Interim Implementing Guidelines on the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002

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Country/entity: Philippines
Mindanao
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Interim Implementing Guidelines on the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002
Date: 21 Dec 2004
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: Renewal
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Philippines - Mindanao process
Parties: Sec. Silvestre C. Afable, Jr., GRP Peace Panel Chairman;
Mohagher M. Iqbal, MILF Peace Panel Chairman
Third parties: -
Description: Agreement between the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels to implement the Joint Communique (6/05/2002), with the purpose of pursuing, isolating and interdicting criminal syndicates and kidnap-for-ransom groups, specifically noting the group, "Lost Commands". The Agreement provides for the organization and composition of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, as well as the mechanics of implementation to allow for efficient coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the MILF to apprehend the criminal elements.

Agreement document: PH_041221_Interim Implement Guidelines for 6 May 2002 JC.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: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 3, VI Mechanics of Implementation
5. To avoid unnecessary armed confrontations, the displacement of of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to allow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontation between the GRP and MILF forces.
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 4, VII. General Guidelines for the Implementing Unit
1. In the process of implementing its functions, the implementing units of the GRP-MILF shall ensure the safety of the life of the civilians and the protection of their properties.
Socio-economic rights: Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Property
Page 4, VII. General Guidelines for the Implementing Unit
1. In the process of implementing its functions, the implementing units of the GRP-MILF shall ensure the safety of the life of the civilians and the protection of their properties.

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: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
Page 4, VII. General Guidelines for the Implementing Unit
1. In the process of implementing its functions, the implementing units of the GRP-MILF shall ensure the safety of the life of the civilians and the protection of their properties.
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: Justice sector reform→Criminal justice and emergency law→Criminal Justice System reform
Page 1, [Summary] creation of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group to deal with criminal elements.
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 1, I. Terms of Reference
C. Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 signed on 07 August 2001 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 1, IV. Definition of terms
A. Lost Commands - groups which are not under the command and control of the BIAF and the AFP/PNP as verified by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 2, IV. Definition of Terms
F. Order of Battles - refers to the list of wanted persons prepared by the AFP/PNP as verified by the AHJAG.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
1. The AFP/PNP shall convey to the MILF through the AHJAG the Order of Battle as defined in Paragraph IV, E containing the names and identities of the criminal elements as provided in Paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002.
4. The AHJAG shall coordinate with the AFP/PNP and MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehension and arrest of suspected criminal elements.

Page 3, VI Mechanics of Implementation
5. To avoid unnecessary armed confrontations, the displacement of of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to allow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontation between the GRP and MILF forces.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG. Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, I. Terms of Reference
A. Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities dated July 18, 1997, including its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dates September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines dated November 14, 1997.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
5. To avoid unnecessary armed confrontations, the displacement of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to allow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontation between the GRP and MILF forces.

Page 4, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
8. An after-operation report shall be immediately submitted by the AHJAG to the GPH and MILF Panels, copy furnished both CCCHs.

Page 4, VII. General Guidelines for the Implementing Unit
2. The AHJAG shall closely coordinate and work in tandem with the Joint CCCH.
Police: Page 1, IV Definition of Terms
A. Lost Commands - groups which are not under the command and control of the BIA and the AFP/PNP as verified by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 2, IV Definition of Terms
F. Order of Battle - refers to the list of wanted persons prepared by the AFP/PNP as verified by the AGJAG.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
1. The AFP/PNP shall, convey to the MILF through the AHJAG the Order of Battle as defined in Paragraph IV E containing the names and identities of the criminal elements as provided in paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
4. The AHJAG shall coordinate with the AFP/PNP and MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehension and arrest of the suspected criminal elements.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to alow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontations between the GRP and MILF forces.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG. Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG. Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.

~

Page 1, IV Definition of Terms
A. Lost Commands - groups which are not under the command and control of the BIA and the AFP/PNP as verified by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 1, IV. Definition of Terms
G. MILF Areas/Communities - refer to the places in Mindanao identified by the GPH and MILF Peace Panels where the MILF elements are situated.

Page 3, VI. Mechanics of Implementation
1. The AFP/PNP shall, convey to the MILF through the AHJAG the Order of Battle as defined in Paragraph IV, E containing the names and identities of the criminal elements as provided in Paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002.
2. The MILF through the AHJAG shall validate and subsequently act on the information as contained in the ORder of Battle.
3. The MILF futher shall provide information, as available, on other suspected criminal elements in their areas/communities that come to their attention.
4. The AHJAG shall coordinate with the AFP/PNP and MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehension and arrest of the suspected criminal elements.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
5. To avoid unnecessary armed confrontations, the displacement of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to alow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontations between the GRP and MILF forces.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG. Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.

Page 4, VI Mechanic of Implementation
9. The MIL shall block the entry of suspected criminal elements into MILF areas/communities based on the Order of Battle and other information jointly verified by the AHJAG. Arrested/apprehended personalities shall be turned over to the AHJAG.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 1, II Objective - This set of guidelines is adopted to implement the provision of the Joint Communique dated May 6, 2002 between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front relative to the isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicates/kidnap for ransom groups and other criminal groups including the so called "Lost Commands" operations in Mindanao.

Page 1, III Scope - These Interim Implementing Guidelines apply only to operations against criminal syndicates/kidnap-for-ransom groups, lost commands and other criminal elements within MILF areas/communities.

Page 1, IV Definition of Terms
A. Lost Commands - groups which are not under the command and control of the BIA and the AFP/PNP as verified by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Page 2, IV Definition of Terms
B. Criminal Syndicates/Kidnap-for-Ransom Groups - refer to a group or aggrupation of persons who engage in criminal activities as verified by AHJAG.
C. Criminal Elements - within the purview of AHJAG, refers to a leader/member of a criminal syndicate or kidnap for ransom group as distinguished from common criminals.
D. Isolation - refers to the act of dissociating/segregating criminal elements from the general public as a mode to monitor and counter their criminal activities.
E. Interdiction - refers to the act of apprehending criminal elements as defined in paragraphs A and B and turning them over to the AGHJAG.

Page 2, V Organization/Composition of the AHJAG
A. The Ad Hoc Joint Action Group shall be composed of eight (8) members, four (4) from the GRP and four (4) from the MILF agreed upon and named by the panels.
B. The AHJAG shall have under it Teams that will cover corresponding areas in Mindanao [...]

Page 3, V Organization/Composition of the AHJAG
C. An AHJAG Team as organized shall be composed of at least four (4) members, two from the GRP and TWO from the MILF to be augmented by support staff from both sides.
D. The AHJAG teams shall be composed of field level members and operators who can immerse on the ground for the performance of their missions, and shall readily be available at short notice.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
1. The AFP/PNP shall, convey to the MILF through the AHJAG the Order of Battle as defined in Paragraph IV E containing the names and identities of the criminal elements as provided in paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002.
Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
2. The MILF through the AHJAG shall validate and subsequently act on the information as contained in the ORder of Battle.
3. The MILF futher shall provide information, as available, on other suspected criminal elements in their areas/communities that come to their attention.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
4. The AHJAG shall coordinate with the AFP/PNP and MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehension and arrest of the suspected criminal elements.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
5. To avoid unnecessary armed confrontations, the displacement of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel, the AHJAG shall inform the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to alow sufficient time for the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontations between the GRP and MILF forces.

Page 3, VI Mechanic of Implementation
7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG. Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG. Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.

Page 4, VI Mechanic of Implementation
9. The MIL shall block the entry of suspected criminal elements into MILF areas/communities based on the Order of Battle and other information jointly verified by the AHJAG. Arrested/apprehended personalities shall be turned over to the AHJAG.

Page 4, VII General Guidelines for the Implementing Unit
1. In the process of implementing its functions, the implementing units of the GRP-MILF shall ensure the safety of the life of the civilians and the protection of their properties.

Page 4, VIII Effectivity - These Interim Implementing Guidelines shall take effect immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect for a period of six (6) months, subject to review and confirmation by both Panels.
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. 142-145.

INTERIM IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES ON THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF 6 MAY 2002

TERMS OF REFERENCE

A. Agreement for General Cessation of Hostillbes dated July 18, 1997 including its Implementing Administrative Guidelines dated September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines dated November 14.

1997

B. Agreement on Peace between the GRP and the MILF signed on 22 June 2001 in Tripoli, Libya

C. Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 signed on 07 August 2001 in

Putrajaya, Malaysia

D. Joint Communique between the GRP and the MILF signed on 06 May 2002 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia

II OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE

This set of guidelines Is adopted to Implement the provisions of the Joint Communique dated May 6, 2002 between the Government of the

Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front relative to the Isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicates/kidnap for ransom groups and other criminal groups Including the so called "Lost Commands" operating in Mindanao.

Ill SCOPE

These Interim Implementing Guidelines apply only to operations against criminal syndicates/kidnap.for-ransom groups, lost commands and

other criminal elements within MILF areas/communities.

IV DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. Lost Commands - groups which are not under the command and control of the BIAF and the AFPIPNP as verified by the Ad Hoe Joint

Action Group (AH JAG).

[a]. Criminal Syndicates/Kidnap-for-Ransom Groups - refer to a group or aggrupation of persons who engage In aimlnal activities as verified by

AHJAG.

C. Criminal Elements- within the purview of AHJAG, refers to a reader/member of a criminal syndicate or kidnap for ransom group as

distinguished from common criminals

D. Isolation - refers to the act of dissociating/segregating criminal elements from the general public as a mode to monitor and counter

! heir criminal activities.

E. Interdlction - refers to the act of apprehending criminal elements as defined in paragraphs A and B and turning them over to the AHJAG.

F. Order of Battle - refers to the 11st of Mnted persons prepared by the AFP/PNP as verified by the AHJAG.

G. MILF Areas/Communities - refer lo lhe places in Mindanao identified by the GRP and MILF Peace Panels where the MILF elements are

situated.

V ORGANIZATION/COMPOSITION OF THE AHJAG

A. The Ad Hoc Joint Action Group shall be composed of eight (8) members, four (4) from the GRP and four (4) from the MILF agreed upon and named by the panels.

B. The AHJAG shall have under it Teams that will cover corresponding areas in Mindanao, as follows:

• AHJAG Team 1:

Provinces of Magulndanao, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, and all cities located therein;

• AHJAG Team 2:

Provinces of Lanao clel Sur, Lanao del Norte.

and all cities located therein;

• AHJAG Team 3:

Provinces of Zambaanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Slbugay, and all clUes located therein;

• AHJAG Team 4:

Provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabalo, Sarangani, and all cities located therein:

and

• AHJAG Team 5:

Provinces of Davao del Norte.

Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and all cities located 'therein.

C. An AHJAG Team as organized shall be composed of at least four (4) members, two from the GRP and two from the M!LF.

to be augmented

by support staff from both sides.

D. The AHJAG teams shall be composed or Held level members and operators who can immerse on the ground for the performance of their

mission, and shall readily be available at short notice.

VI MECHANICS OF IMPLEMENTATION

1. The AFP/PNP shall convey to the M!LF through the AHJAG the Order of Battle as defined In Paragraph IV, E containing the names and ·

identities of the criminal elements as provided in Paragraph 3 of the Joint Communique of 6 May 2002.

2. The MILF through the AHJAG shall validate and subsequently act on the lnformation as contained In the Order of Battle.

3. The MILF further shall provide lnformaUon, as available, on other suspected criminal elements in their areas/communities that come to their attention.

4. The AHJAG shall coordinate with the AFP/PNP and MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehensjon and arrest of the suspected criminal elementa.

5. To avoid unnecessary anned confrontations, the displacement of communities and damage to properties, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) or Tactical Command Post (TCP) of the government operating forces and with the MILF forces in the area shall work and coordinate closely with the AHJAG and vice versa.

6. Except for operations against high priority targets, a llst of which shall be provided by the GRP Panel to the MILF Panel the AHJAG shall

infonn the GRP and the MILF CCCH at least 24 hours prior to the conduct of the AFP/PNP operations in order to allow sufficient time for

the evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confirntation between the GRP and MILF forces.

7. In hot pursuit operations in MILF areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG.

Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.

[a]. An after-operation report shall be Immediately submitted by the AHJAG to the GRP and MILF Panels, copy furnished both CCCHs.

9. The MILF shall block the entry of suspected criminal elements into MILF areas/communities based on the Order of Battle and other information jointly verified by the AHJAG.

Arrested/ apprehended personalities shall be turned-over to the AHJAG.

VII GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE IMPLEMENTING UNIT

1. In the process of implementing its functions, the implementing units of the GRP-MILF shall ensure the safety of the life of the civilians and

the protection of their properties.

2. The AHJAG shall closely coordinate and work in tandem with the Joint CCCH.

3. Unresolved matters within the AHJAG shall be elevated to the GRP-MILF Peace Panels for disposition.

VII EFFECTIVITY

These Interim lmplementlng Guidelines shall take effect immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect for a period or six (6) months, subject to review and confirmation by both Panels.

Done on the 21st day of December 2004, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For the GRP:

SEC.

SILVESTRE C. AFABLE, JR.,

Chairman, GRP Peace Panel

For the MILF:

MOHAGHER M.IQBAL MILF Peace Panel