Palace Says Decommisioning of Moro Rebel Forces, Weapons Due on Tuesday

The Palace said on Sunday that the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) forces and weapons is due on Tuesday (June 16) in Sharrif Aquak, Maguindanao.

“Sa Martes, Hunyo 16, gaganapin ang isang makasaysayang yugto sa prosesong pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng MILF. Nakatakdang i-turnover ng MILF ang mga armas sa Independent Decommissioning Body, samantalang may mga miyembro ng Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces na sasailalim sa decommissioning,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma notes that this is part of the normalization process base on the Annex of Normalization that was signed by the government and the MILF last January 29, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Ang Pangulong (Benigno) Aquino ang sasaksi sa unang yugto ng decommissioning process na itinuturing na isa sa matibay na pagpapakita ng pagsuporta at commitment ng MILF sa isinusulong na prosesong pangkapayapaan na maghahatid ng katahimikan at kaunlaran sa mga bayang sakop ng Bangsamoro,” said Coloma.

Rebel returnees after being documented and will be receiving cash assistance and PhilHealth cards. They will also receive medium- and long-term assistance the from the Task Force Decommissioned Combantants and Communities.

“May tatlong bahagi ang itinakdang normalization process: security, socioeconomic development, at transitional justice and reconciliation. Ang prosesong ito ay naglalayong bigyan ang mga kasapi ng MILF ng pagkakataong makapag-hanapbuhay at makapamuhay nang tahimik at malayo sa anomang karahasan,” Coloma added.

According to government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the MILF will turnover 55 high-powered firearms and 20 screw-served weapons, while 145 of its members will take part in the decommissioning process. (PNA)CTB/PND/SSC