As peace talks with MILF break down, violence increases across the southern Philippines. Reports of human rights violations, including extrajudicial executions and the torture of detainees by security personnel are widespread. Amnesty International issues a special report for the year 2000 due to the frequency of pre-trial torture in the Philippines¹ Neither the PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, nor the Special Regional Security Force (SRSF) were established this year.

Amnesty International reports that at least 145 political prisoners remain in detention and torture is frequently used during interrogations. At least four disappearances and nine extrajudicial executions were reported for 1999.² Neither the PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, nor the Special Regional Security Force (SRSF) were established this year.

Amnesty International reports the continued use of torture of detainees and imprisonment for involvement in political activity in 1998. Detainees are arrested without warrants, denied legal counsel, and subjected to beatings and torture to extract confessions. Extrajudicial killings blamed on AFP and PNP security forces are a regularity³ Neither the PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, nor the Special Regional Security Force (SRSF) were established this year.

Amnesty International reports the continued use of torture of detainees and imprisonment for involvement in political activity. Detainees are arrested without warrants, denied legal counsel, and subjected to beatings and torture to extract confessions.⁴ Neither the PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, nor the Special Regional Security Force (SRSF) were established this year.

The 1996 peace agreement calls for efforts to increase respect for human rights by reforming the police and security practices used in the ARMM region. Under the agreement, the ARMM would gain control over the policing of its territory through the creation of a PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, and the creation of a Special Regional Security Force (SRSF). Neither the PNP Regional Command for the new Autonomous Region, nor the Special Regional Security Force (SRSF) were established this year.

Amnesty International’s 1996 Report on the Philippines mentions at least 200 political prisoners being held by the GRP. Several dozen extra-judicial executions while in custody of the AFP or PNP are reported for the year. Criminal prosecution of security force personnel for human rights violations is virtually non-existent. Public confidence in the judiciary remains extremely low⁵

In 2005, the Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) is the fourth phase of the Government of the Philippines — United Nations Multi-Donor Programme (GOP-UNMDP) that began in 1997. Funded by Australia, New Zealand and Spain, the final phase is being implemented from June 2005 up to May 2010. It covers 16 provinces and 14 cities of the former Special Zone for Peace and Development (SZOPAD) in Southern Philippines identified in the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement, and the four provinces and three cities in the Caraga Region. The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) serves as the overall implementing agency with the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as the lead implementing agency for the ARMM areas. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the managing agent for the entire program.

Also active in 2005 are the GEM-2 and LEAP programs. According to USAID reports, over 28,000 former MNLF combatants were assisted in GEM-2 from 2002 to 2007.⁶

GEM-2 and LEAP continue to operate in 2004. As of June 2004, the UNDP Program had provided livelihood assistance to 101 cooperatives with 4,388 beneficiaries (3,513 males and 875 females). UNDP provided 57 training courses on agricultural technologies and cooperative financial management to 1,867 beneficiaries (1,553 males and 314 females).

GEM-2 and LEAP continue to operate in 2003. No updates found on other ongoing programs for this year.

In 2002, Gem-2 commences with a plan of running from 2002 to 2007. ELAP is renamed the Livelihood Enhancement and Peace Program (LEAP).

While GEM was conceived as a five-year program running from 1995 to 2001, increased terrorism in Mindanao in 2000 and 2001 influences USAID to extend their programs.

Also in 2001, phase three of the United Nations Multi-Donor Programme (GOP-UNMDP) begins. The GOP-UNMDP program, in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD), sponsored a reintegration assistance program aimed at some 70,000 MNLF ex-combatants and their family members. Australia was the largest contributor to the Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) under the Government of the Philippines — United Nations Multi-Donor Programme (GOP-UNMDP).⁷