Duterte creates inter-Cabinet body to implement normalization program under CAB

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order creating an inter-cabinet cluster mechanism to ensure the timely and proper implementation of the normalization program under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Executive Order No. 79, signed April 24, stated the national government recognizes that normalization is a process whereby communities can achieve their desired quality of life within a peaceful and deliberative society.

“To this end, the national government adopts a normalization program that is multi-faceted and covers the aspect of security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, confidence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation,” it said.

The Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) shall be composed of representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary as co-chairpersons.

The members shall consists of representatives from the National Security Council; Departments of Interior and Local Government; National Defense; Justice; Social Welfare and Development; Agriculture; Education; Health; Labor and Employment; Finance; Budget and Management; Trade and Industry; Information and Communications Technology; National Economic and Development Authority; Commission on Higher Education; Tehnical Education and Skills Development Authority; and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Combatant and non-combatant elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, families of the decommissioned combatants, and other vulnerable individuals and sectors residing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall be covered by the normalization program.

Under the executive order, the ICCMN is tasked to work for the transition, decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons, disbandment of private armed groups, management of small arms and light weapons, and redeployment of AFP units from or within the BARMM. — MDM, GMA News