We Want Peace to Florish in this Region

This is the Joint Resolution of the GRP-MILFCOORDINATING COMMITTEES ON THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES (CCCH)

Government of the Republic of the Philippines –
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
COORDINATING COMMITTEES ON
THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES
Cotabato City

JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed an Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities in Cagayan de Oro City on July 21, 1997.

WHEREAS, on July 10, 2007, a heavy firefight occurred in Barangay Guinanta, Al Barkah, Basilan involving GRP and BIAF-MILF forces which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

WHEREAS, the said incident and subsequent acts of atrocities caused panic and deep concern among the residents and local government officials of Basilan for fear of further armed clashes between the GRP and MILF forces.

WHEREAS, the situation is further aggravated by charges and counter-charges between GRP and MILF spokespersons of ceasefire violations, and volatile comments and observations from sectoral groups which are adverse and highly critical of the current peace negotiations.

WHEREAS, it is imperative to resolve the incident to prevent its escalation, uphold the General Ceasefire Agreement and preclude unnecessary loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacements of innocent civilians.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby resolve as they hereby resolved that:

a. Both forces of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front must observe maximum restraint while the incident is being resolved peacefully in accordance with the General Ceasefire Agreement and its implementing mechanisms.

b. A Joint Fact-Finding Committee to be initially composed of representative from the GRP-CCCH and MILF CCCH shall be created, pending the formal participation of the IMT, in order to determine the proximate cause of the incident, possible violations to the ceasefire agreement, pinpoint persons responsible for acts of atrocities, and recommend measures to prevent its occurrence.

c. A Mobile Joint Monitoring and Assistance Team (Mobile JMAT) initially composed of the representatives from the GRP CCCH, MILF CCCH, selected provincial and municipal government, Bantay Ceasefire, and civil society groups be organized and which shall establish a monitoring center in a strategic location in Basilan that could immediately respond to crises situations thereat, in support of the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) and other existing ceasefire mechanisms.