A newly refurbished operations center was turned over to the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) to strengthen women’s participation in peace and security efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Christian Halaas Lyster, Royal Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, led the turnover of the upgraded facility with support from the Norwegian government through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) last Feb. 12.

The upgrading of the operations center was carried out under IOM’s Sustainable Transformation and Normalization Through Driving Inclusive Peace Initiatives in Mindanao or STAND for Peace Program. The project is funded by the Norwegian government.

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited the strong partnership among peace stakeholders to sustain the gains of peace in BARMM .

“The establishment of the JPSTs is being hailed globally as a concrete manifestation of reconciliation, mutual respect, and partnership between former adversaries. By standing shoulder to shoulder and working together, they are demonstrating how far the peace process in the Bangsamoro has gone,” he said in his speech read by OPAPRU Director Anna Pacete.

The JPSTs are a composite force between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF).

From being adversaries, the security forces from AFP-PNP and BIAF now work as comrades-in-arms to ensure stability in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao following the signing of the final peace agreement between the Philippine government (GPH) and MILF.

Operating since the creation of BARMM in 2019, the JPSTs assist the communities in efforts to sustain peace, manage conflicts and foster resolution, especially for those impacted by horizontal and vertical conflicts such as “rido” or clan wars. They also track and document lawless elements in areas where they are deployed.

Lyster commended the JPSTs for their work in the region as he reaffirmed Norway’s commitment “to increase women's participation and influence of processes relating to peace and security of all levels.”

“It’s really now my pleasure to see the improvements of the JPST’s operations,” he said. “We are committed to protecting women, girls, and their rights in conflict situations to integrate a gender perspective in international missions and operations.”

Before the BIAF members are integrated with their AFP-PNP counterparts, they undergo a 45-day basic military training (BMT) at the division training unit of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Once they finish the BMT, the BIAF members can now legally carry a firearm, one thing which they cannot do before since they are part of a rebel group. They are to join another training on peacekeeping and security at the BARMM Police Regional Office in Parang, Maguindanao for almost one month where they learn about peace-building, mediation and harnessing synergy and camaraderie with their AFP-PNP counterparts.

Apart from their role as peacekeepers, the JPSTs are now being sought by the communities when disasters strike such as typhoons, flooding, and earthquakes, and they readily respond while facing limitations in terms of community safeguarding, communications, logistics, and operational infrastructure.

For his part, Tristan Burnett, IOM Chief of Mission in the country, said Norway’s backing allowed the STAND Program to move forward.

“We are able to continue to work together, grounded in our collective aspirations to make peace something that people will feel every day in their communities,” Burnett said.

“Since 2024, this 'Stand for Peace' project has brought a peace initiative that is more inclusive, gender responsive, and culturally grounded,” he noted.

Burnett said the JPSC worked closely with the IOM and other stakeholders to secure peace in the BARMM.

“Working together with the JPSC and the Bangsamoro government will help strengthen the JPST’s engagement with communities and improve how they respond to conflict and protection concerns,” he stressed.

He said one of the key milestones was the development of the Standard Operating Procedures for JPST members.

“The most meaningful milestones are the development of the Standard Operating Procedures to guide JPST members in addressing gender-related risks, particularly in the context of conflict and displacement,” Burnett pointed out.

“This SOP is not just a document. It is a product of true collaboration,” he stated.