First phase of MILF decommissioning underway as Bangsamoro region takes off

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — The first phase of decommissioning of fighters and weapons of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now underway as the Bangsamoro autonomous region formally took off Friday.

The Bangsamoro interim parliament held its inaugural session in Cotabato City, where MILF Chairman Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim announced that his group has submitted the initial list of combatants and weapons up for decommissioning.

"Last Monday, the MILF already submitted the complete list of its combatants and weapons to the international decomissioning body for decommissioning representing the first phase of a process," Murad said during the region's historic inaugural ceremony held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex

Twelve thousand combatants will be decommissioned during the first phase of the process. The group, however, has yet to release the exact figure for the firearms.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who led the inauguration rites, assured a "smooth" implementation of the process.

"We do this ensuring the smooth and effective implementation on the annex of normalization, which includes the decommissioning of former MILF combatants," the chief executive said.

The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) composed of foreign and local experts, in a statement Friday, credited the rebel group as well as the Philippine government for the move.

"In the steadfast aspiration of enduring peace, the decommissioning will render possible the transition of MILF combatants, ensuring them the opportunity to pursue productive lives as civilians, in the peaceful communities of Bangsamoro," the statement read.

The body said it will be working with the Joint Normalization Committee and the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their communities to ensure steady implementation of the process.

The rebel group's decommissioning is part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro undertaken with the national government. Under the peace agreement, the first phase shall take place when the Bangsamoro government is set up.

CNN Philippines Correspondent David Santos contributed to this report.