MANILA: Türkiye is closely following the developments in the Bangsamoro Region following the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) suspension of its decommissioning process, Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol said.
In a text message on Friday (Aug 22), the envoy said Türkiye is ready “to extend any support that may be required” by the parties.
He commended the progress reached in the Mindanao peace process but recognised that certain issues still needed to be “smoothed out.”
“At this point, most importantly, we are glad to observe that all sides are fully committed to the success of the peace process,” he said.
“Within this framework, we are closely following the developments concerning the process, including the decommissioning aspect, and believe that the issue should be discussed in depth by the parties through constructive dialogue,” he added.
Türkiye has long been a strong supporter of the peace process in Mindanao and has provided necessary assistance since the outset of the negotiations.
The country is among the members of both the International Contact Group and Third-Party Monitoring Team that support the peace process.
It headed the Independent Decommissioning Body following its establishment in 2014.
In a memorandum order dated Aug. 16, MILF Chair Alhadj Murad Ebrahim directed all commanders and members not to participate in any decommissioning or normalisation activities of the government “without prior written approval” from MILF.
The directive follows a July 19 resolution of the MILF Central Committee that temporarily suspends the implementation of the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process.
Despite the current differences, the Bangsamoro peace process remains “robust and dynamic,” according to Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
He said an “open and sincere” dialogue is the best way to address the current impasse. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
