The GPH-RPMP/RPA/ABB 2000 Peace Agreement

The 2000 Peace Agreement was signed by the GPH and RPMP/RPA/ABB on the basis of mutual interest to pursue the peaceful settlement of the armed conflict under the principle of peace with honor, dignity, and justice for all and to hasten the progress and development of the country.

The Agreement consists of the following components: (1) declaration of cessation of hostilities, (2) release of political prisoners and their assistance through the Reintegration fund, (3) implementation of development projects, (4) policy reforms, and (5) establishment of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC).

In early 2002, a Clarificatory Document was signed in response to the issues raised on the substance and procedural aspects of the 2000 agreement. The JEMC was established to monitor the commitments set forth by the GPH and the RPMP/RPA/ABB Peace Agreement and the general principles embodied under the Clarificatory Document.  Two other executive orders were issued in support of the Peace Agreement.

Status of the GPH-RPMP/RPA/ABB 2000 Peace Agreement

a. Development

Of the 147 barangays as beneficiary of P500 million worth of impact development 

projects, 117 peace barangays have undergone community needs assessment. As of May 2010, P267 million worth of development projects under the Kalayaan Barangays Program (KBP) have been implemented in 68 peace barangays.

b. Civil and Political Rights

Out of the 312 APOs/PPs listed for release and reintegration, 51 remain in detention. In May 2010, the Presidential Commission on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardons (PCBReP) Secretariat has endorsed to the President for final approval the release of eight APOs/PPs on conditional pardon. The case of the other 43 APOS/PPs is being evaluated.

Five (5) million of the 10 million committed reintegration assistance has benefitted 147 APOs/PPs and their next of kin.

c. Cessation of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces

Ceasefire has been generally holding. It was maintained and sustained on the ground through the Local Technical Working Groups on the Cessation of Hostilities. These bodies operate in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

In March 2010, the JEMC with the Tabara-Paduano Group adopted a Strategic Action Plan which defines the concrete activities and all deliverables on all components of the Peace Agreement to include the provision on policy reform and the disposition of arms and forces.