Mindanao: The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission of the Philippines released 13 Mar 2016

The report outlines recommendations from TJRC that highlight opening a mutual path for a joint Bangsamoro and Filipino process of ‘dealing with the past’ (DWP) that can address the root causes of the conflict and their consequences, while building on both parties’ capacity for resilience. The framework is designed to address the grievances of the Bangsamoro and will provide a solid base for healing and reconciliation among the communities directly affected by the conflict. The full text of the report can be accessed here.

Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner says the report is a positive contribution to the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) -Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It will help keep the path of peace in the Philippines on track. ‘Dealing with the past is crucial for a peaceful future. Transitional justice and reconciliation means addressing historical injustices,’ says Ambassador Førner.

TJRC is the GPH-MILF peace process mechanism established under the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. It is mandated to undertake a study and to make recommendations with a view to promote healing and reconciliation among the communities affected by the conflict.

Norway currently sits as vice-chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body in charge of the decommissioning of MILF firearms and fighters, and is part of the International Monitoring Team supervising the ceasefire agreement in Mindanao.

Another note from AIPP

The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission of the Philippines has released its report on 13 Mar 2016 . The report articulates extensively about grievances, injustices, human rights violations of Bangsamoro and indigenous peoples. One particular recommendation worth mentioning is  that the Government of the Philippines and MILF Peace Panels, the future Bangsamoro authorities, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the DOJ, the CHR, the NCIP, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), representatives of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), justices of the Supreme Court, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Management Bureau (LMB), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of National Defense (DND), the AFP, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in cooperation with the Sub-Commission on Land Dispossession in the Bangsamoro: