By Chito Chavez
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has cited the government’s decommissioning process of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia described it as a historic milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.
She noted the move “signals a new chapter towards sustainable peace’’.
“Concrete peace gains provide the essential foundation for the pursuit of the economic, social, and cultural rights of the Bangsamoro people,’’ de Guia said.
De Guia has recognized the decommissioning of 1,060 MILF combatants, along with 920 weapons and about 20 heavy weapons that were put beyond use, as a significant step for the return of the former fighters to normalcy.
With the comprehensive socio-economic package, the CHR “is hopeful that combatants can finally transition to civilian and productive life for good coupled with the envisioned transformation of six camps into peaceful and productive communities’’.
De Guia stressed the historic progress was also a triumph in transitional justice in recognition of the numerous historical injustices suffered by the Bangsamoro people.
The Commission also commended the steadfast commitment of the government and the MILF to implement the peace agreement.
“As we celebrate this peace gain, let us not forget to also prioritize the rehabilitation of Marawi and address the grievances of the displaced people to ensure that no new seed of conflict would be sown among those that suffered from the siege,’’ de Guia concluded.