Republic of the Philippines
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER
Bangsamoro Government Center, Governor Gutierrez Avenue, Rosary Heights VIL, Cotabato City 9600
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO:
Series of 2022
CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE PEACE, SECURITY,
AND RECONCILIATION OFFICE (PSRO) UNDER THE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER, AND DEFINING
ITS SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the Bangsamoro Government is mandated to promote unity, peace,
justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage a just and peaceful
settlement of disputes.
WHEREAS, in support of the national policy framework on peace, unity, and
reconciliation under Executive Order No. 158 Series of 2021, the BARMM needs to
closely work and coordinate efforts for the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and
sustainable peace within the autonomous region and in partnership with law
enforcement and national agencies.
WHEREAS, during the extended transition period, while the decommissioning
process of the MILF combatants is yet to be fully implemented and completed, there
is a need to constantly monitor the strict observance of the ceasefire agreement and
proper coordination with law enforcement agencies in the interdiction of lawless
elements and wanted criminals to avoid mis-encounters, effect unhampered law
enforcement operations and prevent conflict within MILF communities.
WHEREAS, there is a need for a parallel structure in the BARMM dedicated to
the operationalization of safeguarding the gains of the peace process and effectively
responding to the special needs and concerns of transitioning combatants.
WHEREAS, the peace process mechanisms, such as the MILF Coordinating
Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and
their local monitoring teams and monitoring outposts play a crucial role in
peacebuilding and settlement of feuds (“rido”) within MILF areas.
WHEREAS, a series of consultations on community peacebuilding and a
Regional Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention were conducted with the
residents of conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, MILF
combatants, BARMM agencies, and other key stakeholders with the support of the
United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. These consultations yielded a very strongrecommendation to strengthen and institutionalize support for the existing peace
mechanisms.
WHEREAS, all public officers and employees of the Bangsamoro Government
are committed by sacred oath to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all
people in the region, strongly fight the proliferation of all evils of society, and
endeavor to promote and sustain peace and security at all times in the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region territory and the entire country.
WHEREAS, the Enhanced 12 Point Priority Agenda of BARMM seeks to
implement special programs for transitioning combatants and their families apart
from regular programs of the national government like 4Ps and PhilHealth, among
others, ‘to ensure that these programs are tailored to fit their needs so that they will
become productive members of the society.’
WHEREAS, in the exercise of executive authority, the Chief Minister, under the
Bangsamoro Administrative Code, is vested with continuing authority to reorganize
executive offices. As head of the Bangsamoro Government, the Honorable Chief
Minister shall exercise all powers expressly granted by the Bangsamoro Organic Law,
those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or
incidental for the efficient and effective governance of BARMM and those which are
essential to the promotion of general welfare. He shall have control and supervision
of all ministries, agencies, offices, bureaus, commissions, boards, and
instrumentalities of the Bangsamoro Government. He shall ensure that laws are
faithfully executed.
WHEREAS pursuant to the above, there shall be created a Peace, Security and
Reconciliation Office (PSRO) to provide administrative, capacity building, legal
assistance, and technical support to the peace mechanisms and attend to
transitioning combatants.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, AHOD B. EBRAHIM, Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, by virtue of the powers vested in me by
law, do hereby order:
SECTION 1. Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office. ~ There is hereby
created the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office, which shall act as the primary
agency to support and serve transitioning combatants and existing peace
mechanisms, such as the MILF Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of
Hostilities, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and their respective monitoring
outposts and local monitoring teams, special committees and task force, to enable
these to successfully carry out their mutually agreed peace and security mandates
during the extended transition period.
Section 2. Powers and Responsibilities of The Office. - The Office shall
perform the following functions and responsibil
a. Provide technical, logistical, personnel, and administrative support for
the efficient operations of the peace mechanisms;
b. Coordinate and attend to the needs and concerns of transitioning
combatants;c. Conduct regular dialogues with community-based organizations, peace
partners, local government units, and civil society organizations;
d. Promulgate guidelines, rules, and regulations in the prevention and
resolution of “ridos” involving the MILF and their communities in
coordination with the Ministry of Peace, Order and Safety (MPOS), local
government units, the security sector, and other stakeholders;
‘Train and accredit community peace mediators and conciliators;
Conduct Information, Education, and Campaigns;
Submit periodic security assessment and report to the Office of the Chief
Minister;
h. Coordinate with other ministries, agencies, and offices of the
Bangsamoro Government to actively assist in the effective
implementation of its mandate; and
i. Perform such other function as may be directed by the Chief Minister.
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Section 3. Composition and Term. ~The Office shall be headed by a Director
who shall be appointed or designated by the Chief Minister. He shall be assisted by
Deputy Directors, Project Coordinators, Legal Officers, as well as Technical and
Administrative staff.
Section 4. Highly-confidential employees. - Considering the sensitive nature
of their function, the Director and all personnel under this Office shall be treated as
highly confidential personnel and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing
authority.
Section 5. Fund. - The funds necessary for the initial operational and
administrative expenses to carry out this Order shall be sourced from the funded
Contingent Fund of the Office of the Chief Minister in the amount of Fifteen Million
Pesos (PhP 15,000,000.00). ‘The funding requirement for the succeeding years shall
be included in the Bangsamoro Annual Appropriations Act, subject to the usual
budgeting process.
Section 6. Repealing Clause. - All other orders, issuances, rules, and
regulations inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Cotabato, this 30" day of September 2022.
AHOD B. EBRAHIM
thief Minister ——