The peace process in Mindanao between Government Republic of Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is passing through a turbulent and testing time after a fire fight on July 10, 2007 in Barangay (lowest administrative unit) Guinanta, Al Barakah in Basilan involving the armed forces of both parties that resulted in casualties on both sides. The decapitation of the dead bodies of marines of Armed Forces of Philippines and a Muslim Imam further aggravated the volatile situation. The high militarization of the whole area caused much fear among the residents, local governmental officials, the ceasefire mechanism structure and civil society organizations. It is feared that the current confrontation between the forces of both sides may lead to a new outbreak of violence not only in Basilan but which may also affect the cease-fire on the mainlands of Mindanao.
A joint fact finding committee initially comprised of representatives from the “GRP – MILF Coordination Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities” has been created “to determine the proximate cause of the incident, possible violations to the ceasefire agreement, pinpoint persons responsible for acts of atrocities, and recommend measures to prevent its occurrences.”
The proactive civil society organizations (CSOs) of Mindanao are maximizing their joint efforts to save the peace process and are strongly urging both parties to exercise maximum restraints and resolve this pertinent issue through dialogue and other peaceful means. Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines supports the efforts of its partners in Mindanao by publishing two statements written by them.