17 July 2005, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam – The Philippines commended Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to the peace and development efforts within the region, stressing the Sultanate’s key role in on-going peace talks between the Philippine government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

At an audience over the weekend with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo reiterated the Philippines’ appreciation for Brunei Darussalam’s continued support to the Arroyo administration’s peace and development agenda in Mindanao.

Secretary Romulo cited the participation of a 10-man military contingent from Brunei in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as “a concrete manifestation of Brunei’s commitment to the peace process in the Southern Philippines.”  Sultan Bolkiah approved the participation of the 10-man military contingent from Brunei in the IMT.

“Brunei Darussalam genuinely shares with the Philippines the commitment to secure peace and development for our Muslim brothers and sisters in the South.  We are grateful to Brunei and Sultan Bolkiah and look forward to working closely with Brunei in other venues to uplift and empower our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” Secretary Romulo said.

The IMT, whose members comprise the Committee of the Eight of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), monitors the implementation of the GRP-MILF general ceasefire agreement and the compliance of both parties to agreements in the GRP-MILF Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The Philippines has applied for observer status at the OIC.

Mindanao peace stakeholders have attributed the significant reduction in the number of clashes between government forces and the MILF in South-Central Mindanao to the monitoring function of IMT and the creation of the Joint CCCH mechanism.

Secretary Romulo also expressed appreciation for Brunei’s contributions to “a comprehensive and holistic approach towards securing lasting peace and equitable development in the Southern Philippines.”

Secretary Romulo pointed out that Brunei has implemented a scholarship program for Madrasah teachers and administrators from Mindanao that aims to strengthen the educational foundations of Muslim youths in Mindanao.

“The success of the roadmap to peace in Mindanao rests squarely on development in all its aspects and, in this regard, the assistance extended by Brunei in the field of education is a significant contribution towards attaining lasting peace in the Southern Philippines,” Secretary Romulo said.  END
 

/jay