Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 79)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 79 is to implement the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, facilitating a process to ensure human security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, confidence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Normalization is a process whereby communities can achieve their desired quality of life within a peaceful and deliberative society. The program covers aspects such as security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, confidence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation.
The Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) is established to ensure timely, appropriate and efficient delivery of the Normalization Program.
The ICCMN is co-chaired by representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), both of rank not lower than Undersecretary.
Members include representatives from National Security Council, DILG, DND, DOJ, DSWD, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Health, DOLE, DOF, DBM, DTI, DICT, NEDA, CHED, TESDA, and NCIP, among others.
The ICCMN coordinates government agencies, provides policy advice, supervises and monitors socio-economic interventions, creates a Working Group on Vulnerable Sectors, submits periodic reports to the President, and performs other functions as directed by the President.
The programs cover combatant and non-combatant elements of MILF, families of decommissioned combatants, and other vulnerable individuals and sectors residing in the BARMM.
Components include transitional security collaboration through JPSTs, decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons, disbandment of Private Armed Groups (PAGs), management of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs), redeployment of AFP units, and UXO and landmine detection and clearance.
DND directs AFP in coordination with BIAF-MILF to form JPSTs, provides training to BIAF-MILF members, assists in verification and decommissioning, and prepares redeployment plans of AFP units within BARMM.
Government agencies are directed to prioritize rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development efforts in the BARMM, addressing needs of BIAF members, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities through community-based and social cohesion strengthening programs.
They assess needs, formulate comprehensive development plans, and implement measures to transform the six recognized MILF camps and other identified areas into peaceful and productive communities.
A Technical Working Group chaired by DOJ and OPAPP will study and recommend the grant of amnesty or pardon and identify other processes toward resolving cases of persons charged or convicted of crimes related to the armed conflicts in Mindanao.
The ICCMN leads the implementation of recommendations from the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission report, addressing legitimate grievances, historical injustices, human rights violations, and marginalization in BARMM to achieve healing and reconciliation.
Initial funding is charged against sources identified by the DBM. Subsequent funding will be included in the budgets of ICCMN member-agencies or other sources identified by DBM, subject to existing laws and regulations. Donations from outside government may also be accepted.
The ICCMN shall cease to operate upon the signing of the Exit Agreement by the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels or when the Normalization Program is fully implemented, whichever comes first.
All departments, agencies, offices, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and local government units are directed to provide support, including technical and logistical assistance to the ICCMN and its Secretariat for effective implementation.
The ICCMN must ensure the integrity, accuracy, and where applicable, confidentiality of information received pursuant to the Order.
All orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with EO No. 79 are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.