FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON GPH – MNLF PEACE PROCESS
Why is there a Tripartite Review Process?
The OIC in a resolution adopted in 2006 called for a high-level review that came to be called the TRP, consisting of the OIC, the MNLF, and the GPH to evaluate the implementation of the 1996 FPA. The TRP was established to settle the contentions between the GPH and the MNLF on the implementation of Phase II of the FPA.
What has been achieved by the TRP? What is the “42 consensus points” that the TRP arrived at?
- 42 consensus points
Translated into a draft bill that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9054 or the present ARMM Law - GPH-MNLF partnership for ARMM reforms
Appointed MNLF leaders in the ARMM Government - Creation of BDAF
Submitted its Terms of Reference to the Islamic Development Bank for comments and recommendations - Establishment of TIMC
Submitted its Terms of Reference to the OIC for comments and recommendations - Interim Agreement on Co-Management Arrangement of Strategic Minerals
Referred the agreement to the oversight committee created by Republic Act No. 9054
What has been the role of the OIC, particularly the PCSP, in the TRP?
The OIC has mediated the peaceful resolution of the Mindanao conflict upon a mandate geared towards granting full political autonomy and right to self-determination the Muslim Filipinos. The OIC created the PCSP in 2007 to shepherd the TRP manifests its commitment to continue its mediatory role to the quest for peace and development in Southern Philippines.
What are the convergence points of the MNLF and MILF under the TRP implementation roadmap?
- 42 consensus points are incorporated in the BBL;
- BDAF and other MNLF economic agenda are included in the Bangsamoro Development Plan;
- Agreement on strategic minerals is part of the CAB and the BBL;
- MNLF will be part of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA);
- MNLF is encouraged to join the elections for the new Bangsamoro Government; and
- Continued provision of socio-economic interventions on MNLF camps.
What effects will the non-passage of the BBL have on the implementation of the convergence roadmap of the TRP?Only the fundamental political concerns of the MNLF underlying the 42
Only the fundamental political concerns of the MNLF underlying the 42 consensus points that are deemed integrated into the new autonomy law will be put on hold until the new basic law shall have been legislated anew and subsequently passed.
However, the agreement on the establishment of the BDAF and the TIMC are ready to be implemented during the interim period.
How will the completion of the TRP support or boost the CAB and related peace processes?
The CAB and the BBL will now become the inclusive framework for all Bangsamoro in addressing legitimate and validated Bangsamoro demands related to political autonomy and right to self-determination. The MNLF can now actively participate in the transition authority leading towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government under the new autonomy law.
Is Nur Misuari faction of the MNLF now supportive of the MNLF-MILF convergence and its roadmap as enunciated under the BCF set down by the OIC? Does the convergence cover all MNLF and MILF Factions?
The MNLF faction of Nur Misuari was represented by Atty. Randolph Parcasio and Dr. Samsula Adju while the Sema Group was represented by Muslimin Sema himself.
The MNLF, including the Misuari faction, definitely confirmed its support to the CAB as they have signed the Joint Communiqué.
When and how will the BDAF be incorporated?
The BDAF will be operationalized as soon as practicable upon the completion of the terms of reference by the Islamic Development Bank with concurrence of the GPH and the MNLF.
When and how will be the TIMC be organized?
The TIMC will be composed of three (3) members each from the OIC, the GPH, and the MNLF. Each of the three (3) parties will submit the names of their respective representatives to the TIMC, upon which the Committee is deemed to have been formed.
Does the ARMM or other government agencies have a role in the TRP implementation?
As member of the Oversight Committee, the ARMM Regional Governor will be part of the discussion to continue the devolution process of this specific agenda.
Further, the terms of reference of the BDAF stipulates that the Fund Governing Board will include one representative from the ARMM Regional Government.
What will be the status of the FPA under the TRP implementation? Is it considered absorbed/integrated in the BBL or CAB?
The aim of the TRP is to identify obstacles and agree on modalities to push for the implementation of the FPA. The Parties will embark on implementing these modalities to materialize the full implementation of the 1996 FPA.
Now with the convergence framework, the gains of the 1996 FPA on the implementation of 1976 Tripoli Agreement are preserved and the CAB are fully implemented with the end goal of integrating the gains achieved in these peace agreements in the BBL or any new autonomy Law.
How will the TRP implementation roadmap benefit Muslim Filipinos in general?
The implementation of the BDAF will benefit the Muslim Filipinos as it is designed to provide socio-economic projects in support of peace and development, poverty reduction, moral, spiritual, and cultural development of Muslim Communities in Southern Philippines.
The Muslim Filipinos who migrated to other areas in the Philippines for lack of economic opportunities due to conflict may decide to return and hence, benefit in the socio-economic projects in their former communities that will be financed by BDAF.
What is the position of the MILF with regards to the completion and implementation of TRP?
In 2015 at Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao, the MILF signed a joint declaration with the MNLF-Sema faction. The Joint Declaration contained the following:
- Emphasizing that the provisions of the FPA must be fully implemented;
- Supporting the convergence of the MILF and MNLF peace agreements; and
- Calling upon the Bangsamoro and the Filipino people to take the side of justice and be united to strongly support the
President and OIC towards finding final, just and lasting solution to the Bangsamoro question.
The completion of the TRP and the implementation of its agreements will facilitate the full implementation of the FPA. It satisfies the aspirations of both the MNLF and the MILF regarding the full implementation of the FPA.
