Manila: Trkiye 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, the envoy stated that Trkiye is ready "to extend any support that may be required" by the parties involved.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ambassador commended the progress achieved in the Mindanao peace process but acknowledged that certain issues still needed to be addressed. He emphasized the importance of observing that all parties are committed to the success of the peace process. Within this context, Trkiye is closely monitoring developments related to the decommissioning process and believes that the issue should be discussed in-depth by the parties through constructive dialogue.
Trkiye has been a consistent supporter of the peace process in Mindanao and has provided necessary assistance since the beginning of negotiations. The country is among the members of both the International Contact Group and Third-Party Monitoring Team that support the peace process. Additionally, Trkiye led the Independent Decommissioning Body following its establishment in 2014.
The MILF Chair, Alhadj Murad Ebrahim, issued a memorandum order on August 16, directing all commanders and members not to engage in any decommissioning or normalization activities of the government without prior written approval from the MILF. This directive follows a July 19 resolution from the MILF Central Committee, temporarily suspending the implementation of the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process.
Despite these recent developments, the Bangsamoro peace process remains "robust and dynamic," as stated by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. He emphasized that an "open and sincere" dialogue is the most effective approach to resolving the current impasse.
