Govt, MILF renew commitment to protect ceasefire

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday renewed their commitment to protect their ceasefire in Mindanao as both parties work for a final peace agreement. Both sides made this clear in a farewell ceremony for the six outgoing members of Brunei’s contingent to the International Monitoring Team (IMT), the body monitoring the implementation of the security, socio-economic, civilian protection and humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects of the peace process. An article posted on the MILF website Monday said officers of the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs) of both sides attended the ceremony held in Cotabato City. Present at the event were MILF CCCH chairman Said Shiek, government CCCH secretariat head Major Carlos Sol Jr., and IMT Head of Mission Maj. Gen. Datuk Mahdi Bin Yusof. The CCCH and IMT officials commended the outgoing Brunei members for a job well done, significantly contributing in sustaining the ceasefire and the security aspect of the peace efforts between the Philippine government and the MILF. The six Brunei IMT members completed their one-year tour of duty focused on promoting and protecting the ceasefire and building confidence on the ground in furtherance of the security aspect of the peace process. Lt. Col. Hasmee Abdul Wahab heads the 15-member IMT Brunei Contingent Team. Brunei is the second biggest contingent with IMT, which has representatives from Malaysia, Brunei, Libya, Japan, and Norway. The IMT also has members sponsored by the European Union. Hasmee pointed out that the replacement of the outgoing members will be coming on May 9. — KBK, GMA News