Politics · Philippines Bureau
Government, MILF push to restart stalled weapons decommissioning talks
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have pledged to accelerate the decommissioning process following a bilateral meeting in Malaysia. Officials aim to overcome delays that have hindered progress on a key component of the Mindanao peace agreement.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have committed to expediting the stalled decommissioning of rebel fighters and weapons following high-level talks in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.
The renewed pledge emerged during a special meeting facilitated by Malaysia, where both sides reviewed obstacles impeding the weapons turnover and fighter disengagement process. Peace Implementing Panel chairs Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento represented the government side in discussions aimed at revitalizing one of the most critical elements of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Decommissioning has proven a contentious element of peace implementation efforts in Mindanao, with previous timelines repeatedly delayed. The process requires the MILF to hand over weapons and formally integrate remaining combatants into civilian life, a step considered essential for consolidating peace gains in the southern Philippines.
Official details regarding specific timelines or mechanisms for accelerating decommissioning were not immediately disclosed. However, both parties indicated their commitment to working through remaining technical and procedural hurdles that have stalled progress.