Manual of Instructions for CCCH and LMTs

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Manual of Instructions for CCCH and LMTs
Date: 18 Oct 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: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: P.A. Jesus G. Dureza, GPNP for Talks with the MILF, Chairman;
Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Panel Chairman
Third parties: Witnessed by: Atty. Musib M. Buat, MILF Technical Committee Chairperson; ADG Lenonida F. Brusas, GRP Technical Committee Chairperson
Description: Agreement by the GRP and MILF Peace Panels on the mandate, composition, applicability, powers and functions, and rules and procedures of the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs). This Agreement is to implement the Implementing Guidelines of the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

Agreement document: PH_011018_Manual of Instructions.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 2, I. Mandate, 2. LMTs
c) The LMTs shall be composed of five members, one each from the following: [...] 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: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

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

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 2, I. Mandate, 2. LMTs
c) The LMTs shall be composed of five members, one each from the following: [...] Representative from NGOs nominated by the GRP; Representative from NGOs nominated by the MILF; Representative from the Religious sector, chosen under mutual agreement.

Page 4, III. Powers and Functions, 2. LMTs
The LMTs shall have the following powers and functions: [...] e. Employ th expertise of certain impartial persons or organizations in the performance of its assigned tasks.
Traditional/religious leaders: Page 2, I. Mandate, 2. LMTs
c) The LMTs shall be composed of five members, one each from the following: [...] 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: 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→Other
Page 5, IV. Rules and Procedures, A. In the conduct of meetings of the GRP and MILF CCCH, the following internal rules and procedures are hereby adopted:
2.i. Note: v. Press/media will only be allowed during the Formal Opening and Closing parts of the meeting/session.
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→General commitments
Page 1, Untitled Preamble -- This Manual of Instruction is hereby adopted by the GRP and MILF Peace Panels for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs). It prescribes the instructions to the CCCH and LMTs in implementing the Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

Page 1, I. Mandate, 1. CCCH
a.) The CCCH of both Parties shall 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 dated September 12, 1997. [...]

Page 1, I. Mandate, 1. CCCH
d.) The GRP and the MILF Coordinating Committees shall hold a regular coordinating meeting once a month to discuss matters relative to the implementation of the Implementing Guidelines of the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001. A special coordinating meeting may be called as the need arises.

Page 1, I. Mandate, 1. CCCH
e.) The GRP-MILF CCCH is hereby authorized, as an extension of the authority of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, to relay orders to the military field commanders of both parties once they have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

Page 2, I. Mandate, 2. LMTs
a) Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs) are established in all conflict-affected areas as provided for under Article III of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

Page 2, I. Mandate, 2. LMTs
b) The LMTs shall prevent the escalation of conflict and address reported violations in their areas of responsibility.

Page 2, II. Applicability -- This Manual of Instruction shall govern the conduct of the CCCH and LMTs in conflict-affected areas.

Page 2, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions: a.) Supervise and monitor the implementation of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace 2001.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions:
b.) Conduct inquiry, motu proprio or as directed by the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, prepare report and recommend appropriate action on matters pertaining to alleged violations infractions of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions:
c.) Conduct visits and inspections in areas where the cessation of hostilities is in effect in coordination with GRP and MILF officials concerned. [...]

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions:
g.) The CCCH of each party shall, through their Panels, coordinate with the OIC Monitoring Team to address violations of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions:
h.) In cases of alleged violations, 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.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions:
i.) The GRP-MILF CCCH shall inform the GRP-MILF Peace Panels of any GRP-MILF forces or field commanders committing violations of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement of Peace of 2001. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels to take immediate and necessary action to stop any violation and punish respective forces or military field commanders who violate the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001.

Page 4, III. Powers and Functions, 2. LMTs
The LMTs shall have the following powers and functions: a. Conduct fact-finding inquiries on matter referred to its by either CCCH, copy furnished the other CCCH, on alleged violations/infractions of the provisions of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001. [...]
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 1, I. Mandate, 1. CCCH
[...] e.) The GRP-MILF CCCH is hereby authorized, as an extension of the authority of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, to relay orders to the military field commanders of both parties once they have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions: [...] i.) The GRP-MILF CCCH shall inform the GRP-MILF Peace Panels of any GRP-MILF forces or field commanders committing violations of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement of Peace of 2001. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels to take immediate and necessary action to stop any violation and punish respective forces or military field commanders who violate the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1, I. Mandate, 1. CCCH
[...] e.) The GRP-MILF CCCH is hereby authorized, as an extension of the authority of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, to relay orders to the military field commanders of both parties once they have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

Page 3, III. Powers and Functions, 1. CCCH
The CCCH shall have the following powers and functions: [...] i.) The GRP-MILF CCCH shall inform the GRP-MILF Peace Panels of any GRP-MILF forces or field commanders committing violations of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement of Peace of 2001. It shall be the responsibility of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels to take immediate and necessary action to stop any violation and punish respective forces or military field commanders who violate the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

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

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: GRP-MILF Peace Process: Compilation of Signed Agreements & other related Documents (1997-2010); (MILF Peace Panel/Asia Foundation, 2010), pp. 114-119.

IN THE NAME OF GOD THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

MANUAL OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR CCCH AND LMTs

This Manual of instructions is hereby adopted by the ORP and MILF Peace Panels for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs), it prescribes the instructions to the CCCH and LMTs in implementing the Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 200.

MANDATE

1. CCCH

a) The CCCH of both Parties shall person their powers and functions in accordance with Rule III, Section 4, of the implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF General Cessation of Hostilities dated September 2, 1997.

b.) The CCCH shall be composed of six (6) members each fiurg the GRP and MLLF.

The lists of the present members of the CCCH of the GRP and the MILF are attached as Annexes A & B.;

c) The GRP and the MILF may change their respective membership in the CCCH upon die recommendation of the respective Chairman and endorsed by the CCCH to the GRP-MELF Peace Panels for approval and issuance of appropriate designation by their respective Panel Chairman.

d) The GRP and the MILF Coordinating Committees shall hold a regular coordinating meeting once a month to discuss matters relative to the implementation- of the implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001.

A special coordinating meeting may be called as the need arises.

e.) The GRP-MILF CCCH is hereby authorized, as an extension of the authority of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, to relay orders to military field commanders of both parties once they have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

2. LMTs

a) Local Monitoring Teams (LMTs) are established in all conflict-affected areas as provided for under Article of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

b) The LMTs shall prevent the escalation of conflict and address reported violations in their areas of responsibility.

c) The LMTs shall be composed of five members, one each from the following:

• Representative from the local government units designated by the GRP;

- Representative from the MILF local political committee;

- Representative from NGOs nominated by the GRP;

Representative from NGOs nominated by the MILF;

nid

- Representative from the Religious sector, closer under mutual agreement,

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

The tists of the present GRP and MILF representatives of the LMTs are attached as Annexes C and D.

APPLICABILITY

This Manual of Instructions shall govern the conduct of the CCCH and LMTs in conflict-affected areas.

III. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

1. CCCH

The CCCH shall have the following powers und functions:

a) Supervise and monitor the implementation of the Implementing

Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace 2001.

b) Conduct inquiry, more proprio or as directed by the GRP-MILF Peace Panels, prepare report appropriate action on matters pertaining to alleged violations/infractions of the trip Guidelines on the Security Aspects of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

c) Conduct visits and inspections in areas where the cessation of hostilities is in effect in coordination with GRP and MILF officials concerned.

d) Establish and organize field offices in areas where the need for them arises.

C.) Recommend charges in this Manual as it may deem necessary for the approved of the GRP and MILF Panels.

f) Render regular reports to the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels.

Special reports may be rendered as necessary.

g) The CCCH of each party shall, through their Panels, coordinate with the OC Monitoring Team to address violations of the in Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

h) In cases of alleged violations, 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.

I) The GRP-MILF CCCH shall inform the GRP-MILF Peace Panels of any GRP-MILF forces or field commanders committing violations of the implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement of Peace of 2001, it shall be the responsibility of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels to take immediate and necessary action to stop any violation and punish respective forces or military field commanders who violate the implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001,

J.) The CCCH report of inquiry shall be submitted directly to the GRP - MILF Peace Panels in the format prescribed in Annex E.

2. LMT

The LMTs shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Conduct fact-finding inquiries on matters referred to it by either CCCH, copy furnished the other CCCH, on alleged violations/infractions of the provisions of the implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the Agreement on Peace of 2001.

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

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

d. Conduct inquiries and submit reports in the formal prescribed in Annex "F" 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 be public by either or both the GRP and MILF Panels.

E. Employ the expertise of certain impartial persons or organisations in the performances of its assigned tasks.

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

IV. RULES AND PROCEDURES

A. In the conduct of meeting of the GRP and MILF CCCH, the following material rules and procedures are hereby adopted:

The CCCH coordinative meetings/sessions shall be mainly characterized by a free-wheeling exchange of ideas or discussions following a workshop concept.

The meetings/sessions will generally follow the format as follows:

a. Formal Opening/Amenities

b. Recap and review of the previous session/meeting

c. Reiteration of Agenda (as agreed during previous session/meeting or as coordinated with the Secretarial)

d. Group Dynamics/Workshop (GDW)

e. Presentation and formalization of the output of the GD/W

f. Adoption and documentation

g. Next meeting coordination:

I. venue and Date

ii. Agenda

ili. Other Matters

h. Closing/ Adjournment

i. NOTE:

At any point during the meeting/session a recess for an executive reunion or other purposes may be requested and declared.

ii. The minutes of the meeting/session (Recap) sham Jointly prepared by the Secreterial of both Committees and shall be distributed to all members on or before the start of the next meeting/session.

iii. The formal output or document shall likewise be prepared jointly by the Secretariat for submission to the GRP-MILF Panels and Technical Committees ASAP.

iv. Minutes of any executive session will not be recorded.

V. Press/media will only be allowed during the Formal Opening and Closing parts of the meeting/session,

3. The confidentiality of documents and proceeding of the GRP-MILF CCCH meetings shall be observed.

Any changes and/or addendum to the herein established rules and procedures shall be duly and officially agreed upon by the GRP-MILF Panels.

B. The LMT shall formulate their own internal rules and procedures in the conduct of their meetings/activities consistent with this Manual of Instructions.

c. Nothing in this Manual shall be construed to modify or alter any provision of existing agreement of the Parties.

Adopted and signed this 18th day of October, 2001 at ********

For GRP:

PA JESUS G. DUREZA, Chairman, GPNP for Talks with the MILF

Witnessed by:

ADG LENONDA F. BRUSAS, Chairperson, GRP Technical Committee

For MILF:

AL HAMMURAD EBRHIM, Chairman, MILF Panel

Witnessed by:

ATTY.

MUSIB M. BUAT, Chairperson, MILF Technical Committee