MILF Halts Decommissioning Over Socioeconomic Issues
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership has instructed its commanders not to join the government’s decommissioning process unless the socioeconomic aspects of normalization progress accordingly. This decision emphasizes the MILF’s insistence on fulfilling promised benefits alongside disarmament.
According to sources, MILF chair Murad Ebrahim issued a directive to all front and base commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and affiliated agencies over the weekend. The memo strictly prohibits participation in any unilateral normalization activities organized by the national government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) without prior MILF approval.
Directive to MILF Commanders
The memorandum order No. 037 was released following the MILF central committee’s July 19 resolution to pause the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process. The suspension aims to ensure that socioeconomic interventions promised under the peace agreement are fully realized before further steps are taken.
Ebrahim stressed, “It is important that all front commanders, base commanders, heads of line agencies of the organization and their subordinates strictly observe protocol and official channels in dealing with our national government counterparts.” Furthermore, he warned that unauthorized involvement in decommissioning or normalization events would be considered a breach of command discipline, subject to administrative and disciplinary measures.
Background on MILF Decommissioning
The decommissioning of former MILF combatants is a critical component of the Annex on Normalization, part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. This framework is a key element of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal signed between the government and the MILF in 2014.
To date, approximately 26,145 MILF combatants have been decommissioned, accounting for 65 percent of the estimated 40,000-strong force. However, community members reported that despite this progress, none of the decommissioned fighters have successfully transitioned to productive civilian life. Aside from the one-time P100,000 financial assistance per combatant, other promised support programs have yet to be delivered.
Unmet Socioeconomic Promises
Sources close to the MILF emphasized the importance of adhering to the socioeconomic provisions outlined in the Annex on Normalization. Chair Ebrahim underscored that true compliance requires visible progress in the socioeconomic interventions for combatants selected for decommissioning.
Section C, Item 9 of the normalization annex explicitly states that the decommissioning process must proceed in parallel with the implementation of agreed-upon socioeconomic measures. This balance ensures that combatants are supported in their transition and that peace efforts are sustainable.
Looking Ahead
The MILF’s firm stance reflects deep concerns about the pace and sincerity of the government’s normalization efforts. Local leaders noted that without concrete socioeconomic benefits, the decommissioning process risks losing credibility and momentum.
As the situation evolves, the MILF leadership continues to call for genuine cooperation and respect for agreed protocols to build lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.
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