Japan supports Mindanao peace process

The recent political development in the Mindanao peace process that culminated in the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on Feb. 22 is truly historic. I would like to commend all the stakeholders who have made this possible.

For more than a decade now, Japan has been one of the staunchest supporters of the Mindanao peace process. With crucial years ahead, we will continue to support the incoming political transition, particularly focusing on the capacity-building of the BTA, implementation of “normalization” or disarmament of Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, and socioeconomic development assistance to enable the Bangsamoro people to benefit from the dividends of peace.

Last Dec. 11, when the Embassy of Japan co-organized the one-day “Bangsamoro Forum” with UN Manila to identify and discuss key challenges in implementing the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the tasks ahead looked daunting. I was encouraged to note, however, the large turnout for the event, with more than 100 participants from the Philippine government, MILF, diplomatic corps and international organizations, which seemed to indicate wide-ranging support for this historic endeavor.

The first critical phase since then was the plebiscite last Jan. 21 and Feb. 6 for the BOL ratification and determination of the boundary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Japan dispatched its monitoring mission, led by Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Norikazu Suzuki. Our mission members were quite impressed with the passion of the people who cast their votes for the future of their own homeland, as well as with the firm dedication of Commission on Elections officials and public school teachers who conducted the ballot procedure on the ground in a fair and impartial manner.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono’s visit to Davao last Feb. 9-11 was another milestone occasion for Japan to reaffirm its commitment to the Mindanao peace process. In his courtesy call on President Duterte and meetings with Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Minister Kono welcomed the BOL ratification and reaffirmed that Japan would strengthen its
assistance in accordance with the progress of peace processes. Minister Kono and Secretary Locsin exchanged notes on the provision of a loan of up to $202 million for a road network project in conflict-affected areas. Minister Kono also met with MILF chair Murad Ebrahim, and they shared the view that the Bangsamoro people should achieve the benefits of peace as early as possible.

Immediately after the establishment of the BTA last Feb. 22, Minister Kono issued a welcoming statement which highlights Japan’s new assistance package. In addition to the road network project signed in Davao, Japan will support the rebuilding of a vocational center in Marawi City, livelihood assistance in the agricultural sector, and construction of water supply facilities. Minister Kono also touched on a plan to provide vehicles and other equipment worth about P160 million for the Joint Peace and Security Team and the Independent Decommissioning Body, in order to support their initial activities for normalization. This package of new assistance is equivalent to the total amount of assistance that Japan has already provided to Mindanao through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development projects since 2006.

The political transition process toward the establishment of the Bangsamoro government in 2022 may not be easy. The security situation would be one of the key determinants. Japan strongly condemns all the bombing incidents in the region in recent months, which defy the will of the majority of the Bangsamoro people. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the Mindanao peace process, Japan will continue to stand by the region as its close friend. We look forward to working with the Philippine government and the BTA led by newly appointed interim Chief Minister Murad and the rest of his team for the smooth political transition and welfare of the Bangsamoro people.

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Koji Haneda is the Japanese ambassador to the Philippines.