Demobilization: Comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro
Implementations
Demobilization – 2014
The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and Annex on Normalization mandated decommissioning of MILF forces. On May 6, 2014, the government and MILF announced the creation of the International Decommissioning Body, which is charged with decommissioning MILF forces and weapons, and is composed of three foreign and four local experts nominated by the Philippine government and MILF. [1] However, demobilization did not begin until 2015.[2]
[1] “Philippine gov’t, MILF create normalization bodies,” Xinhua General News Service, May 6, 2014.
[2] “Philippine rebels begin process of giving up arms,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, June 16, 2015.
Demobilization – 2015
On January 29, the MILF and Philippine Government finalized and signed the Protocol on the Implementation of the Terms of Reference of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).[1] In addition to delineating the specific decommissioning and verification tasks to be undertaken by the IDB, the Protocol outlined a four-phase process in which, by the end of phase four, all MILF weapons, arms, and combatants would be decommissioned.[2]
On June 16, the first phase of the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants began in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. The MILF turned over 145 members of the MILF’s armed wing—the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BILF)—who will return to civilian life.[3]
[1] “Philippines government, rebel group sign pact to decommission firearms,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, January 31, 2015.
[2] Protocol on the Implementation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB). January 25, 2015.
[3] “Philippine rebels begin process of giving up arms,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, June 16, 2015.
Demobilization – 2016
No developments observed this year.
Demobilization – 2017
No demobilization was observed this year. The fact that the MILF conducted ongoing military operations against other militant groups in the region indicates that much of MILF forces remained mobilized throughout 2017.[1]
[1] “Philippines troops, rebels team up against Marawi militants,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, September 7, 2017.
Demobilization – 2018
Despite the passage of the BBL on July 26, 2018, several reports indicated that the MILF would not fully demobilize an estimated 11,000 fighters unless the BBL was fully implemented.[1] [2] There are no reports of new demobilizations or weapons surrenders as of September 5, 2018.
[1] “Passage of Mindanao autonomous region law improves outlook for demobilising Islamist militants in southern Philippines,” HIS Insights, July 25, 2018.
[2] “BBL will not bring lasting peace in Mindanao,” Economist Intelligence Unit, July 17, 2018.
Demobilization – 2019
Phase two of the demobilization process was initiated on September 7th, 2019, when one thousand additional fighters were demobilized.[1] Twelve thousand MILF fighters were scheduled to be decommissioned in 2019; however, no additional demobilizations were reported.[2]
[1] “Handing over weapons: M.I.L.F combatants commit to peace in the Bangsamoro,” Norwegian Refugee Council, October 7, 2019, https://www.nrc.no/expert-deployment/2016/2019/handing-over-weapons/
[2] “Decommissioning of 12,000 MILF members may be finished by November,” April 25, 2019, Minda News.
Demobilization – 2020
Limited demobilization of former MILF combatants continued in 2020. On February 18th, the Bangsamoro government reported that 106 MILF combatants went through decommissioning by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).[1]
[1] “Phase II of MILF-BIAF decommissioning resumed,” February 19, 2020, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Bureau of Public Information, https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/latest-news/phase-ii-of-milf-biaf-decommissioning-resumed/
Demobilization – 2021
The MILF committed to demobilizing 40,000 combatants. In 2015, 145 combatants were demobilized in a ceremonial function in the first phase. The second phase took place in 2019, involving the demobilization of 12,000 combatants. The third phase involving the demobilization of 14,000 started in November 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget, only 7,000 combatants were expected to be demobilized in 2021. The remaining 21,000 MILF combatants will go through the decommissioning process, which is expected to be completed in 2024.[1]
[1] “Seventh Public Report,” Third Party Monitoring Team, January 2022; “Decommissioning process delayed by 21,000 MILF combatants – Galvez,” Rappler, September 15, 2021. https://www.rappler.com/nation/carlito-galvez-jr-says-decommissioning-delayed-by-thousands-milf-combatants/