Verification Mechanism: Comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro
Implementations
Verification Mechanism – 2014
The Agreement on Peace, GPH-MILF Decision Points, Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and Annex on Normalization call for the creation of various bodies to monitor and verify the implementation phase of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The International Monitoring Team (IMT) is a Malaysian-led body charged with monitoring and verifying the 1997 Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities and the 2001 Agreement on Peace between the MILF and the Philippines government. The IMT was first deployed in 2004, and remained operational through 2014. As of 2014, IMT was composed of forces from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, and Norway.[1]
In July 2013, the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) was formed to monitor, verify and report progress on all provisions in agreements signed between the MILF and the GRP in accordance with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.[2] The TPMT issued its first Public Report in February 2014.[3]
In 2014, the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) was formed with a broad mandate of coordinating and assessing implementation procedures.[4] The JNC was additionally tasked with monitoring demobilization, police force enhancement, and development initiatives.[5]
[1] “S. Philippines Muslim rebels grateful for Indonesian peacekeepers,” Xinhua General News Service, July 9, 2014
[2] “Independent body to monitor implementation of Philippine-MILF peace pact,” Xinhua General News Service, July 9, 2013.
[3]TPMT. “Press Release: Third-Party Monitoring Team Issues its first Public Report,” February 28, 2014.
[4] “Philippine gov’t, MILF create normalization bodies,” Xinhua General News Service, May 6, 2014.
[5] Terms of Reference for the Joint Normalization Committee, March 22, 2014.
Verification Mechanism – 2015
In January 2015, the International Decommissioning Body’s Verification and Monitoring Assistance Teams were charged with monitoring and verifying government and MILF compliance in disarmament and demobilization measures.[1] The International Monitoring Team (IMT) extended its mandate to monitor and verify the ceasefire until March 2016.[2]
[1] Protocol on the Implementation of the Terms of Reference of the Independent Decommissioning Body, January 29, 2015.
[2] “Philippines government, rebel group sign pact to decommission firearms,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, January 31, 2015.
Verification Mechanism – 2016
In February, the Philippine government and the MILF agreed to extend the mandate of the IMT until March 31, 2017.[1]
[1] “Philippines government, rebel group reaffirm commitment to peace process,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, February 15, 2016.
Verification Mechanism – 2017
The Third-Party Monitoring Team continued to operate in 2017 and issued a report on its work in September 2017.[1] The International Monitoring Team observed no new developments. No certification of renewal was documented in 2017, nor was there any announcement of closure or withdrawal. The Joint Normalization Committee continued to operate in 2017.
[1] “Fourth Public Report, March 2016 to June 2017,” Third-Party Monitoring Team, September 24, 2017.
Verification Mechanism – 2018
The Third Party Monitoring Team and Joint Normalization Committee continued to operate in 2018.[1][2]
[1] “May 2018 session,” Third Party Monitoring Team, http://tpmt.ph/may-2018-session.
[2] “Successful peace process leads to lower crime rate in Zambo,” Manilla Standard, August 18, 2018.
Verification Mechanism – 2019
The Third Party Monitoring Team and Joint Normalization Committee continued to operate in 2019.
Verification Mechanism – 2020
The Third Party Monitoring Team and Joint Normalization Committee continued to operate in 2020.
Verification Mechanism – 2021
The Third Party Monitoring Team and Joint Normalization Committee continued to operate in 2021.