Attachments
Message from Civil Society Organizations and Peace Accords Matrix - Mindanao
The implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is currently at a critical juncture. In view of this, we would like to emphasize that the Government of the Philippines (GPH), the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must focus on consolidating the significant milestones and accomplishments within the political track of the agreement. At the same time, it is high time that the GPH and MILF ensure an effective implementation of the normalization track to create an environment conducive to meaningful autonomy in the Bangsamoro. As per the spirit of the agreement, underlying socio-economic grievances must be addressed, victims must have access to transitional justice, and decommissioned men and women combatants must be able to create dignified civil lives. Because only the implementation of the peace agreement provides a proven pathway for peace and stability in the Bangsamoro, it is in the interest of the CAB’s signatories to deliver on their remaining commitments as soon as possible. Transparency, mutuality, and equity will enable the broader Bangsamoro community to take ownership of and validate the implementation process as credible and legitimate.
As the Bangsamoro celebrates a decade of relative peace following the signing of the CAB, both sides, time and again, have shown the utmost commitment to peace and support the ongoing implementation process. However, the process has also seen avoidable tumults and noticeable gaps as perceived at the grassroots level. To respond to the collective yearning for peace in the Bangsamoro, we civil society actors (CSOs) reiterate our unwavering commitment to accompany the full implementation of the CAB and urge both the GPH and MILF to take strong ownership of their achievements and of implementation gaps. Parties must delineate resolute measures to adhere to the timeline and prioritize action and resource commitments. CSOs also see a unique opportunity for implementing parties to bring gender sensitivities into this process so that the needs of women combatants, families, and broader Bangsamoro communities who suffered from violence and trauma have the means and support necessary to integrate back into their communities.
To further strengthen the legitimacy of the normalization implementation process, robust participation of CSOs is a must. The participation and inclusion of CSOs brings us closer to the process, allowing them to learn firsthand information regarding implementationrelated activities that they can take back to their respective constituencies. Additionally, being closely engaged in the process empowers CSOs to effectively share the valuable data we collect from communities with key stakeholders. This two-way flow of information helps duty-bearers learn about community perceptions, and communities also learn about priorities and efforts made by duty-bearers. Such a regular flow of information helps avoid misinformation and creates an enabling environment to advance the peace process.
CSOs in the Bangsamoro have partnered with PAM-M in collecting and analyzing data on the implementation of normalization commitments from communities and have created a multilayer space for constant dialogue informed by data and evidence. This baseline report utilizes these data and analyses and invites the GPH, MILF, other CSOs, and international partners to celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and create a way forward in implementing the Normalization Annex. It is hoped that soon there will be only one narrative – a narrative of a successful normalization implementation process – that each and all sides own and commit to safeguard for a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro, Mindanao and the Philippines.
Davao City, Philippines