Joint Statement (April 21 2010)

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Joint Statement (April 21 2010)
Date: 21 Apr 2010
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Philippine Insurgencies (1968 - )
The Maoist Insurgencies (1968 - )

Philippines-NDF

The Philippines have been defined by a series of center-periphery and often ideologically Maoist, separatist insurgencies. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), began its war against the central Philippine government in 1968 through their armed wing – the New People’s Army (NPA). Further legitimacy was gained through the establishment of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in 1973. Grievances were predominantly opposed to the corruption and repression under the authoritarian Marcos regime.

Philippines-Cordillera

With the overthrow of Marcos’ regime in 1986, the CPP factionalized further to take on more localized characteristics. The Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) broke away from the NDF in 1986 to focus on the protection of the Cordilleran people and land in northern Luzon. Hostilities were formally ended in July 2011, with an agreement signed between the central government, the CPLA and the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA) that allowed for the absorption of CPLA fighters into the Philippine Army and the re-working of the CBA-CPLA into a socio-development organisation.

Philippines-RPM-P

Meanwhile, purge among the CPP in the early 1990s, encouraged the formation of a parallel party, the Revolutionary Workers Party (RPM-P). Their armed wing, the Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB) which had carried out a number of assassinations during the 1980s at the bequest of the CPP, followed suit and allied themselves with the RPM-P in 1997 forming the (RPM-P-RPA-ABB). Severely weakened by the split with the CPP and with the arrest of several key figures, the RPM-P-RPA-ABB signed a peace agreement in December 2000, which encouraged the RPM-P’s branch in Mindanao to break away in 2001.

The CPP-NPA has only participated in intermittent talks with the government. Talks halted in 2004 when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration sought closer ties with the U.S. in the war on terror and added the CPP-NPA to the list of terrorist organisations, renewing violence. Following the launch of a counter-insurgency by the Philippine government, negotiations have been further delayed due to suspected internal differences between the CPP ‘old guard’ and younger members.

The Moro Insurgency (1968 - )

Philippines-Mindanao

The Moro Insurgency began in 1968, in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago after the killing of Moro Commandos, the so-called Jabidah Massacre, by the Philippine Army following a plot to invade Sabah province in Malaysia. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) captured a swath of territory in the mid-1970s. In an attempt to stem the violence, the constitution was reformed and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created 1990 granting a devolution of power to the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Following the establishment of the ARMM, the MNLF splintered into a range of smaller groups including Islamic factions such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayef Goup (ASG). The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed in 2014.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: Amb. Rafael E. Seguis, GRP Panel Chairman;
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Panel Chairman
Third parties: Witness and Facilitator: Datuk Othman Bin Abdul Razak, Third Party Facilitator
Description: Agreement by the Parties informing on the 18th Round of Exploratory Talks, in which the Parties acknowledged the 600,000 displaced persons and the 500,000 displaced who have returned. The Parties discussed measures to assist in the safe return of the remaining 100,000 displaced, as well as strengthening capacity-building mechanisms for socio-economic reconstruction in Bangsamoro.

Agreement document: PH_100421_Joint Statement.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 1, Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 IDPs out of which approximately 100,00 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards achieving it.

Page 1, In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining IDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 1, Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 1, Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.

Page 1, The Parties discussed the implementing guidelines of the project on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected to be undertaken jointly by the GRP and MILF CCCH, the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD).
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
Page 1, In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining IDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 1, Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 IDPs out of which approximately 100,00 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards achieving it.

Page 1, In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining IDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 1, Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.

Page 1, The Parties agreed to mobilize technical and administrative resources including a facility for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) to fulfill its role as a capacity building center for emerging Bangsamoro leaders and professionals.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 IDPs out of which approximately 100,00 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards achieving it.

Page 1, Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 1, Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 IDPs out of which approximately 100,00 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards achieving it.

Page 1, The Parties reached a consensus to enhance operational support arrangements for the CCCH and the AHJAG.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 1, In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining IDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 1, Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.

Page 1, The Parties discussed the implementing guidelines of the project on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected to be undertaken jointly by the GRP and MILF CCCH, the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD).
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: GRP-MILF Peace Process: Compilation of Signed Agreements & other related Documents (1997-2010); (MILF Peace Panel/Asia Foundation, 2010), pp. 295-296.

JOINT STATEMENT

The Peace Panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) concluded today the 18th round of Exploratory Talks under the auspices of the Malaysian Third-Party Facilitator.

They were joined by representatives of the international Contact Group (ICG) during the two day session.

Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao.

They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 IDPs out of which approximately 100,000 are still in evacuation centres.

Introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and to improve security on the ground and most critically initiate talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards achieving it.

In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining IDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component.

Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG),

Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin.

in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and other concerned agencies.

The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.

The Parties also agreed to refer to the IMT lead of Mission the proposed terms of reference to govern the operations of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the IMT in consultation with the four members of the CPC representatives of the GRP and MILF Peace Panels and in coordination with their respective CCCH for later submission to the Facilitator and approval of the Parties.

The Parties also reiterated their in invitation to the Royal Norwegian Government to join the IMT with a specific coordinating rule of the CPC

The Parties discussed the implementing guidelines of the project on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas to be undertaken jointly by the GRP and MILF CCCH, the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD)

The Parties agreed to mobilize technical and administrative resources including a facility for the Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute (BLMI) to fulfil its role as a capacity building centre for emerging Bangsamoro leaders and professionals.

The Parties reached a consensus to enhance operational support arrangements for the CCCH and the AHJAG.

The parties formally exchanged amended draft proposals and matrices, discussed their proposals and agreed on areas of common ground, subject to endorsement by the Panels to their respective principals.

This would be the basis of crafting the interim document in early May 2010.

The Parties expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd.

Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his generous and steadfast support and assistance to the pursuit of these goals.

Done this 21st day of April 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

FOR ThE GRP:

AMB. RAFAEL F. SEGUIS (GRP Panel Chairman)

FOR THE MILF:

MOHAGHER IQBAL (MILF Panel Chairman)

Signed in the presence of:

DATUK OTHMAN BIN ABD RAZAK (Third Party Facilitator)