Members of the Malaysian International Monitoring Team-Mindanao (TPA-M11), who returned home yesterday, succeeded in their mission to monitor and supervise the truce between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief General Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said that despite overwhelming circumstances, TPA-M11 had successfully maintained the excellent service of the previous groups, considering the fact that when he took charge of ATM a year ago, the peace plan between the Philippine government and the MILF was stalled.

"The truce was interrupted due to the failure of the Philippine Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is the basis for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region.

"The peace process became unpredictable and caused unrest among the communities in Mindanao.

"However, TPA-M11, through the Peace Advocacy programme as well as the effectiveness of its monitoring, helped maintain a good relationship between the Philippine security forces and members of the MILF to avoid incidents that could undermine the peace agreement and to complete the mission smoothly," Raja Mohamed Affandi (photo) told reporters after the TPA-M11 homecoming and dissolution ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang yesterday.

Sixteen members of the team, including 11 officers led by Major-General Zamrose Mohd Zain, arrived in the country at 6.30pm.

The TPA-M11 was on duty for 12 months, alongside with 36 members from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and Norway, to carry out the peace-keeping mission for the Mindanao region starting from March 14, 2016.

Raja Mohamed Affandi said TPA-M11 went through challenging experience in its efforts to ensure security in the areas of Cotabato City, Lligan City, Zamboanga City and General Santos City.

"TPA-M11 faced three incidents of ceasefire violation during the period but managed to control the situation from spreading in order not affect the peace process," he said.

He added that the Philippine government had also acknowledged the ability and had high regard of the TPA-M11 team role and cooperated well during this mission.

- Bernama