By  Madel Sabater – Namit

Australian Foreign minister Julie Bishop. AFP PHOTO/ SAEED KHAN

The Australian government reaffirmed its support to the peace process in Mindanao, saying that it will provide $4-million over the next three years for the joint security and justice mechanisms of the peace process.

“In my meeting with Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, I confirmed Australia’s commitment to promoting development and prosperity in conflict affected regions of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines,” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement.

“In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress Organisation, the Australian Government will provide $4 million over the next three years to support the joint security and justice mechanisms of the peace process,” she said.

This includes support for ceasefire monitoring to ensure the continuation of peace and stability.

“In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress Organisation, the Australian Government will provide $4 million over the next three years to support the joint security and justice mechanisms of the peace process,” she said.

This includes support for ceasefire monitoring to ensure the continuation of peace and stability.

“Australia’s contribution will also enable responsible business investment in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous area and will support economic development,” she said.

Australia’s support for the peace process has included technical expertise to the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) during the negotiation period.

The government is negotiating a peace process with the MILF for the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacanang on March 27, 2014.