1. Elections dominated the political space throughout the month. They were marked by several malpractices and were closely monitored by national and international observers. Many provinces of Mindanao in which NP has plans of working have been declared to have had “failed elections”. Re-elections in Lanao del Sur and Shariff Kabunsuan generated more polarisation of society and added fuel to existing ridos (clan conflicts). The results of Maguindanao are under dispute and people fear more violence. Civil society leaders consider the elections to have had a divisive impact on the overall peace process, instead of uniting the stakeholders. Overall, the elections fortified the power of provincial feudal elites.
2. A ceasefire was announced between the AFP and armed elements of MNLF in the Panamao area of Sulu province. The army captured the military camp of MNLF in this area and the mini-war went on for nearly a month. It was halted through political agreement between higher-ups of both sides, given the need to conduct elections as well as other considerations. Small skirmishes continue in this area because the army is still chasing some enemy combatants. Civil society maintained continuous presence and advocated for early cessation of hostilities. Thousands of civilians were displaced in this mini-war and many are yet to return to their homes.
3. Although the ceasefire in Midsayap (North Cotabato) is holding and most of the IDPs have returned to their respective homes, fear of renewed violence is widespread. The core issue (land dispute) has not yet been settled. There is heavy presence of armed actors in their respective allocated areas. Civilian grievances regarding protection have not been addressed and they continue to be a cause of concern.
4. Bomb explosions occurred near the centre of Cotabato city, killing three persons and injuring several more. The NP Philippines main office is located in this city. Rumours of upcoming serial bomb explosions in the city are circulating in the post-election scenario. Heavy surveillance and checking are occurring in and outside the city.
The work of NP
1. All five NP International Civilian Peacekeepers (ICPs) and the Project Director arrived in Cotabato city and settled into the new office straightaway. The Communication Officer (CO), Norgianna Suleik, who was appointed on May 1st in a full-time capacity, prepared the office in advance for it to accommodate the ICPs and to be a venue for the In Country Training (ICT). Various office supplies and equipment were purchased in accordance with NP policy of supporting the local economy.
2. A month-long ICT was conducted for the ICPs under the supervision of the Project Director and with the assistance of the CO. The modules of the ICT were devised by the Project Director in consultation with the NP Programme Director and the CO. The whole theme of ICT was based on the orientation of ICPs to the culture, politics and the peace processes in Mindanao in specific and the Philippines in general. All the local partners presented their programme activities to the NP ICPs and also gave their expert advice. The ICPs also met the leadership of the AFP, MILF and the CCCH (Coordination Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities) of the two main parties to the conflict. The ICT also introduced ICPs to NP working practices, philosophy and code of conduct.
3. As part of the ICT, the participants got briefings on the latest mini-war in Central Mindanao and were taken on guided field visits by the International Monitoring Team and by local partner organisations. In the process, they were exposed to two different kinds of field visits- high and low profile. During the field visits, ICPs met communities, peace advocates and local level commanders of different parties.
4. NP Programme Director, Christine Schweitzer, and ICP, Sreeram Chaulia, joined the team in the third week of May in Cotabato city. They contributed to the concluding phase of the ICT. Sreeram is staying with the team for about two months as a volunteer.
5. The first NP Advisory Board meeting was held in Cotabato city in the premises of one of NP’s local partners. Several key decisions about the nature, functions and roles of the Board were finalised. The Board members appreciated NP’s unique style of promoting accountability to local civil society and extended full fledged support through their point people at the grassroots and higher levels for NP’s work in Mindanao.
6. Various efforts were undertaken to process the work visas of all the ICPs. These included one visit of the whole team to Davao city. NP Philippines announced an opening for the position of Administration and Finance Officer. The main office in Cotabato also hired a full-time caretaker.
7. The Project Director had a detailed meeting with the Delegate of the European Commission in Manila and discussed NP’s project in Mindanao and possibilities of collaboration.
Report written by Atif Hameed (Project Director) and Christine Schweitzer (Programme Director)