International Monitoring Team Members-Mindanao 10 (TPA-M10) which conducted a monitoring and surveillance mission of the ceasefire between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has succeeded in boosting Malaysia's image and reputation in the eyes of the world.

Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief Admiral Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said Malaysia, which headed the TPA-M10, succeeded in reducing incidents of skirmishes drastically since its setting up in 2004.

"Before the existence of TPA-M10, such incidents were high, up to 698 in 2002, but were successfully reduced to zero, until the Mamasapano incident erupted in January last year," Ahmad Kamarulzaman told reporters after a ceremony to fete the return and disbanding of TPA-M10 at the RMAF Subang Airbase yesterday.

A total of 16 members, including 10 army officers headed by Major-General Sheikh Mokhsin Sheikh Hassan arrived safely home in a Hercules C-130 aircraft at 5pm.

TPA-M10, comprising 36 members from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and Norway, had carried out a 12-month mission from March 13 last year.

Sheikh Mokhsin said the team faced challenging experiences in ensuring peace in its sector of responsibility encompassing Cotabato City, Lligan City, Zamboanga City and General Santos City.

"We were in the centre of the feuding parties, but we have an advantage because we have a similar culture to the local populace."

He said the Philippine people looked up to the TPA-M10 team and gave good cooperation during the mission.

- Bernama