Int'l peace group: CAB a model for other countries with conflict

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A Brussels-based group involved in the peace process between the Philipppine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the newly signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is a peace model that can be adopted by other countries with an internal armed conflict situation.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in a statement said the CAB signing “is not only a resounding triumph for Mindanao and the nation of the Philippines, but is also a great model that can help many other countries facing similar issues." 

The CAB serves as a brilliant reminder that dialogue, negotiation and dedication have the power to bring about real and lasting change, according to the human rights group. 

“This is a real victory for peace,” added the NP statement citing a possible end to decades of hostility in southern Philippines that wasted thousands of lives. 

The GPH and the MILF signed last Thursday the peace agreement in Malacañang after 17 long years of negotiations. 

NP said the signing of the CAB reinforced the foundation for the Bangsamoro sub-state, which will provide the region greater political and governing autonomy, and preserve the vibrant history, tradition and culture of the Moro people.

“Moreover, this epic achievement will bring an end to the decades of violence that have plagued Mindanao,” the group said. 

Guiamel Alim, who also served as chairman of the NP Philippines Advisory Council, described the CAB signing as an initial victory in the long Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

He said the political gain must be sustained to improve the socio-economic life of the Bangsamoro. 

NP, which has been in Mindanao since 2007, focuses on protecting the safety and security of non-combatants throughout the peace process. One of its members fell victim to an Abu Sayyaf kidnapping in Basilan.

In 2010, NP join the Civilian Protection Component of the International Monitoring Team at the invitation of the MILF and GPH peace panels.