March 8, 2010 - The International Monitoring Team (IMT) that monitors the implementation of the security, humanitarian and development aspects of the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now in place in Mindanao.

This was learned from the report of the Secretariat of the MILF Ceasefire Committee to the MILF Peace Panel yesterday.

The IMT Headquarters, manned by its Head of Mission, His Excellency MGen Dato Baharom and staff, is based in Cotabato City, said the report.

The 10-man Brunei contingent headed by Lt. Col. Abidin is manning the IMT Team Site 1, also based in Cotabato City but covering the provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato and Bukidnon.

IMT Team Site 2 in Iligan City, covering the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, is being handled by the Libyan contingent, headed by Col. Guima Maarash.

The Japanese contingent, comprised of socio-economic experts headed by Tomonori Kikuchi, and the officers from the Non-Violent Peaceforce and the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus that will take charge of the IMT Civilian Protection Component, will also hold office at IMT HQ.

Malaysian Lt. Col. Shamsiruddin is now occupying the IMT Team Site 4 as Team Head with area of responsibility covering the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Saranggani, and Davao Region.

However, Lt. Col. Mohammad Zaki, the designated head for the IMT Team Site 3 in Zamboanga City which shall cover the Zamboanga Peninsula areas and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, has yet to be dispatched.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, who has been a staunch oppositionist to the GRP - MILF peace process does not welcome the establishment of IMT Team Site 3 in Zamboanga City proper.

Lobregat instead insisted that the team site in Zamboanga City should still be situated inside the camp of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Civilians and MILF forces will have a hard time in getting in touch with the IMT if its team site will be co-located in the military camp. And besides, the AFP camp is not a neutral ground where a neutral and impartial IMT should hold office.”