Norway has funded the renovation of a peace operations center in Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Philippine peace authorities and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila officially handed over the upgraded facility in Cotabato City, according to a Facebook post by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The center will serve the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST), which include members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.
Together, they help maintain stability in areas previously affected by conflict. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) carried out the refurbishment through its “STAND for Peace” programme with funding from the Norwegian government.
Focus on women in peacekeeping
During the handover on February 12, Norway’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Christian Halaas Lyster, said Norway wants to support peace efforts that create visible results for local communities.
“We are committed to protecting women and girls and to integrating a gender perspective in international missions and operations,” Lyster said.
Philippine officials described the joint peace teams as an important example of reconciliation between former adversaries and a key part of the Bangsamoro peace process.
Related posts:
Norway supports IOM BIWAB to supply PPEs to internally displaced persons in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur
Norwegian Ambassador joins Global Wind Energy Council in Philippines
Norwegian Embassy in Manila eyes boost in trade for fresh salmon in the Philippines
Nordic ambassadors reaffirm peace support in Bangsamoro
