MAKATI CITY — In a bid to eliminate the risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), in partnership with the Foundation Suisee de Déminage (FSD) and Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL), held a risk education and demining workshop here.

According to Ariel Hernandez, GPH-JNC co-chairman, the workshop aimed to align the efforts of the JNC, FSD, PCBL Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police in the safe clearance of UXOs and IEDS, which are among the key deliverables under the security component of the Normalization Program.

“The program on addressing UXOs and landmines is under the security component. Kaya nga may mga programa tayo na palakasin ang AFP sa Bangsamoro because after 2025, you will no longer see JPST (Joint Peace and Security Teams) there. After the Exit Agreement, you will have a stronger police force in Bangsamoro,” Hernandez said.

In particular, the workshop held early this month seeks to reduce the dangers from unexploded land mines, artillery, and mortar shells that were left behind during the decades-long armed conflict between government troops and rebel groups.

“The programs of the FSD, a non-violent peace organization, constitutes the ideals with the bridging of the transition. While everything is in transition, these are one of the things we are very particular about,” Hernandez noted.

The workshop was participated by the representatives from the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels, JNC, Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), the various ceasefire mechanisms, PNP, AFP, and other international and local peace partners.

Hernandez emphasized that there was a need “to harness what has been done to come up with a substantial accomplishment as conferred in the Peace Agreement [between the national government and the MILF].”

Making the Bangsamoro safer

Following the signing of the Framework Agreement in Bangsamoro in October 2012 between the GPH and MILF, the FSD began work to reduce the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas across Mindanao.

The program was then expanded to include mine-and unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk education (MRE), as well as the development of local capacities in UXO clearance and explosives and weapons stockpile management.

According to FSD Program Manager Paul Davies, the program aims “to reduce the risk to local communities and strengthen the peace process” by facilitating cooperation in UXO reporting and clearance among all stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process.

This year, FSD has delivered 282 Non-Technical Survey (NTS) and 258 Explosive Ordnance Risk Education sessions to various communities throughout the BARMM benefiting a total of 9,434 residents.

In March this year, the FSD also handed over 12 individual Hook & Line EOD kits to the AFP and PNP units responsible for the clearance of UXOs and IEDs within the Bangsamoro Region.

Ways forward for a safer and peaceful Bangsamoro

“If you would not be able to get these UXOs that would be a component of IEDs. We really have to do it as quickly as possible because there’s someone out there just waiting for the next victim,” said PCBL National Coordinator Fred Lubang.

Lubang said the workshop intends to “amplify distinctions on technical works,” particularly on how the peace-stakeholders will be able “to organize themselves in terms of explosives hazard management in order to address a very quick response.”

Meanwhile, Hernandez emphasized that the BARMM government should also identify its role in the sustainability of the program as “a way of positioning itself” with regards to achieving the goals of the Normalization Program.

“Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang ating mga ginagawa because things are made out and are leveled in the Malacañang and the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] expresses his support for the Peace Agreement between the MILF,” he said.

For his part, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. lauded the organizers of the workshop for carrying out interventions that aim to reduce or eliminate the risks from UXOs and IEDs.

“The work being carried out by the JNC, FSD and PCBL is crucial in our peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao, especially in ensuring the safety and security of residents in their communities,” Galvez said.

“Through the security component of our Normalization Program, the national government, in collaboration with our local and international peace partners, will make sure to rid Mindanao of these UXOs and IEDs, and make the Bangsamoro and the rest of Mindnaao a safer and more secure place to live in,” he added.###