Tubod, Lanao del Norte – As the deadline imposed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government approaches – June 25, members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) paid a courtesy call on the provincial leadership last May 23, 2011.

Arriving at the provincial capitol building, in the capital town of Tubod, the IMT was welcomed by Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza who expressed full support to its mandate.

“We are happy with the IMT’s visit here in the province and we commit our full support to their vital function in the peace process”, Quibranza said.

The IMT has been tasked by both negotiating panels to monitor the ceasefire compliance, civilian protection in conflict areas, rehabilitation and development of affected communities, and socio-economic agreements between the government and MILF.

Although the IMT’s tour of duty ended on February 28, but the government and the MILF panels agreed to renew its mandate for another year during their 20th formal exploratory talks on February 9 and 10 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“We are here to get in touch with all the local stakeholders in the peace process and encourage them to talk to each other for them to arrive at a peace agreement”, Malaysian Head of Mission (HOM), Major Gen. Dato Mahdi bin Yusof said.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles confirmed the pronouncement of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that Indonesia will be participating in the present IMT, headed by Major Gen. Dato Mahdi bin Yusof of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“There is now a groundswell and momentum for the clamor for peace. And both sides are now actively engaging the other stakeholders towards the peace process and that is a good indication on how far progress has been made in our quest for lasting peace in the Philippines particularly here in Mindanao”, Yusof expressed.

Presently, the IMT is composed of representatives from Malaysia, Brunei, Libya, Japan, Norway and European Union (EU).