Rules and Procedures in the Administration of the Joint Secretariat of the Joint GRF-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Rules and Procedures in the Administration of the Joint Secretariat of the Joint GRF-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities
Date: 18 May 1999
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: For the GRP:
B. Gen. José I T Torrelavega, AFP, GRP CCCH Chairman;
S. Supt. Jainal I Jamasali, PNP Member;
Ltc. Ricardo B. Torrevillas, PA Member;
Maj. Policarpio Zacarias, PA Member;
For the MILF:
Sultan Saifoden Tomawis, MILF CCCH Chairman;
Badawi “Boy” Hashim, Member;
Gerry Abubakar, Member;
Atty. Guinaid S. Paduman, Member
Third parties: -
Description: Agreement to implement Agreement to Reaffirm the Pursuit of Peace (Feb 10, 1999), creating offices of the Secretariat to the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities.

Agreement document: PH_990518_Rules and Procedures in Administration of Joint Secretariat.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: 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: 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: Page 4, Article 5: Office of the Responsible Supply Officer
Section 4: Staffing
[...]
The CCCH, upon mutual agreement, may require and appoint similar and additional personnel necessary for the maintenance and/or security of the Principal and/or Field Coordinating Offices.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, Untitled Preamble
In pursuance of the Agreement to Reaffirm the Pursuit of Peace dated and signed on 10
February 1999 at Da’wah Center, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao that
provided for the activation of the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee on Cessation of
Hostilities, and to ensure the smooth flow of activities in the implementation of the ACGH during the peace process, the following Offices of the Secretariat is hereby created, including the functions thereof, as follows: [...]

Page 1, Article 1: Joint Office of the Chairpersons
Section 1: There is hereby created a Joint Office of the Chairpersons composed of the Chairpersons of the Secretariat from each of the Committee.
Section 2: Each Committee shall designate one member of its Secretariat to be the Chairperson of its respective Secretariat.
Section 3: b. Ensure that instructions from the Committee are complied with expeditiously through the coordinative efforts of the members of the Secretariat.
d. Recommend to the CCCH the appointment of the following positions including
clerks or drivers.

Page 1, Article 2: Joint Office of the Heads for Operations
Section 2: The Heads for Operations shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
2.2.a. Plan, coordinate for and orchestrate all external activities of the CCCH in the implementation of its plans and programs.
2.2.b. Maintain a file of all reports of the CCCH in connection with the conduct of its activities, including but not limited to, verification, visitation and/or investigations and any other similar reports as directed by the Committee.

Page 2, Article 3: Joint Offices of the Heads for Administration
Section 2
The Heads for Administration shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
3.2.a. Plan, prepare and coordinate for all internal activities of the CCCH including but not limited to, the preparation of meeting venue, sending of letters of invitation to the CCCH members and Secretariat, and other persons at the instruction of the Chairpersons or the CCCH itself.
3.2.c. Provide administrative as well as financial support in coordination with the RSO, if available, to the CCCH when directed and/or to the Secretariat when requested.

Page 3, Article 5: Office of the Responsible Supply Officer
Section 2: The Responsible Supply Officer shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
a. Plan, prepare and coordinate for the availability of logistical and/or financial support for the CCCH and/or the Secretariat.
b. Receive and maintain all government properties that may be made available to the CCCH and/or the Secretariat in accordance with existing government policies and regulations therefor.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
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: INCORE, GRP-MILF Peace Process: Compilation of Signed Agreements & other related Documents (1997-2010); (MILF Peace Panel/Asia Foundation, 2010), pp. 57-61.

In the Name of God The Beneficent, The Merciful

Rules and Procedures in the Administration of the Joint Secretariat of the Joint GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities

In pursuance of the Agreement to Reaffirm the Pursuit of Peace dated and signed on 10 February 1999 at Da’wah Center, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao that provided for the activation of the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities, and to ensure the smooth flow of activities in the implementation of the ACGH during the peace process, the following Offices of the Secretariat is hereby created, including the functions thereof, as follows:

Article 1:

Joint Office of the Chairpersons

Section 1

There is hereby created a Joint Office of the Chairpersons composed of the Chairpersons of the Secretariat from each of the Committee.

Section 2

Each Committee shall designate one member of its Secretariat to be the Chairperson of its respective Secretariat.

Section 3

The Chairpersons shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Exercise supervision over all activities of the Secretariat.

b. Ensure that instructions from the Committee are complied with expeditiously through the coordinative efforts of the members of the Secretariat.

c. Formulate policies and procedures for the betterment of the Secretariat.

d. Recommend to the CCCH the appointment of the following positions including clerks or drivers.

e. Perform other tasks on orders from the Committee.

Article 2:

Joint Office of the Heads for Operations

Section 1

There is hereby created a Joint Office of the Heads for Operations composed of one representative each from the respective Secretariat of both Committees.

Section 2

The Heads for Operations shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Plan, coordinate for and orchestrate all external activities of the CCCH in the implementation of its plans and programs.

b. Maintain a file of all reports of the CCCH in connection with the conduct of its activities, including but not limited to, verifications, visitation and/or investigations and any other similar reports as directed by the Committee.

c. Prepare reports for the concurrence and signature of the Chairpersons regarding its activities and when directed by the Committee.

d. Perform other tasks as may be directed by the Chairpersons.

Article 3:

Joint Offices of the Heads for Administration

Section 1

There is hereby created a Joint Offices of the Heads for Administration composed of one representative each from the respective Secretariat of both Committees.

Section 2

The Heads for Administration shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Plan, prepare and coordinate for all internal activities of the CCCH including but not limited to, the preparation of meeting venue, sending of letters of invitation to the CCCH members and Secretariat, and other persons at the instruction of the Chairpersons or the CCCH itself.

b. Prepare and maintain a file of minutes of meetings of the CCCH, except otherwise instructed by the Chairperson or the CCCH itself.

c. Provide administrative as well as financial support in coordination with the RSO, if available, to the CCCH when directed and/or to the Secretariat when requested.

d. Maintain records of all forms of support received and extended to the CCCH and/or the Secretariat.

e. Maintain the Principal Office and/or Field Offices when established.

f. Publish Office Orders of Designation and/or Relief and policies or instructions as directed by the Chairpersons.

g. Recommend to the Chairpersons the candidates for the positions of clerks or drivers.

h. Perform other tasks as may be directed by the Chairpersons.

Article 4:

Joint Offices of the Press Relations Officers

Section 1

There is hereby created a Joint Offices of the Press Relations Officers composed of one representative each from the respective Secretariat of both Committees.

Section 2

The Press Relations Officers shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Prepare press releases when directed by the CCCH or the Chairpersons.

b. When expressly approved by the CCCH, publish press releases and/or grant interviews for the media.

c. Plan, prepare and coordinate for the conduct of press conferences when directed

by the CCCH.

d. Perform other tasks as may be directed by the CCCH and/or the Chairpersons.

Article 5:

Office of the Responsible Supply Officer

Section 1

There is hereby created an Office of the Responsible Supply Officer whose Head shall be designated from among the members of the GRP Secretariat qualified under existing government regulations and policies for such position.

Section 2

The Responsible Supply Officer shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Plan, prepare and coordinate for the availability of logistical and/or financial support for the CCCH and/or the Secretariat.

b. Receive and maintain all government properties that may be made available to the CCCH and/or the Secretariat in accordance with existing government policies and regulations therefor.

c. Ensure the proper maintenance and availability of equipment and/or vehicles for use of the CCCH and/or the Secretariat.

d. Perform other tasks as may be directed by the CCCH and/or the Chairpersons.

Article 6:

General Provisions

Section 1:

Provincial Office

The principal office of the CCCH and of the Secretariat shall be established in Cotabato City.

Section 2:

Field Coordinating Offices

When agreed upon and deemed appropriate and necessary by the CCCH, Field Coordinating Offices may be established in any area outside Cotabato City for the purpose of assisting the Principle Office in the performance of its duties and functions.

Section 3:

Designation and Relief

All designation to and/or relief from any of the aforementioned offices/positions of the members of the Secretariat shall be duly covered by published Office Orders to the appropriate effect.

Designations shall be subject to the approval of the Committee en banc based on the recommendations of the Chairpersons.

Section 4:

Staffing

Unless otherwise agreed by the CCCH and subject to the availability of funds therefor, two (2) civilian office clerks and two (2) drivers shall be appointed.

The Office of the Joint Chairpersons shall recommend to the CCCH candidates for the aforementioned positions.

The CCCH shall decide en banc the approval or disapproval of this matter.

The CCCH, upon mutual agreement, may require and appoint similar and additional personnel necessary for the maintenance and/or security of the Principal and/or Field Coordinating Offices.

Adopted and signed this 18th day of May, 1999 at Estosan Hotel.

For the GRP:

B. Gen. José I T Torrelavega, AFP

Chairman, GRP CCCH

S. Supt.

Jainal I Jamasali, PNP

Member

Ltc. Ricardo B. Torrevillas, PA

Member

Maj. Policarpio Zacarias, PA

Member

For the MILF:

Sultan Saifoden Tomawis

Chairman, MILF CCCH

Badawi “Boy” Hashim

Member

Gerry Abubakar

Member

Atty.

Guinaid S. Paduman

Member