New batch of int'l peace monitors to arrive in Mindanao in March

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A new contingent of peace monitors will arrive next month to oversee the ongoing ceasefire between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a senior government official said today.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the new batch of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) will replace the current group whose mandate will end on March 12.

"The IMT, which monitors the ceasefire, civilian protection component, rehabilitation and development, and socio-economic agreements between the government and the MILF, will be serving its mandate for another year until March 2015," said Deles.

The Philippine government and the MILF, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, agreed to renew the mandates of the IMT and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) during their 43rd round of exploratory talks last month in Malaysia.

They also agreed to reduce the number of IMT members to 36 monitors, composed of 14 from Malaysia, nine from Brunei, nine from Indonesia, two from Japan, and two from Norway.

Meanwhile, Deles said the AHJAG will be reinstated for one year or until February 14, 2015.

Initially formed in 2002, the AHJAG is a joint effort of the government and the MILF that seeks to interdict and isolate lawless elements. It coordinates, monitors, and disseminates information between and among government security forces and the MILF to facilitate law enforcement operations without jeopardizing the peace process.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Gan, who currently serves as assistant division commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has been designated as the new head of the AHJAG, following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Leo Cresente Ferrer in December.

Deles said the IMT and AHJAG have been instrumental in reducing levels of hostilities between the government and MILF, and increasing efficiency in the pursuit of criminal elements in Central Mindanao and Basilan province.