Implementing Operational Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Implementing Operational Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities
Date: 14 Nov 1997
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: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: MGen. Joselin B. Nazareno, AFP, GRP Sub-Committee on Cessation of Hostilities Chairman;
Atty. Omar B. Umpar, MILF Sub-Committee on Cessation of Hostilities Acting Chairman and MILF Legal Counsel
Third parties: Witnesses for GRP:
C/Supt. Franco M. Calida, PNP, GRP SCCH Member;
Capt. Rolando T. Garcia, PNP, GRP SCCH Member;
Col. Manual B. Ibanez Jr., AFP, GRP SCCH Member;
Col. Jose G. Corales, AFP, GRP SCCH Member;
Lt. Col. Rudy So, AFP, GRP SCCH Member;
MGen. Oswaldo Villanueva (Ret.), GRP-SPAG Executive Director;

Witnesses for MILF:
Saipoden Tomawis, MILF SCCH Member;
Badawi Hashim, MILF SCCH Member;
Usman Mangkabong, MILF SCCH Member;
Jaapa J. Ujajan, MILF SCCH Member;
Elias Macarandas, MILF SCCH Member;
Abdulmanaf Mantawil, MILF Secretariat Chairman;

Attested by:
Lt. Gen. Orlando V. Soriano (Ret.), GRP Panel Chairman;
Aleem Abdulazis Mimbantas, MILF Panel Chairman
Description: Listed prohibited hostile and provocative acts, and actions exempted from cessation of hostilities. Also outlined ground rules and provided for observation of cessation of hostilities and conduct of inquiry by the GRP-MILF Coordination Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCHC) and action to be taken by the GRP and MILF if their forces violate the guidelines and ground rules. Other provisions dealt with security of the GRP and MILF Panels and CCCH members and relationships between the CCCH and the GRP and MILF forces.

Agreement document: PH_971114_Implementing Operational Guidelines 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: No specific mention.
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: 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: No specific mention.
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: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Life
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Torture
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Liberty and security of person
Page 1, Article 1 Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.

Page 2, Article I Definition of Terms
4.e. 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.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Humane treatment in detention
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Fair trial
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.
Socio-economic rights: Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Property
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.

Page 2, Article I Definition of Terms
4.e. 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.
Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Education
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.
Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Cultural life
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.

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 2, Article I Definition of Terms
4.d. Public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the sincerity or credibility of either party in implementing the cessation of hostilities.

Page 2, Article II Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities
[...] These actions include, but are not limited to, the following:
2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP and MILF 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: No specific mention.
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: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
1. GRP Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

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

Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.a. Terroristic acts such as kidnapping, hijacking, piracy, arson, bombings, grenade throwing, 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.b. Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, abuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling, reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troop.
3.c 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 1, Article I Definition of Terms
4. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
4.a. Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.
4.c. Massive Deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.

Page 2, Article 1 Definition of Terms
4.d. Public pronouncements that will tend to undermine the sincerity or credibility of either party in implementing the cessation of hostilities.
4.e. 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 2, Article II Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities
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 therefor, 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:
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.
2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP and MILF 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.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
1. The GRP and MILF shall desist from committing any prohibited hostile and provocative acts, as described in this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
4. Observation of cessation of hostilities and conduct of inquiry by the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
4.a. The CCCH shall promptly, motu proprio or as directed by the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, conduct inquiry on alleged violations of cessation of hostilities pursuant to this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.
4.b. The CCCH shall inform immediately the commanders of GRP and MILF forces whose units or members are alleged to be violating this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP and MILF to take immediate and necessary actions to stop any violation and punish respective forced who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.
4.c. The CCCH Report of inquiry shall be submitted directly to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, with copies furnished to the GRP and MILF Commanders concerned.
4.d. The CCCH will coordinate its visits, inspections, and inquiries with GRP and MILF officials concerned. The CCCH shall be provided information, data or evidence needed for their conduct of inquiry.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
5. Disposition of violations of cessation of hostilities - the GRP and the MILF will take appropriate actions on their respective forces who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
6. Security of the GRP and MILF Panels and CCCH Members
6.a The GRP and the MILF shall be responsible for the security of the Members of the CCCH especially in the performance of the latter's functions. members of the GRP and MILF Panels and CCCH, however, will be allowed to have armed security. The number of security personnel and firearms shall be mutually agreed upon.
6.b. Authority to carry firearms by the armed security shall be issued by the GRP and MILF Commanders on the ground to be confirmed by the GRP-MILF CCCH. [...]

Page 4, Article IV Relationships
1. Coordinating Committees on the General Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the GRP and MILF forces. - The GRP Members of the CCCH shall coordinate directly or through the Chain of Command or authority of the GRP agencies concerned in matter pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of the Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH. In like manner, the MILF Members of the CCCH shall coordinate with MILF unites directly or through their own channels of command. Lateral coordination between/among the GRP-MILF CCCH members is encouraged.

Page 4, Article IV Relationships
2. Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities to GRP-MILF Peace Panels
2.a. The Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities is an advisory body to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels on the matter of implementation of this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.
2.b. Unresolved matters within the CCCH shall be elevated to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels for disposition.
Police: Page 2, Article II Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities
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 therefor, 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:
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.
Armed forces: Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
1. GRP Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.b. Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, abuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling, reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troop.
3.c 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 1, Article I Definition of Terms
4. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
4.c. Massive Deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.

Page 2, Article II Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities
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 therefor, 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:
2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP and MILF 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.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
1. The GRP and MILF shall desist from committing any prohibited hostile and provocative acts, as described in this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
2. Movement of MILF forces outside their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF CCCH, shall be coordinated by concerned MILF commanders to the GRP forces' commanders for clearance prior to said movements.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
4.b. The CCCH shall inform immediately the commanders of GRP and MILF forces whose units or members are alleged to be violating this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP and MILF to take immediate and necessary actions to stop any violation and punish respective forced who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.
4.c. The CCCH Report of inquiry shall be submitted directly to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, with copies furnished to the GRP and MILF Commanders concerned.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
5. Disposition of violations of cessation of hostilities - The GRP and the MILF will take appropriate actions on their respective forces who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
6.b. Authority to carry firearms by the armed security shall be issued by the GRP and MILF Commanders on the ground to be confirmed by the GRP-MILF CCCH. [...]

Page 4, Article IV Relationships
1. Coordinating Committees on the General Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the GRP and MILF forces. - The GRP Members of the CCCH shall coordinate directly or through the Chain of Command or authority of the GRP agencies concerned in matter pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of the Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH. In like manner, the MILF Members of the CCCH shall coordinate with MILF unites directly or through their own channels of command. Lateral coordination between/among the GRP-MILF CCCH members is encouraged.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
3. Forces not identified by the GRP and MILF CCCH shall be deemed not covered by this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

~

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

Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:
3.b. Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, abuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling, reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troop.
3.c 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 1, Article I Definition of Terms
4. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:
4.a. Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.
4.c. Massive Deployment and/or movement of GRP and MILF forces which are not normal administrative functions and activities.

Page 2, Article II Actions Exempted from Cessation of Hostilities
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 therefor, 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:
[...] 2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP and MILF 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.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
1. The GRP and MILF shall desist from committing any prohibited hostile and provocative acts, as described in this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 2, Article III Ground Rules
2. Movement of MILF forces outside their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF CCCH, shall be coordinated by concerned MILF commanders to the GRP forces' commanders for clearance prior to said movements.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
4.b. The CCCH shall inform immediately the commanders of GRP and MILF forces whose units or members are alleged to be violating this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP and MILF to take immediate and necessary actions to stop any violation and punish respective forced who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.
4.c. The CCCH Report of inquiry shall be submitted directly to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, with copies furnished to the GRP and MILF Commanders concerned.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
5. Disposition of violations of cessation of hostilities - The GRP and the MILF will take appropriate actions on their respective forces who violate this Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

Page 3, Article III Ground Rules
6.b. Authority to carry firearms by the armed security shall be issued by the GRP and MILF Commanders on the ground to be confirmed by the GRP-MILF CCCH. [...]

Page 4, Article IV Relationships
1. Coordinating Committees on the General Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the GRP and MILF forces. - The GRP Members of the CCCH shall coordinate directly or through the Chain of Command or authority of the GRP agencies concerned in matter pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of the Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH. In like manner, the MILF Members of the CCCH shall coordinate with MILF unites directly or through their own channels of command. Lateral coordination between/among the GRP-MILF CCCH members is encouraged.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 1, Article I Definition of Terms
4. The following are considered non-identified MILF areas
4.b. Providing sanctuary or assistance to criminal or lawless elements.
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: Entire agreement concerns establishing enforcement mechanisms for the GRP-MILF Agreement. See Ceasefire.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: https://peacemaker.un.org/philippines-implementingguidelines97

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST BENEFICENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL

IMPLEMENTING OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES OF THE GRP-MILF AGREEMENT ON THE GENERAL CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

ARTICLE I

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. GRP Forces - as referred to in the GRP-MILF Agreement on 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 on the General Cessation of Hostilities signed in Cagayan de Oro City on July 18, 1997.

3. The following are considered prohibited hostile acts:

a. 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.

b. Aggressive action such as attacks, raids, ambuscades, landminings, and offensive military actions such as shelling, reconnoitering, and unjustified massing of troops.

c. 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.

4. The following are considered prohibited provocative acts:

a. Display of MILF flag in non-identified MILF areas.

b. Providing sanctuary of assistance to criminal or lawless elements.

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

Id. Public pronouncements

IMPLEMENTING OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES and GROUND RULES

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

e. 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.

ARTICLE II

ACTIONS EXEMPTED

FROM CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

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:

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.

2. Defensive or protective actions of the GRP and MILF to ensure the security of its forces, facilities, installations, equipment and lines of Communications, and the safety and tranquillity of the civil government and the population.

ARTICLE III

GROUND RULES

1. The GRP and MILF shall desist from committing any prohibited hostile and provocative acts, as described in this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

2. Movement of MILF forces outside their identified areas, as jointly determined by the GRP and MILF CCCH, shall be coordinated by Concerned MILF commanders to the GRP forces' commanders for clearance prior to said movements.

3. Forces not identified by the GRP and MILF CCCH shall be - deemed not covered by this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

4. Observation of cessation of hostilities and conduct of inquiry by the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

IMPLEMENTING OPERATIONAL

GUIDELINES and GROUND RULES

a. The CCCH shall-promptly, motu proprio or as directed by the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, conduct inquiry on alleged violations of cessation of hostilities pursuant to this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

b. The CCCH shall inform immediately the commanders of GRP and MILF forces whose units or members are alleged to be violating this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

It shall be the responsibility of the GRP and MILF to take immediate and necessary actions to stop any violation and punish respective forces who violate this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

C. The CCCH report of inquiry shall be submitted directly to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, with copies furnished to the GRP and MILF Commanders concerned.

d. The CCCH will coordinate its visits, inspections, and inquiries with GRP and MILF officials concerned.

The CCCH shall be provided information, data or evidence needed for their conduct of inquiry.

5. Disposition of violations of cessation of hostilities.

The GRP and the MILF will take appropriate actions on their respective forces who violate this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

6. Security of the GRP and MILF Panels and CCCH Members

a. The GRP and the MILF shall be responsible for the security of the Members of the CCCH especially in the performance of the latter's functions.

Members of the GRP and MILF Panels and CCCH, however, will be allowed to have armed security.

The number of security personnel and firearms shall be mutually agreed upon.

b. Authority to carry firearms by the armed security shall be issued by the GRP and the MILF Commanders on the ground to be confirmed by the GRP-MILF CCCH.

Area of coverage will be the area of effectivity as mentioned in Rule V of the implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF AGCH to include areas while in transit performing official duties as MILF Panel armed security.

IMPLEMENTING OPERATIONAL IV

GUIDELINES and GROUND RULES

ARTICLE IV

RELATIONSHIPS

1. Coordinating Committees on the General Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the GRP and MILF forces.

. The GRP Members of the Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) shall coordinate directly or through the Chain of Command or authority of the GRP agencies concerned in matters pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of the Implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules of the GRP-MILF AGCH.

In like manner, the MILF Members of the CCCH shall coordinate with MILF units directly or through their own channels of Command.

Lateral coordination between/among the GRP-MILF CCCH members is encouraged.

2. Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities to GRP-MILF Peace Panels.

a. The Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities is an advisory body to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels on the matter of implementation of this implementing Guidelines and Ground Rules.

b. Unresolved matters within the Coordinating Committee.

On Cessation of Hostilities shall be elevated to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels for disposition.

SIGNED IN THE CITY OF MARAWI THIS 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1997.

For the GRP:

MEGEN JOSELIN B. NAZARENO, AFP (CHAIRMAN, GRP SUB-COMMITTEE ON CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

WITNESSES:

C.SUPT.

FRANCO M. CALIDA, PNP (MEMBER, GRP SCCH)

CAPT.

ROLANDO T. GARCIA, (PN MEMBER, GRP SCCH)

COL. MANUEL B. IBANEZ, JR., (

PA) MEMBER, GRP SCCH)

COL. JOSE G. CORALES,(PA MEMBER, GRP SCCH)

LT.COL.

RUDY SO, (PA MEMBER, GRP SCCH)

MEGEN.

OSWALDO VILLANUEVA (RET) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GRP-SPAG)

ARRESTED BY:

LITGEN ORLANDO V SORIANO (RET) CHAIRMAN, GRP PANEL)

For the MILF:

ATTY.

OMAR B. UMPAR (MILF Legal Counsel and Acting Chairman, MILF Sub-Committee On Cessation Of HOStilities)

WITNESSES:

SAIPODEN TOMAWIS (MEMBER, MILF SCCH)

BADAWI HASHIM (MEMBER, MILF SCCH)

USMAN MANGKABONG (MEMBER, MILF SCCH)

JAAPAL J. UJAJAN (MEMBER, MILD SCCH

ELLIAS MACARANSA (MEMBER, MILF SCCH)

ABDULMANAF MANIAWIL (CHAIRMAN, MILF SECRETARIAT)

ARRESTED BY:

ALEEM ÁBDULAZIS MIMBANTAS (Chairman, MILF Panel)