The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) is an independent body established in 2013 to monitor, review, and assess the implementation of the peace agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It was formed as a key mechanism of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to ensure transparency, build trust, and uphold accountability.
Core Mandate and Functions
The TPMT is tasked with ensuring both parties (GPH and MILF) comply with their obligations under the peace accords. Its main responsibilities include:
The TPMT is tasked with ensuring both parties (GPH and MILF) comply with their obligations under the peace accords. Its main responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and Assessment: Evaluating the progress of both the political and normalization tracks of the peace process.
- Reporting: Producing public reports annually (or as necessary) and providing confidential updates to the peace panels.
- Building Trust: Acting as a neutral “watchdog” to maintain accountability during the transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Composition
The TPMT is designed to be an independent, mutually agreed-upon body consisting of international and local experts:
- Chair: An eminent international person who acts as convener and spokesperson (e.g., EU diplomat Heino Marius).
- Local NGO Members: Representatives nominated by the GPH and MILF, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- International NGO Members: Representatives nominated by the GPH and MILF.
- Key members (as of 2025): Includes Karen Tañada (Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute), Rahib Kudto (United Youth for Peace and Development), Huseyin Oruc (Humanitarian Relief Foundation), and Sam Chittick (The Asia Foundation).