Aide Memoire: Highlights of the Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF Peace Panels

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Aide Memoire: Highlights of the Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF Peace Panels
Date: 27 Apr 2000
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Philippine Insurgencies (1968 - )
The Maoist Insurgencies (1968 - )

Philippines-NDF

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

Philippines-Cordillera

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

Philippines-RPM-P

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

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

The Moro Insurgency (1968 - )

Philippines-Mindanao

The Moro Insurgency began in 1968, in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago after the killing of Moro Commandos, the so-called Jabidah Massacre, by the Philippine Army following a plot to invade Sabah province in Malaysia. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) captured a swath of territory in the mid-1970s. In an attempt to stem the violence, the constitution was reformed and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created 1990 granting a devolution of power to the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Following the establishment of the ARMM, the MNLF splintered into a range of smaller groups including Islamic factions such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayef Goup (ASG). The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed in 2014.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: Alma R. Evangelista, GRP Technical Committee Chairperson;
Sheikh Moner M. Bajunaid, MILF Technical Committee Chairman
Third parties: Noted by: Lt. Gen Edgardo E. Batenga, AFP (Ret.), GRP Peace Panel Chairman; Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, MILF Peace Panel Acting Chairman
Description: Agreement informing on the Special Meeting between GRP and MILF Peace Panels to review and assess the status of their ongoing peace negotiations. During, it was agreed that the GRP shall prepare a paper on the proposed political package, to which the MILF would then review and prepare a position paper on. It was also agreed that efforts towards normalization in Mindanao would include the CCCH to review and submit recommendations to the Technical Committees on matters relating to proposals that the GRP and MILF units remain in current positions, the PNP take over security measures along the Narciso Ramos Highway, and that the CCCH delineate the perimeters of the MILF Camp Abubakar. The Parties also scheduled future meetings of the Peace Panels, Technical Committees, and Technical Working Groups (TWGs), concluding with an understanding that future press statements/releases, in the interest of the peace process and the cessation of hostilities, be positive in nature.

Agreement document: PH_000427_Aide Memoire.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: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 2, 3. [...] On the Issuance of Press Releases -- It was agreed that in the interest of moving the peace process forward, and to avoid the possible agitation of ground forces, both GRP and MILF should make efforts to be positive in issuing public statements and press releases.
Mobility/access: Page 1, 2.c. Towards normalizing the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF Technical Committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level:
2.c.1. for the PNP to take over ensuring security and law and order at the highway
2.c.2. for GRP and MILF unites to remain in their current positions
2.c.3. for Joint CCCH to submit its paper on the matter on or before 15 May 2000.
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 1, 2. On Efforts Towards Normalization of the Situation in Mindanao, with Specific Reference to Central Mindanao:
a. Both Panel Chairman agreed on the need to work towards normalization of the situation in Mindanao, specifically Central Mindanao, for the sake of the people and the peace process.
b. It was also agreed that there is a need to pursue the ongoing peace process between the GRP and MILF in order to achieve stability and development in Mindanao.
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, 2.c. Towards normalizing the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF Technical Committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level:
2.c.1. for the PNP to take over ensuring security and law and order at the highway
2.c.2. for GRP and MILF unites to remain in their current positions
2.c.3. for Joint CCCH to submit its paper on the matter on or before 15 May 2000.

Page 1, 2.d. Towards defusing current tensions in the vicinity of Camp Abubakar, the CCCH shall also be tasked to delineate the limits/perimeter of the camp, in line with the letter and spirit of the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities. A report on this matter shall likewise be submitted to the Technical Committees on or before 15 May 2000.

Page 2, 2. [...] It is understood that police and military actions and administrative activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao, with continuing coordination between the GRP and MILF forces to avoid confrontational situations on the ground.

Page 2, 2.e. Towards likewise normalizing the situation and defusing tensions in Lanao del Norte, the CCCH is also tasked to prepare its recommendations on the matter for submission to the Technical Committees also on or before 15 May 2000.

Page 2, 3. [...] On the Issuance of Press Releases -- It was agreed that in the interest of moving the peace process forward, and to avoid the possible agitation of ground forces, both GRP and MILF should make efforts to be positive in issuing public statements and press releases.
Police: Page 1, 2.c. Towards normalizing the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF Technical Committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level:
2.c.1. for the PNP to take over ensuring security and law and order at the highway

Page 2, 2. [...] It is understood that police and military actions and administrative activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao, with continuing coordination between the GRP and MILF forces to avoid confrontational situations on the ground.
Armed forces: Page 1, 2.c. Towards normalizing the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF Technical Committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level: [...]
2.c.2. for GRP and MILF unites to remain in their current positions

Page 2, 2. [...] It is understood that police and military actions and administrative activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao, with continuing coordination between the GRP and MILF forces to avoid confrontational situations on the ground.

Page 2, 3. [...] On the Issuance of Press Releases -- It was agreed that in the interest of moving the peace process forward, and to avoid the possible agitation of ground forces, both GRP and MILF should make efforts to be positive in issuing public statements and press releases.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1, 2.c. Towards normalizing the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF Technical Committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level: [...]
2.c.2. for GRP and MILF unites to remain in their current positions

Page 1, 2.d. Towards defusing current tensions in the vicinity of Camp Abubakar, the CCCH shall also be tasked to delineate the limits/perimeter of the camp, in line with the letter and spirit of the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities. [...]

Page 2, 2. [...] It is understood that police and military actions and administrative activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao, with continuing coordination between the GRP and MILF forces to avoid confrontational situations on the ground.

Page 2, 3. [...] On the Issuance of Press Releases -- It was agreed that in the interest of moving the peace process forward, and to avoid the possible agitation of ground forces, both GRP and MILF should make efforts to be positive in issuing public statements and press releases.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

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

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: GRP-MILF Peace Process: Compilation of Signed Agreements & other related Documents (1997-2010); (MILF Peace Panel/Asia Foundation, 2010), p. 92-93.

Aide Memoire

Highlights of the special meeting of the GRP and MILF peace panels Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City, 27 April 2000

The GRP and MILF Peace Panel held a Special meeting today at the Estosan hotel;

Cotabato city to review and assess the status of their ongoing peace negotiations.

Following in a summary of the agreement reached between Lt.

Gen. Edgardo E. Batenga AFP (ret), Chairman GRP Peace Panel, and vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, Acting Chairman, MILF Peace Panel:

On the proposed political package for discussion in the negotiations

It was agreed that the GRP shall prepare a paper on the proposed political package, which shall be presented to the MILF as soon as possible, possibly within 72 hours from date of this meeting.

Upon receipt of the GRP proposal, the MILF shall have enough time for consultation and to prepare their comments/positions to the GRPs proposed political package within reasonable time.

On efforts towards normalization of the situation in Mindanao, with specific reference to central Mindanao

Both panel chairmen agreed on the need to work towards normalisation of the situation in Mindanao, specifically central Mindanao, for the sake of the people and the peace process.

It was also agreed that there is a need to pursue the ongoing peace process between the GRP and MILF in order to achieve stability and development in Mindanao

Towards normalising the situation along the Narciso Ramos Highway, both Chairmen agreed to task the CCCH to study the following proposal and submit its recommendations to the GRP-MILF technical committees for review prior to discussion/approval/disapproval at the Panel level.

For the PNP to take over ensuring security and law and order at the highway

For GRP and MILF units to remain in their current positions

For the joint CCCH to submit its paper on the matter on or before the 15 May 2000.

Towards defusing current tensions in the vicinity of Camp Abubakar, the CCCH shall also be tasked to delineate the limits/perimeter of the same, in line with the letter and spirit of the agreement on the general cessation of Hostilities.

A report on this matter shall likewise be submitted to the Technical Committees on or before 15 May 200.

Towards likewise normalising the situation and defusing tensions in Lanao Del Norte, the CCCH is also tasked to prepare its recommendations on the matter, for submission to the Technical Committee also on or before 15 May.

It is understood that police and military actions and administrative activities shall continue to be undertaken by the GRP throughout Mindanao, with continuing coordination between the GRP and MILF forces to avoid confrontational situations on the ground.

3) On schedules for meetings of the GRP and MILF Peace Panels, Technical Committees and Technical working Groups (TWGs)

a. The fourth Round of formal talks between the GRP and MILF previously scheduled for 2 May 2000 shall be re-scheduled to 16-17 May 2000 in Cotabato City.

Preparatory to the Fourth Round of formal talks, the GRP and MILF technical Committees will meet on 13 May 2000 also in Cotabato City.

The GRP and MILF TWGS shall meet on 4 May 2000 in Cotabato City to clarify pointers on the substantive agenda items, and will continue to hold meetings as necessary between 5-15 May 2000.

On issues of press release

It was agreed that in the interest of moving the peace process forward and to avoid the possible agitation of ground forces, both GRP and MILF should make efforts to be positive in issuing public statements and press release.

For the GRP:

ALMA R. EVANGELISTA (Chairperson, GRP Technical Committee)

Noted:

For the GRP

LT.GEN.EDGARDO E. BATENGA AFP (Ret.) (

Chairman, GRP Peace Panel)

For the MILF

SHEIKH MONER M. BAJUNAID (Chairman, MILF Technical Committee)

Noted:

For the MILF

VICE CHAIRMAN CHAZALI JAAFAR (Acting Chairman, MILF Peace Panel)