Joint Communiqué between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front 1. The government of the republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to the isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicates and kidnap-for-ransom groups, including so-called "lost commands" operating in Mindanao. 2. Both sides agreed that the activities of these criminal groups impede the peace process, the effective pursuit of development programs, and the efficient delivery of basic services to the poor: for this purpose, immediate and joint action is needed for the security and upliftment of the affected communities. 3. The AFP/PNP shall convey to the MILF an order of battle containing the names and identities of criminal elements as defined in the Implementing Guidelines on the security aspect of the GRP-MILF agreement on peace of 2001 suspected of hiding in MILF areas/communities. 4. The MILF and the GRP shall form an ad hoc joint action group against criminal elements. This group will operate in tandem with their Respective Coordinating committees on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH). 5. A quick coordination system will be established by the GRP-MILF ad hoc joint action group to enhance their communications and working relations for the successful apprehension or capture of criminal elements in accordance with this agreement provided, that criminals operating outside MILF areas/communities are considered beyond the purview of the peace process. 6. The MILF shall block the entry of criminals into MILF areas/communities. The MILF may request the assistance of the AFP or PNP in the conduct of operations against such criminals inside MILF areas/communities. 7. The agreement shall be enforced by the MILF and the GRP through their respective coordinating committees on the cessation of hostilities. The MILF and the GRP express sincere adherence to the implementation of this agreement, including other existing peace agreements, so that the peace negotiation of substantive issues can proceed smoothly towards a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. Signed on this 6th day of May month 2002 at Cyberjaya. For the GRP: Attested by:
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