Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001
Date: 7 Aug 2001
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: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: For the GRP: Irene M. Santiago, GRP Technical Committee Acting Chairperson; For the MILF:
Atty. Musib M. Buat, MILF Technical Committee Chairperson
Third parties: Attested by: Atty. Jesus G. Dureza, GRP Peace Panel Chairman; Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Peace Panel Chairman
Description: Agreement provides an overall implementation framework for the 2001 Tripoli Agreement's Security Aspects by defining prohibited and provocative hostile acts that will impede the ceasefire and peace process, establishing Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs), a Quick Response Team (QRT), and an Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC) to replace the Interim Ceasefire Monitoring Team. Annex A provides for the composition and functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFCC), Annex B operationalizes the Quick Response Team (QRT), and Annex C provides a table that displays the structure of the implementation mechanisms.

Agreement document: PH_010807_Implementing Guidelines on Security Aspect of GRP-MILF Agreement.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: Groups→Religious groups→Substantive
Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
The Local Monitoring Team shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:
5.5. Representative from the Religious sector, chosen under mutual agreement; [...]
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: Page 6, Article IV. Safety and Security Guarantees
3. MILF members covered by paragraph 1 above shall not be restrained or arrested, searched, seized and harassed on their persons and property in connection with their participation or involvement in the peace talks, except in cases of commission of common crimes such as crimes against persons, chastity, property and other similar offenses.
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 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
The Local Monitoring Team shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:
5.3. Representative from NGOs nominated by the GRP;
5.4. Representative from NGOs nominated by the MILF; and
5.5. Representative from the Religious sector, chosen under mutual agreement; and The LMTs shall designate their respective Chairman and Co-Chairman.

Page 6, Annex A: Article VI - Composition and Functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC)
2. Notre Dame University Peace Center and Maguindanao Professionals and Employees Association (MAPEA) representatives shall act as Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the IFFC.

Page 7, Annex A: Rule IV - Composition and Functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC)
4. The IFFC shall function under the following terms: f. Employ the expertise of certain impartial persons or organizations in the performance of its assigned tasks.

Page 8, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
2. The QRT shall be composed of the following:
2.3. IFFC principals: one representative each from the Notre Dame University (NDU), Maguindanao Professionals, and Employees Association Inc. MAPEA and Cotabato City Media
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCMMPC). [...]
Traditional/religious leaders: Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
The Local Monitoring Team shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:
5.5. Representative from the Religious sector, chosen under mutual agreement; [...]
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: Power sharing→Military power sharing→Proportionality
Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
The Local Monitoring Team shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:
5.1. Representative from the Local Government Units, designated by the GRP;
5.2. Representative from the MILF Local Political Committee; [...]

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: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 10, Joint Communique
[...] The guidelines not only silence the guns for the peace of mind of the people. These also prohibit all public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the sincerity or credibility of both parties in waging peace. Toward this end, the war of bullets and of words shall cease; and the parties shall follow the road to peace through earnest and principled negotiations. This will accord the Bangsamoro people permanent spaces for peace, self-reliance and development.
Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media logistics
Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
3.2.4. Public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the
sincerity or credibility of either party in implementing the
cessation of hostilities.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country. In the pursuit thereof, confrontational situations between the GRP and MILF forces shall be avoided by prior coordination with the latter. These actions include but are not limited to, the following:
9.2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and the safety and tranquility of the civil government and the population.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
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 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
2. The Parties agree to implement all necessary measures to normalize the situation in the conflict-affected areas, to pave the way for, and ensure successful rehabilitation and development of said areas.
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 6, Article IV - Safety and Security Guarantees
2. The safety and security guarantees extended by the Government to the MILF members who are directly and principally involved in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks signed on March 9, 2000 shall remain in full force and effect as a necessary safeguard for the conduct
of the peace talks.

Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
6.2. The Parties shall, upon request, provide the OIC Monitoring Team appropriate Technical and Administrative support, and security escorts in the performance of its functions.

Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
7. The structure of the implementing mechanism on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Peace Agreement of 2001 is attached as annex ÒCÓ and shall form part of this Agreement.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, Article I - Terms of Reference
1. GRP-MILF Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities dated July 18, 1997, including its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997.

Page 1, Article II - Definition of Terms
The following terms shall mean as follows:
1. GRP Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

Page 1, Article II - Definition of Terms
2. MILF Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

Page 1, Article II - Definition of Terms
3. Hostilities - is defined as aggressive or offensive military action such as aircraft bombing, artillery shelling, naval gunfire, attacks, raids, ambuscades, sabotage, and related actions such as kidnapping, hijacking of aircraft, vessels and vehicles, extortion, liquidation, arson, grenade throwing and other terroristic activities. The prohibited hostile acts and prohibited provocative acts specifically enumerated under the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities-Implementing Operational Guidelines
(AGCH-IOG-1997) are embraced in the term hostilities and are construed as such as of the entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.1. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.1.1. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, sabotage, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, robberies, liquidations/assassinations, unjustified arrest, torture, unreasonable search and seizure, summary execution, as well as burning of houses, places of worship and educational institutions, destruction of properties, and abuse of civilians.
3.1.2. Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, ambuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling, reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troops.
3.1.3. Establishment of checkpoints except those necessary for the GRP's enforcement and maintenance of peace and order; and, for the defense and security of the MILF in their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF.

Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
3.2.1. Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.
3.2.2. Providing sanctuary or assistance to criminal or lawless elements.
3.2.3. Massive deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.
3.2.4. Public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the sincerity or credibility of either party in implementing the cessation of hostilities.
3.2.5. Other acts that endanger the safety and security of the people and their properties; and/or that which contribute to the deterioration of peace and order, such as blatant display of firearms.

Page 3, Article II - Definition of Terms
4. Henceforth, should there be a delineation of lines/positions agreed upon by the Parties, any action that projects forces or fire beyond one party's identified line/position shall be considered offensive military operations, which is prohibited
under this Agreement.

Page 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
1. The Parties shall commit their Armed Forces to a general cessation of hostilities pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities of 1997 and its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997, effective upon entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

Page 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
3. The Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of both Parties shall continue to perform their powers and functions in accordance with Rule III, Section 4, of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF General Cessation of Hostilities (AGCH-IAG-1997) dated September 12, 1997.

Page 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
4. Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs) are hereby established in all conflict-affected areas as mutually determined by the Parties.
4.1. To perform the functions of the Independent Fact Finding Committee (IFFC) provided under Rule IV, Section 4, of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF
Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities herein referred to as Annex A.
4.2. To perform the functions of the Quick Response Team (QRT) provided under the Agreement Creating a Quick Response Team dated March 11, 1998 herein referred to as Annex B.

Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
8. The CCCH of each party shall, through their Panels, coordinate with the OIC Monitoring Team to address violations of this Agreement in addition to its powers and functions as provided for in Rule 3 of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country. In the pursuit thereof, confrontational situations between the GRP and MILF forces shall be avoided by prior coordination with the latter. These actions include but are not limited to, the following:
9.1. Peacekeeping and police actions such as preventive patrols, investigations, arrest, searches and seizures undertaken by the Government against criminality, especially against piracy, robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, murder and other criminal
acts.
9.2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and the safety and tranquility of the civil government and the population.
9.3. Hot pursuit of suspects by police and military personnel. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit under the terms of this Agreement.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
11. In cases of alleged violations of this Agreement, the Parties shall refrain from taking offensive or punitive military actions of any type against each other without prior investigation by the CCCH of both Parties in coordination with the OIC Monitoring Team.

Page 6, Annex A, Rule VI - Composition and Functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC)
1. The INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE (IFFC) shall be composed of members from the Interim Cease- fire Monitoring Committee (ICMC) which shall be deemed terminated upon the creation and convening of the IFFC.

Page 6, Annex A, Rule VI - Composition and Functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC)
4. The IFFC shall function under the following terms: a. Conduct fact- finding inquiries on matters referred to it by either COORDINATING COMMITTEE, copy furnished the other COMMITTEE, on alleged violations/infractions of the provisions of this implementing guidelines and ground rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH.

Page 9, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
3. The QRT shall immediately addressed a reported conflict/confrontation between the GRP and the MILF forces. The reports may come from any of the following sources: GRP Panel
and MILF Panel and the IFFC.

Page 9, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
5. The GRP and MILF CCCH shall convene immediately to assess and respond to the reports and findings of the QRT.
Police: Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country. In the pursuit thereof, confrontational situations between the GRP and MILF forces shall be avoided by prior coordination with the latter. These actions include but are not limited to, the following:
9.1. Peacekeeping and police actions such as preventive patrols, investigations, arrest, searches and seizures undertaken by the Government against criminality, especially against piracy, robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, murder and other criminal
acts.
9.3. Hot pursuit of suspects by police and military personnel. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit under the terms of this Agreement.

Page 8, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
2.3. [...] The QRT can avail itself of assistance from the following in the
performance of its duties: b. The PNP Provincial Director of the Province concerned:
Armed forces: Page 1, Article II - Definition of Terms
The following terms shall mean as follows:
1. GRP Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.1. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.1.3. Establishment of checkpoints except those necessary for the GRP's enforcement and maintenance of peace and order; and, for the defense and security of the MILF in their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF.

Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
3.2.3. Massive deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.

Page 3, Article II - Definition of Terms
4. Henceforth, should there be a delineation of lines/positions agreed upon by the Parties, any action that projects forces or fire beyond one party's identified line/position shall be considered offensive military operations, which is prohibited
under this Agreement.

Page 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
1. The Parties shall commit their Armed Forces to a general cessation of hostilities pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities of 1997 and its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997, effective upon entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country. In the pursuit thereof, confrontational situations between the GRP and MILF forces shall be avoided by prior coordination with the latter. These actions include but are not limited to, the following:
9.1. Peacekeeping and police actions such as preventive patrols, investigations, arrest, searches and seizures undertaken by the Government against criminality, especially against piracy, robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, murder and other criminal
acts.
9.2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and the safety and tranquility of the civil government and the population.
9.3. Hot pursuit of suspects by police and military personnel. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit under the terms of this Agreement.

Page 8, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
2.3. [...] The QRT can avail itself of assistance from the following in the
performance of its duties: a. The AFP Commander in the area concerned;

Page 9, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
3. The QRT shall immediately addressed a reported conflict/confrontation between the GRP and the MILF forces. The reports may come from any of the following sources: GRP Panel
and MILF Panel and the IFFC.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1, Article II - Definition of Terms
The following terms shall mean as follows:
2. MILF Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.1. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.1.3. Establishment of checkpoints except those necessary for the GRP's enforcement and maintenance of peace and order; and, for the defense and security of the MILF in their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF.
3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
3.2.1. Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.
3.2.3. Massive deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.

Page 3, Article II - Definition of Terms
4. Henceforth, should there be a delineation of lines/positions agreed upon by the Parties, any action that projects forces or fire beyond one party's identified line/position shall be considered offensive military operations, which is prohibited
under this Agreement.

Page 3, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
1. The Parties shall commit their Armed Forces to a general cessation of hostilities pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities of 1997 and its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997, effective upon entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country. [...] These actions include but are not limited to, the following:
9.2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and the safety and tranquility of the civil government and the population.
9.3. Hot pursuit of suspects by police and military personnel. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit under the terms of this Agreement.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
10. Defensive or protective actions shall also be undertaken by the MILF to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and safety and tranquility of its civilian constituents.

Page 6, Article IV - Safety and Security Guarantees
2. The safety and security guarantees extended by the Government to the MILF members who are directly and principally involved in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks signed on March 9, 2000 shall remain in full force and effect as a necessary safeguard for the conduct
of the peace talks.

Page 6, Article IV - Safety and Security Guarantees
3. MILF members covered by paragraph 1 above shall not be restrained or arrested, searched, seized and harassed on their persons and property in connection with their participation or involvement in the peace talks, except in cases of commission of common crimes such as crimes against persons, chastity, property and other similar offenses.

Page 6, Article IV - Safety and Security Guarantees
4. The GRP and MILF Peace Panel Chairmen shall issue appropriate identification cards to MILF members covered by GRP-MILF Agreement of Safety and Security Guarantees.

Page 8, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
2.3. [...] The QRT can avail itself of assistance from the following in the
performance of its duties: c. The MILF Commander or any other Officers operating in
the area;

Page 9, Annex B, Agreement (Creating a Quick Response Team) - The Operationalization of the QRT
3. The QRT shall immediately addressed a reported conflict/confrontation between the GRP and the MILF forces. The reports may come from any of the following sources: GRP Panel
and MILF Panel and the IFFC.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 2, Article II - Definition of Terms
3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
3.2.2. Providing sanctuary or assistance to criminal or lawless elements.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
9.1. Peacekeeping and police actions such as preventive patrols, investigations, arrest, searches and seizures undertaken by the Government against criminality, especially against piracy, robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, murder and other criminal acts.
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: Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
6. The Parties hereby invite representatives from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), in particular Indonesia, Libya and Malaysia, and other interested OIC member States to observe and monitor the implementation of all GRP-MILF Agreements.

Page 4, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
8. The CCCH of each party shall, through their Panels, coordinate with the OIC Monitoring Team to address violations of this Agreement in addition to its powers and functions as provided for in Rule 3 of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997.

Page 5, Article III - Cessation of Hostilities and Security Arrangements
11. In cases of alleged violations of this Agreement, the Parties shall refrain from taking offensive or punitive military actions of any type against each other without prior investigation by the CCCH of both Parties in coordination with the OIC Monitoring Team.

Page 6, Annex A, Rule VI - Composition and Functions of the Independent Fact-Finding Committee (IFFC)
4. The IFFC shall function under the following terms: a. Conduct fact- finding inquiries on matters referred to it by either COORDINATING COMMITTEE, copy furnished the other COMMITTEE, on alleged violations/infractions of the provisions of this implementing guidelines and ground rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: USIP, GRP-MILF Peace Process: Compilation of Signed Agreements & other related Documents (1997-2010); (MILF Peace Panel/Asia Foundation, 2010), pp. 105-110.

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001

ARTICLE I

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. GRP-MILF Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities dated July 18, 1997, including its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997.

2. General Framework of the Agreement of Intent Between the GRP and the MILF dated August 27, 1998.

3. GRP-MILF Agreement on Safety and Security Guarantees dated March 09, 2000.

4. Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks between the GRP and the MILF signed on March 24, 2001 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

5. Agreement of Peace between the GRP and the MILF signed on June 22, 2001 at Tripoli, Libya.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms shall mean as follows:

1. GRP Forces Ð as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on

July 18, 1997.

2. MILF Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on

July 18, 1997.

3. Hostilities - is defined as aggressive or offensive military action such as aircraft bombing, artillery shelling, naval gunfire, attacks, raids, ambuscades, sabotage, and related actions such as kidnapping, hijacking of aircraft, vessels and vehicles, extortion, liquidation, arson, grenade throwing and other terroristic activities.

The prohibited hostile acts and prohibited provocative acts specifically enumerated under the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities-Implementing Operational Guidelines (AGCH-IOG-1997) are embraced in the term hostilities and are construed as such as of the entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

3.1.The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:

3.1.1.

Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, sabotage, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, robberies,

liquidations/assassinations, unjustified arrest, torture, unreasonable search and seizure, summary execution, as well as

burning of houses, places of worship and educational institutions, destruction of properties, and abuse of civilians.

3.1.2.

Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, ambuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling,

reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troops.

3.1.3.

Establishment of checkpoints except those necessary for the GRP's enforcement and maintenance of peace and order;

and, for the defense and security of the MILF in their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF.

3.2. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:

3.2.1.

Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.

3.2.2.

Providing sanctuary or assistance to criminal or lawless elements.

3.2.3.

Massive deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and

activities.

3.2.4.

Public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the sincerity or credibility of either party in implementing the cessation of hostilities.

3.2.5.

Other acts that endanger the safety and security of the people and their properties;

and/or that which contribute to the deterioration of peace and order, such as blatant display of firearms.

4. Henceforth, should there be a delineation of lines/positions agreed upon by the Parties, any action that projects forces or fire beyond one party's identified line/position shall be considered offensive military operations, which is prohibited under this Agreement.

5. OIC Monitoring Team - representatives of the member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) as referred to in the Tripoli Peace Agreement dated June 22, 2001.

ARTICLE III

CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

1. The Parties shall commit their Armed Forces to a general cessation of hostilities pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities of 1997 and its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997, effective upon entry into force (EIF) of this Agreement.

2. The Parties agree to implement all necessary measures to normalize the situation in the conflict-affected areas, to pave the way for, and ensure successful rehabilitation and development of said areas.

3. The Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of both Parties shall continue to perform their powers and functions in accordance with Rule III, Section 4, of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF General Cessation of Hostilities (AGCH-IAG-1997) dated September 12, 1997.

4. Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs) are hereby established in all conflict-affected areas as mutually determined by the Parties.

4.1. To perform the functions of the Independent Fact Finding Committee (IFFC) provided under Rule IV, Section 4, of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities herein referred to as annex A.

4.2. To perform the functions of the Quick Response Team (QRT) provided under the Agreement Creating a Quick Response Team dated March 11, 1998 herein referred to as annex B.

5. The Local Monitoring Team shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:

5.1. Representative from the Local Government Units, designated by the GRP;

5.2. Representative from the MILF Local Political Committee;

5.3. Representative from NGOs nominated by the GRP;

5.4. Representative from NGOs nominated by the MILF;

and

5.5. Representative from the Religious sector, chosen under mutual agreement;

and The LMTs shall designate their respective Chairman and Co-Chairman.

6. The Parties hereby invite representatives from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), in particular Indonesia, Libya and Malaysia, and other interested OIC member States to observe and monitor the implementation of all GRP-MILF Agreements.

6.1. The OIC Monitoring Team shall formulate its guidelines, procedures and ground rules upon its constitution.

6.2. The Parties shall, upon request, provide the OIC Monitoring Team appropriate Technical and Administrative support, and security escorts in the performance of its functions.

7. The structure of the implementing mechanism on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Peace Agreement of 2001 is attached as

annex C and shall form part of this Agreement.

8. The CCCH of each party shall, through their Panels, coordinate with the OIC Monitoring Team to address violations of this Agreement in addition to its powers and functions as provided for in Rule 3 of the Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997.

9. Police and military actions and administrative/logistic activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao and the entire country.

In the pursuit thereof, confrontational situations between the GRP and MILF forces shall be avoided by prior coordination with the latter.

These actions include but are not limited to, the following:

9.1. Peacekeeping and police actions such as preventive patrols, investigations, arrest, searches and seizures undertaken by the Government against criminality, especially against piracy, robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, murder and other criminal acts.

9.2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and the safety and tranquility of the civil government and the population.

9.3. Hot pursuit of suspects by police and military personnel.

Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit under the terms of this Agreement.

10. Defensive or protective actions shall also be undertaken by the MILF to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of communications and safety and tranquility of its civilian constituents.

11. In cases of alleged violations of this Agreement, the Parties shall refrain from taking offensive or punitive military actions of any type against each other without prior investigation

by the CCCH of both Parties in coordination with the OIC Monitoring Team.

ARTICLE IV

SAFETY AND SECURITY GUARANTEES

1. The Parties shall continue to respect and observe the provisions of the GRP-MILF Agreement of Safety and Security Guarantees dated March 9, 2000.

2. The safety and security guarantees extended by the Government to the MILF members who are directly and principally involved in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks signed on March 9, 2000 shall remain in full force and effect as a necessary safeguard for the conduct of the peace talks.

3. MILF members covered by paragraph 1 above shall not be restrained or arrested, searched, seized and harassed on their persons and property in connection with their participation or involvement in the peace talks, except in cases of commission of common crimes such as crimes against persons, chastity, property and other similar offenses.

4. The GRP and MILF Peace Panel Chairmen shall issue appropriate identification cards to MILF members covered by GRP-MILF Agreement of Safety and Security Guarantees.

ARTICLE V

EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE

This Agreement shall take effect upon signing.

Done on this 7th day of August 2001 at Putrajaya, Malaysia.

For the GRP:

IRENE M. SANTIAGO, Acting Chairperson, GRP Technical Committee

For the MILF:

ATTY.

MUSIB M. BUAT, Chairperson, MILF Technical Committee

Attested by:

ATTY.

JESUS G. DUREZA, Chairman, GRP Peace Panel

AL HAJ MURAD EBRAHIM, Chairman, MILF Peace Panel

(Annex "A")

RULE IV

COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE (IFFC)

1. The INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE (IFFC) shall be composed of members from the Interim Cease- fire Monitoring Committee (ICMC) which shall be deemed terminated upon the creation and convening of the IFFC.

2. Notre Dame University Peace Center and Maguindanao Professionals and Employees Association (MAPEA) representatives shall act as Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the IFFC.

3. Additional membership to the IFFC may be made upon joint approval by the GRP and MILF Panels through their respective

CCCH.

4. The IFFC shall function under the following terms:

a. Conduct fact- finding inquiries on matters referred to it by either COORDINATING COMMITTEE, copy furnished the other COMMITTEE, on alleged violations/infractions of the provisions of this implementing guidelines and ground rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH.

b. Issue appropriate letters of invitation to persons whose declaration/statements may shed light on matters under consideration by the IFFC.

c. Coordinate with other offices and/or organization as may be necessary in the exercise of its functions/tasks.

d. Conduct inquiries and submit reports on the results of the inquiry supported by appropriate evidence to the CCCH with utmost dispatch.

All reports and proceedings shall be considered classified.

Only final reports and proceedings may be divulged to the public by either or both GRP and the MILF Panel.

e. Adopt such internal procedure as may be appropriate to enable it to expeditiously perform its task and submit the same to the CCCH for its notation and approval.

f. Employ the expertise of certain impartial persons or organizations in the performance of its assigned tasks.

g. Perform such other acts as may be jointly determined to be necessary by the CCCH for the accomplishment of its assigned tasks.

(Annex "B")

AGREEMENT

(Creating a Quick Response Team)

THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE QRT

1. The official office and Address of the QRT is at the Notre Dame University Peace Education Center in Colabato City.

Sub-offices on other areas may be opened as the need arises.

2. The QRT shall be composed of the following:

2.1. GRP Representatives, three (3) permanent members from the Secretariat of the GRP CCCH, three (3) alternative members;

2.2. MILF - Representatives, three (3) permanent members from the Secretariat of the MILF CCCH, three (3) alternative members;

2.3. IFFC principals:

one representative each from the Notre Dame University (NDU), Maguindanao Professionals, and Employees Association Inc. MAPEA and Cotabato City Media Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCMMPC).

Additional membership to the IFFC may be made upon joint approval by the GRP and MILF Panels through their respective CCCH.

The names of the alternate members to the QRT will be submitted as soon as possible.

The QRT can avail itself of assistance from the following in the performance of its duties:

a. The AFP Commander in the area concerned;

b. The PNP Provincial Director of the Province concerned:

c. The MILF Commander or any other Officers operating in the area;

and

d. The POCs in the Region, Province and Municipality concerned.

3. The QRT shall immediately addressed a reported conflict/confrontation between the GRP and the MILF forces.

The reports may come from any of the following sources:

GRP Panel and MILF Panel and the IFFC.

4. Upon receipt of the report, the QRT Chairman shall immediately convene the QRT, make proper presentation to the two principals and coordinate with the local commanders through the official representatives of both the GRP and the MILF regarding the quick response.

It may conduct ocular inspections to assess and defuse the tension of the conflict.

5. The GRP and MILF CCCH shall convene immediately to assess and respond to the reports and findings of the QRT.

(Annex "C")

STRUCTURE OF THE IMPLEMENTING MECHANISM UNDER THE DRAFT IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES ON THE SECURITY ASPECT OF THE

TRIPOLI AGREEMENT OF 2001