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COTABATO CITY (SDN) — “Hindi dapat maulit!” (It should not be repeated.)
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher M. Iqbal emphasized this on January 24 during a meeting with members of the news media, including from Manila.
He underscores it even more. “Unang-una, dapat hindi ‘yan talaga maulit!’ First of all, it should really not be repeated.”
The MILF chief negotiator was fielding questions on the lessons of the “Mamasapano Clash” that broke out on January 25, 2015. Elite members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dubbed Special Action Force (SAF) were serving a warrant of arrest on bomb-maker and terrorist from Malaysia Zulkfili Abdhir that went haywire/
To make the story short, the bomb-maker a.k.a. “Marwan” was killed but at the expense of 44 SAF members, 18 members of the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) — a splinter of the MILF — and five civilians. It happed in Tuka na Lipao (Beak of Lipao) village in the municipality of Mamasapano, then the undivided Maguindanao province.
The incident set back the peace process between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the MILF that required brinkmanship from then-President Benigno S. Aquino III to revive.
Now 10 years hence, the Philippines, particularly the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is enjoying peace and stability as never before in decades because of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the GPH and MILF.
There’s been minor clashes between the government troopers and MILF members but cooler heads in both sides are keeping the peace. The General Cessation of Hostilities, or the ceasefire signed by the two parties is holding.
Iqbal said to prevent these clashes, “there should be coordination.”
On January 31, the MILF official, who is the BARMM education minister, delivered a speech at the 36th GPH-MILF Peace Implementing Panel Meeting. (EDD K. USMAN)
Here is his full message:
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐏𝐇-𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐅 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
January 31, 2025, Davao City.
Assalama Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.
“Distinguished members of the Peace Implementing Panel, representatives from our various mechanisms, esteemed colleagues, and partners in the peace process, good morning.
“We gather today with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose as we continue our shared commitment to advancing the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB). Each agenda item before us today represents a crucial step in our collective efforts to sustain peace, strengthen our institutions, and fulfill the promises we have made to our people. While we acknowledge the significant work ahead, we remain steadfast in our resolve to navigate the complexities of this process and challenges with unity and perseverance.
“At the meeting, they started discussing and finalizing the IMT’s Terms of Reference (TOR), adoption of the Peace Accords Matrix (PAM-M), as well as the pilot testing parameters for the Joint Security Area (JSA). They also were to deliberate on the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Roadmap.
“Our discussions today will focus on key priorities, including the finalization of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the International Monitoring Team (IMT), the adoption of the Peace Accords Matrix (PAM-M), and the parameters for the pilot testing of the Joint Security Area (JSA). These matters reflect our ongoing efforts to ensure that mechanisms for monitoring, security, and implementation remain effective, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving landscape of the peace process.
“We will also deliberate on the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJR) Roadmap, which serves as a vital framework for addressing the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people and fostering genuine reconciliation. To ensure meaningful and lasting impact, we must focus on its two-track approach — establishing a national mechanism and implementing the recommendations of the TJR Commission. Both tracks are essential in laying the groundwork for institutionalized measures that will help heal the wounds of the past. I urge all stakeholders to work towards ensuring its full implementation, with the necessary support from both the national government and the Bangsamoro government.
“Furthermore, we recognize the urgency of addressing key concerns related to amnesty, small arms and light weapons (SALW), and the socio-economic aspect of the decommissioning process. In sustaining these efforts, it is important that funding arrangements align with established commitments. Given the distinct purpose of the BARMM block grant in supporting regional development and essential services, we trust that the necessary resources for decommissioning will be appropriately provided by the national government. A well-coordinated and adequately resourced transition remains key to fulfilling our shared commitments.
“At the same time, we must confront recent ceasefire infractions and security concerns with the seriousness that they demand. These incidents underscore the critical need for strong coordination, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment to the parallel and commensurate implementation of the peace process. In this regard, the immediate return of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) is of utmost importance, as its presence plays a vital role in de-escalating tensions, fostering confidence among stakeholders, and ensuring independent monitoring of ceasefire compliance. It is imperative also that our dispute resolution and accountability mechanisms remain robust and fully functional to prevent disruptions and uphold the integrity of our agreements.
“As we move forward in today’s discussions, I encourage all members of the panel and our peace mechanisms to stay focused on the tasks at hand. The process is not without its challenges, but peace is a continuous effort — one that demands patience, commitment, and sustained collaboration.
“Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang ating kapayapaan. (Thank you very much and long live our peace.)
“Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.” (/)
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Source: Wikipedia, Rappler, MILF PIP