Munai, 16 December 2024 — The International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Government of Japan, reached a key milestone in the project Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao, Philippines. A ceremonial event was organized in Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) Munai Station, Lanao del Norte – one of the stations that was supported by the project – to celebrate the accomplishments of the partnership.

The project supported efforts of the JPSTs to sustain peace, manage conflict, and foster resolution in local communities These unique peace and security mechanisms are composed of the Government security forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and were established as a result of the Bangsamoro peace agreement to build peaceful and safer communities in Mindanao.

“Achieving peace takes much determination and commitment, which the JPST demonstrates in their daily activities in the Bangsamoro region,” said Minister Kenichi Matsuda, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. “To complement their endeavors, Japan supports the peacebuilding and security efforts through numerous projects tailored to the region’s emerging needs,” he added.

The ceremony highlighted many accomplishments achieved under the partnership. Four JPST stations have been rehabilitated and fully recovered from the damage incurred by recent climate events and disasters. Eight JPST stations are now equipped with solar-powered systems and improved water systems. The partnership also provided four vehicles and four motorcycles, 24 sets of first aid and protection kits and communications equipment, along with trainings on community safeguarding.

The assistance was intended to help the JPSTs deliver their operations more efficiently and effectively. PCPT Daud Sanggoyod, JPST Munai Team Leader, shared at the event that “the support significantly helps improve the JPST’s ability to respond to the unique needs of our community and fulfil their mandate to maintain peace and security.”

The project also promoted inclusion across the initiatives, further building communities’ trust and confidence in the JPSTs. The new solar and water systems will provide access to electricity and water to both JPST members and the surrounding communities. Four communities hosting the JPST have also been assisted with economic initiatives, resulting in three cooperatives and one community-based organization diversifying their membership to include JPST-MILF members and their families.

“I truly hope that the gains of our efforts will be used to bring the JPSTs’ services closer to communities to maximize their full potential as catalysts of peace, and scaled up to expand peace dividends among the most left-behind communities in Mindanao,” said Tristan A. Burnett, Chief of Mission of IOM Philippines, reiterating the agency’s commitment towards lasting peace in Mindanao.

The ceremony brought together key partners and stakeholders of the project. Usec. David Diciano, Presidential Assistant, Office for Bangsamoro Transformation, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) also attended to deliver his message of appreciation to the project. ”The success of this project is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of all stakeholders involved,” he said.

The project was launched in February 2024 and will conclude in January 2025. The activities are supported by the Government of Japan and are implemented by IOM Philippines in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), the security sector, the Bangsamoro Government and local government units, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and beneficiary communities.

For more information, please contact: Tristan Burnett, IOM Philippines Chief of Mission at IOMPhilippines@iom.int