On 24 January, Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, and His Majesty's Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils visited Camp Badre in Maguindanao del Norte to meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities and launch a new UK-funded project supporting decommissioned combatants to develop new livelihoods opportunities, for example around agriculture or eco-tourism.
Through engagements with decommissioned combatants, Lord McConnell gained insights into the needs of the community and discussed UK support to the peace process. His visit comes at a crucial time for the Bangsamoro peace process, as the region prepares for its first Parliamentary elections in 2025.
Lord McConnell was in the Philippines from 22 - 26 January 2024. In Cotabato, Lord McConnell met with MILF leadership, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), representatives of the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities, political parties and civil society. In Manila, he had constructive discussions with Senator Raffy Tulfo, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo and Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and civil society.
Speaking after his visit, Lord McConnell said:
I was delighted to join the 5th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao this week in Cotabato. I was pleased to witness first-hand the progress made on delivering the peace process as we approach the important BARMM elections in 2025. The visit to Camp Badre was an opportunity to listen to the decommissioned combatants and learn more about their experiences. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement, I congratulate all involved and I look forward to continuing to support them in delivering development, peace and inclusivity for all.
The visit marked the launch of the UK government-funded VSO ACTIVE Project, part of the UK government's continuing programme of support to the BARMM. A spokesperson for VSO said:
The ACTIVE project in the Philippines has supported marginalised communities in MILF camps to generate livelihood opportunities, increase biodiversity, protect against the harmful impacts of climate change and hold local decision makers to account, with 380 community volunteers supporting over 20,000 people to date. The project contributes to the normalisation track and the Camp Transformation Plan and has helped decommissioned combatants and their families to establish agroecology initiatives and supported the construction of an eco-tourism area which is now protected by an ordinance. VSO and our partner, UnYPhil-Women, are delighted to have the opportunity to expand this work in Camp Badre, and we are very grateful to the FCDO for their ongoing support for the ACTIVE project.
Welcoming the launch of the project at Camp Badre, His Majesty's Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said:
The UK government is delighted to support the normalisation track of the peace process, and in particular the VSO ACTIVE project in MILF camps. Peace is not just the absence of war - it's also about opportunities, development and hope. The UK reiterates its unwavering support for the Peace Process and delivering lasting and inclusive peace for all.
Since 2020, the UK government has been supporting the peace process in the BARMM through a £12 million Conflict, Stability and Security Fund programme, sharing experience in devolution, institution-building, and peace transition.
