Bangsamoro normalization gains momentum

By Teng Lauban Datu
Cotabato City Bureau Chief .

ISABELA City, Basilan — The preparation for the implementation of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is now moving at an accelerated pace and is gaining momentum.

This developed as representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and members of Basilan-based civil society organizations gathered here to participate in a multi-stakeholder forum on the normalization process.

Spearheaded by the GRP Joint Normalization Committee and the Government of the Philippines Implementing Panel, the forum is the third in a series which aims to update participants on the Normalization Track’s various aspects, identify points of convergence, and recommend conflict-sensitive interventions to enhance the Normalization phase.

Signed by the Philippine Government and the MILF in 2014, the CAB has two tracks: Political and Normalization. The Political Track includes the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Normalization Track, on the other hand, mainly involves the decommissioning of the combatants and putting their weapons beyond use, and the transformation of six MILF camps into peaceful and resilient communities.

At the forum, Brigadier Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of AFP’s 104th Brigade, noted that the security sector has, over the years, established very good relations with the MILF.

“They are very adherent to the various peace protocols,” he added.

He described this strong partnership as the “cement” that binds the government and the MILF, and the reason why Basilan is now enjoying the dividends of peace and development.

“What happened in Basilan is very encouraging. We should use [this in pursuing] our collective dream: peace and progress in Basilan,” Reyeg said.

Police Lt Col. Argel Antcheta, the Deputy Provincial Director for Basilan’s PNP, said it is crucial for the parties to sustain the level of confidence.

“Rest assured that the PNP will support all the programs that will strengthen and fast-track the implementation of the Normalization process,” he said. (with reports from opapp)