Statement of Lanao Peace Partnership on the Signing of Power Sharing Annex

The Lanao Peace Partnership (LPP), comprising of partner organizations of the GIZ Civil Peace Service namely Pailig Development Foundation, MSUIIT Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), and Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (EcoWEB), congratulates the peace panels of government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for another milestone in the negotiations. The signing of the Annex on Power Sharing last Sunday emboldened our hope that a comprehensive peace agreement is really just around the corner, hence, work can start soonest on the equally important phase of the peace processimplementing its provisions to the letter and spirit. We note the inclusive stance displayed by the parties by committing to consider into the Bangsamoro Basic Law ideas that were shaped from complementary processes like the tripartite review on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement that government inked with the Moro National Liberation Front, and the set of proposals for strengthening the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao crafted by its Regional Legislative Assembly. We also note the firm resolve of the peace panels, reflected in their joint statement, to conclude the comprehensive agreement by January next year. Our prayers and goodwill go with you as you embark on that final phase of the already 16-year peace negotiations.