations for Future Success: The TPMT provided recommendations, urging joint decisions, avoidance of unilateralism, and a focus on crucial tasks. These include addressing uncertainties in socio-economic support, clarifying recruitment figures into the PNP, fast-tracking the amnesty process, and taking national-level action on transitional justice and reconciliation.
Looking Ahead: While progress has been made since the peace agreements in 2012 and 2014, challenges remain. The TPMT stressed the need for determination in tackling remaining tasks, especially as the region approaches the end of the transition phase and the first regional elections in 2025. Both Parties’ continued commitment and sincerity remain crucial for the successful conclusion of the peace process.
In conclusion, the TPMT emphasized that the CAB remains the cornerstone for peace in the region, expressing optimism for the future with the Parties’ renewed commitment to effective performance delivery and providing increased resources in support of normalization. The journey continues as the Bangsamoro region strives for lasting peace and stability.
The TPMT expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of continued support for the Bangsamoro Peace Process. The event’s success highlights the team’s unwavering dedication to its mandate and the broader goal of fostering lasting peace and stability in the region.
