Philippine gov disappointed over MILF postponing decommissioning

The Philippine government expressed disappointment over the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) decision to postpone the final phase of decommissioning its combatants and weapons.

David Diciano, presidential assistant for Bangsamoro transformation, stated that this delay undermines a core commitment under the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), while Palace Press Officer Claire Castro called the development saddening.

Diciano disputed the MILF's claim that the government has not met socioeconomic commitments, citing PHP100,000 in transitional cash assistance per decommissioned combatant and over PHP4 billion in programs since 2019.

The government noted that about 26,000 MILF combatants have been decommissioned since 2015, with six MILF camps receiving approximately PHP8.5 billion in development projects.

Castro hopes the government could also present its report on the assistance being provided to decommissioned combatants and vowed for a sincere dialogue to ensure a better outcome.

The MILF's letter comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address highlighted that former MILF fighters have been helping maintain peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.