THE Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) has issued a grave warning that the peace process in the Bangsamoro region has reached a “perilous juncture,” citing a profound breakdown in trust between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The group, which oversees the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), said that a recent change in leadership within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) and the subsequent suspension of the decommissioning process have led to a “serious deterioration in bilateral engagement.”
“Trust among the Parties is at an all-time low since signature of the CAB,” the emailed TPMT statement reads in part.
It emphasized that rebuilding this trust is now “essential to keep the peace process on track.”
Despite this setback, the team highlighted the significant progress achieved. The peace process has “fundamentally transformed the Barmm” and established a foundation for effective governance.
The upcoming first regional elections on Oct. 13, this year, are particularly important as they will represent a “historic milestone” and a “magnificent achievement” for the Bangsamoro people.
However, the TPMT called for immediate action to address the current impasse.
“We urge the Parties to engage in constructive dialogue. As the transition phase concludes, we must reinforce commitment to the genuine autonomy of the Barmm,” the statement reads.
The monitoring team acknowledged that both parties have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the accord.
However, it called for a renewed focus on the normalization track, which involves the decommissioning of combatants and weapons.
The TPMT urged the parties to “engage in frank and open discussions on resolving differences.”
The TPMT urged the parties to work together in a “spirit of effective cooperation and partnership.”
