Military lawyer named head of ceasefire body

MANILA, Philippines - A military lawyer was appointed as the new head of the government panel that oversees the implementation of the ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa was designated chairman of the government panel in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

Prior to his appointment to the CCCH, Roa served as the Judge Advocate-General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Lt. Col. Maria Victoria Girao will serve as officer-in-charge of the Judge Advocate General’s Office.

“Roa’s appointment is seen vital in the expected transformation of the CCCH to a monitoring committee once a peace agreement is made with the MILF this year,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.

Roa succeeded Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, who was appointed commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division. He has been with the CCCH since 1998 as a legal representative, member, and assistant chairman.

As head of the government panel in the CCCH, Roa is tasked to protect the interest of the military and to prevent escalation of violent incidents.

Roa, the only military lawyer in the government panel, had led several fact-finding inquiries in cases that occurred in MILF-held areas.

These include the killings of 14 soldiers in Datu Piang, Maguindanao in 2004; the clash in Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao and the killing of nine Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces in Sultan Naga Dimaparo, Lanao del Norte in 2005.

Roa also led the inquiry on the encounter in Rangeban, Midsayap, North Cotabato in 2006 and the killing of 14 Marines in Al Barka, Basilan in 2007.

AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa is upbeat about the prospects of the talks between the government and the MILF.

“We are optimistic, hopeful, and eager on the immediate closure of conflicts through the democratic and peaceful means being employed by the government,” Dellosa said.

“We expect that the conditions for peace will further improve with the appointment of Brig. Gen. Roa.”