Japan, IOM launch $2.58-M project to rehab Mindanao ‘peace stations’

MANILA – The Japanese government is funding a USD2.58 million (PHP141.9 million) project aimed at rehabilitating four peace and security stations in Mindanao, as part of efforts to sustain peace initiatives in the region.

The UN Migration agency will oversee the implementation of the program over a period of 12 months, commencing in February 2024. This initiative will also encompass capacity-building activities for approximately 720 members of the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) from the 24 JPST stations across Mindanao.

Entitled “Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao,” the project will additionally extend its benefits to 80 JPST members from four community-based organizations, who will undergo livelihood training and receive necessary kits.

Since 2019, the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) have been actively engaged in providing security measures during the decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Spread across 24 stations in Mindanao, these teams consist of personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

Given the prolonged transition period and the impact of past natural disasters on some of these stations, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa stated that Japan has chosen to intervene and provide support.

“Through this project, we fervently hope a strengthened JPST will be able to perform their duties with more ease and confidence, especially with the approach of the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election,” he said during the launch in Makati on Wednesday.

“Please rest assured, the government of Japan will continue its support with the goal of attaining lasting peace and development in the region.

Japan’s support for the JPST marks the second instance of aid, underscoring the importance of providing them with comprehensive assistance as frontline enforcers of peace-building efforts in the region.

Tristan Burnett, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines, highlighted that the program aims to strengthen the social and economic capacities of beneficiaries while enhancing their ability to address both conflict and disaster situations.

“This new project with the government of Japan is implemented as part of a broader program to prevent, manage, and resolve conflict as a driver of displacement and an obstacle to return and reintegration,” she said.

“IOM remains committed to supporting the full implementation of the peace agreement to the best of our abilities, and in our common goal of achieving sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro.”

The program will be jointly implemented by IOM Philippines and the international non-governmental organization Nonviolent Peaceforce.

During the launch event, attendees included Deputy Presidential Peace Adviser Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima and MILF-Joint Peace and Security Committee Chairperson Abunawas Maslamama.