CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — The peace process in Mindanao gained renewed momentum as His Excellency Suat Akgun, Chairman of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), paid a courtesy visit to the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army on January 15, 2026.
Brigadier General Ruben Patricio Amata, Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division, welcomed Akgun and his delegation on behalf of Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6ID and the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC).
The visit underscored the IDB’s critical role in creating an enabling environment for peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region, particularly in facilitating the transition of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants from armed struggle to productive civilian life.
Established through the partnership of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF, the Independent Decommissioning Body oversees the phased decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons in line with the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The process is a cornerstone of the peace agreement, aimed at ensuring long-term security, reconciliation, and socio-economic development in conflict-affected communities.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament Jannati Mimbantas and the MILF North Eastern Mindanao Front Commander, further reinforcing the unified commitment of stakeholders to a peaceful and sustainable future for Central Mindanao.
Military officials emphasized that cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the IDB remains vital in maintaining stability and supporting normalization initiatives in former conflict areas.
Akgun’s visit to the 6th Infantry Division reaffirmed the strong partnership between the GPH and the MILF and their shared determination to fully implement the provisions of the CAB—paving the way for lasting peace, development, and inclusive growth across the Bangsamoro region.