Republic of the Philippines

Department of National Defense

General Headquarters

Armed Forces of the PhilipPlnes

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
Quezon City

Dqrartment of the Interior and local Government

National Headquarters

Philtpptae llational Police

Camp Brigadier General Rafael Crame
Quezon City

SIIB.IBCT: Revised Joint AI.P/ PIIP Operational Guidelines for the Ad Hoc
Joint Action Group (AILIAQI
See Distribution

TO:

1)

RTFERENCES

of

a.

Joint Communique between the

b.

Approved Implementing Guidelines on the Joint

Government

the

Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
dated O6 May 2OO2. ( Annex Af
Communique of O6 May 2OO2 dated 15 February 2012. (Aanex B

c.

Primer on ttre GPH-MILF Ad Hoc Joint Acdon group

(AHJAG), 52006

d.

Certifrcation on the Renewal of t]le Mandate of the Ad Hoc

Joint Action Group (AHJAG) dated 25 January 2013- {Annex C}

e.
2l

Joint AFP/PNP Workshop Output dated 29-30 April 2013.

PITRPOSE

This document provides for the amendment to all policies and

guidelines
to enhance the operational capability of tl:e AHJAG and be
other
more responsive to the current developments in the GPH-MILF peace talks.

3)

APPLICABILITY

These guidelines apply to the GPH AHJAG and its teams, situated
in tJle five (5) areas as defrned in the Approved Interim Implementing Guidelines
on the Joint Communique of O6 May 2AO2.

4l

scoPE

T?rese Implementing Guidelines apply only to operations against

criminal s5mdicates/kidnap-for-ransom groups, lost commands and other

criminal elements within MILF areas / comlnunities.

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5)

DEFTNTTTOIT OF

?ERMS

a.

AIIJAC- a coordinative body tasked to coordinate, monitor

and disseminate information between and among the AFP/PNP and the
MILF/BIAF to effect the apprehension and arrest of suspected criminal elements
\Mithin MILF communities/ areas.

GPH AI'IJACT is the government component of AHJAG

composed of AFP and PNP personnel as stated in the Joint communiqu6 dated
O6 May 2042.

b.

c. MILF AIIJACT is the MILF component of AHJAG composed

personnel
as stated in the Joint communique dated O6 May 2OO2.
of MILF
d.

Parties- herein shall be referred to as the AFP and PNP.

e.

Lost Commands- groups which are not under the command

BIAF
and the AFP/PNP as verifred by the Ad Hoc Joint Action
and control of the
Group {AHJAG).

f.

Ciminal Sgndicates-/Kidnap-for-Rqnsom Groups- refer to

group/s or aggrupation of persons who engage in criminal activities as verifred
by AHJAG.

g.
leaderfrnember

Ciminal Elemenk- with the purview of AHJAG, refers o a

of a criminal syndicate or kidnap for ransom group as

distinguished from coflrmon criminals.

h. Atlrcr Ciminat Blements- refer to individuals, group/s or

aggrupation of persons including terrorist groups and armed lawless groups
who engage in criminal activities as verified by AHJAG.
i.

Wanted.Lesf- previously referred to as Order of Batfle, refers

to the updated official list of wanted persons covered by warrants of arrest as

prepared by the AFP/PNP and as verified by the AHJAG.

j.

Isolation- refers to the act of dissociating/segregating

criminal elements from the general public as a mode to monitor and counter
their criminal activities.
Interdiction- refers to the act of apprehending criminal
elements as defined in references a and b and turning them over to the AHJAG.

k.
l.

MILF Areas/Communities- refers to the places in Mindanao

identi{ied by the GPH and MILF peace panels where the MILF elements are
situated. These may also refer to areas with MILF presence acknowledged by
AFP and PNP for purposes of executing a law enforcement operation.

m. Lana Enforcement Operation (LEO)- refers to the

implementation of search warrants and service of warrants of arrest for the
seizure of wanted items/evidence and apprehension of suspected criminal
as well as the conduct of hot pursuit oneratio;

.r;spectively,

_ry

fleeing suspects or in the conduct of rescue operations of kidnapped victims

within identified MILF areas/ communities-

n.

Htgh Value Target- a list of which is provided by the

National Security Council to the GPH and MILF panels containing the narrres of
criminals or terrorists known to be operating within the GAAM.

o.

High Prioritg Target- is the classilication of a target for law

enforcement operation wherein the apprehension and arrest of a person or
individual who is in the wanted list would seriously degrade the functions of a
criminal or terrorist organization.

is the classification of a target for law

para
in
5 sections e , f, 8, h that need only at
defined
as
enforcement operation
least 24 hours notice prior to the execution of LEO.

p.

6)

Lous Prioritg Target-

STTUATTON

2OO2, the Government of the Republic of the

Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to
the isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicate and kidnap for ransom
groups including so called "lost commands" operating in Mindanao.

On 06 May

Bot]1 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 seryices to the poor- For this purpose, immediate
and joint action is needed for the security of the affected communities and the
successful apprehension and arrest of criminal elements.

The said Communique also states that tJ:e Armed Forces of the
Philippines/Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP) shall convey to the MILF a
wanted list containing the names and identities of criminal elements as defined
in the implementing guidelines on the security aspect of the GPH-MILF
Agreement on Peace of 2OO1 suspected of hiding in MILF areas/ communities.

on 15 October

2012, the GPH and MILF panels achieved an

unprecedented milestone in the peace talks with the historic signing of the
Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAEI) which outlines the general
features of the pottical setflement between the GPH and MILF and provides the
foundation for a just and enduring peace in Mindanao. With increased optimism
in forging a comprehensive peace pact, the peace mechanisms particplarly
AHJAG has noted positive results in law enforcement operations against
criminal elements indicative of the growing commitment and cooperation
between GPH and MILF forces.

7l

MrssroN
GPH AHJAG coordinates, monitors and disseminates information

between and among AFP/PNP and MILF to effect the unhampered law
enforcement operations against criminal elements within MILF
areas / communities without je opardtirng the GPH-MILF peace process.

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8)

COITCEPT

a.

Intent:
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP)

and Chief, Philippine National Police (CPNP) desire the effective joint

operationalization of the GPH AHJAG to support the peace efforts in accordance

with the provisions of the GPH-MILF peace process.

b.

End.state:

Successful joint AFP/PNP law enforcement operations

against criminal syndicates/kidnap-for-ransom groups, lost commands and
other criminal elements within MILF areasfcommunities without 4rmed
confrontation between the GPH and MILF forces.

c.

Organization and ComPosition:

For the AFP/PNP membership to GPH AHJAG Core and

Teams, the CSAFP and CPNP shall be the final recommending authority to the
GPH Peace Panel Chair. The GPH Panel reserves the right to accept or deny
recommendees.

The Chairman, GPH AHJAG shall be designated by the

Chair, GPH Peace Panel. He shal1 be directly responsible to the Chair, GPH
Peace Panel.

The Chairman, GPH AHJAG shall designate the

GPH

AHJAG Team Leaders. They shall be direcfly responsible to the Chairman, GPH
AHJAG.

The GPH-AHJAG Core shall be composed of two AFP and

two PNP officers. Under it, there will be five teams also composed of at least two
members each from both parties that will be deployed in five a-reas as defined in
the Implementing Guidelines on ttre Joint Communique of O6 May 2OO2 dated
15 February 2012, as follows:

o AHJAG Team 1: Provinces of Maguindanao, North

Cotabato, Bukidnon, and all cities located therein;
o AHJAG Team 2: Provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao
de1 Norte, and all cities located therein;
o AHJAG Team 3: Provinces of Zarl.boanga del Norte,
Za;mboanga del S:ur, Zarnboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and all cities
located therein. For Trurposes o;f seamless operations, GPH AHJAG Tm 3 shall
irrclude Ba.silan, Sulu and Taui-tawi as part of its area of operations.
o AHJAG Team 4: Provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South
Cotabato, Sarangani, and all cities located tJrerein; and
o AHJAG Team 5: Provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao
del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and all cities located therein.

The Chairrnan, GPH AHJAG shall also designate from the

AFP and the PNP at least three (3) personnel each to compose the GPH AHJAG
Secretariat.

Page4"rf

d.

Functions:

The GHQ-AFP and NHQ-PNP, through their operational staff,

in coordination with GPH AHJAG Core shall supervise, monitor and support the
AHJAG teams and their support elements in implementing every operation in
support to national policies.

The functions of the GPH AHJAG are anchored on the

following: Information Dissemination and Coordination and Monitoring of all
Law Enforcement Operations within MILF areas/communities.

1)

Information Dissemination

a)
National Policy'

In continuous consideration of ttre following:

*xffiirt:'B:::.',3fii3S "" a

Respect

for Human Rights in

the

To convince MILF counterparts on

tJle

perfonrrance of Law Enforcement Operations.

b)

importance and necessiqr of interdicting crirninal elements

among their ranks.

in their

areas and

c) To establish and strengthen linkages with the

various stakeholders to ensure the elEcient and effiective conduct of AHJAG
tasks.
2l

Law Enforcement Operation

a)

Coordination

1) Ttre task of coordinating GPH

enforcement operations
forces.

to avoid unwanted {irefights or hostilities with

of GPH Forces' intention to

law
MILF

2l

Relay and follow-up of MILF actions in lieu

conduct law enforcement operations in MILF

affected areas.

b)

Monitoring

1) The task of monitoring the coordination

and facilitation done by the GPH AHJAG as well as the coordinated and
facilitated GPH Forces' law enforcement operations.
2) Estabtshment of systems and procedures
to ensure GPH Forces compliance to the requirements GPH AHJAG.
3) Addressing operational issues lodged by
AHJAG in coordination with counterparts and the GPH Panel.
4) Observing and monitoring the GPH Forces'
law enforcement functions.
of
contact and
5) Establishment
communication links with the GPH Forces.
Page5

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6) Documenting the GPH Forces' Law

enforcement operations and its results, the MILF reactions and responses, as
well as the turnover of arrested criminal elements to proper authorities.
e.

ELrecution:

Joint AFP/PNP operations shall be conducted in

the
The
interdiction of criminal elements within identified MILF communities/areas.
PNP shall take the lead role and the AFP in supporting role.

GPH Law Enforcement Operation shall be coordinated

and facilitated through GPH AHJAG Teams pursuant to the provision of
reference a. The AHJAG Team Coordiaation and Monitoring will be done in
three (3| phases, dft colTesponding tasks as follows:

1)

Phase

I lPrior to Law Enforcement Operationl

Phase I begins when the GPH Forces communicate to

the GPH AHJAG of an impending law enforcement operation at least 24 hours
prior.

a) In cases of arrest of wanted criminals, convey

Wanted List through letter to Chairperson, GPH-AHJAG.
b) Receive validated Wanted List and follow-up
prompt
action and feedback or action taken.
MILF
c) Receive information and pass on the
information to appropriate agencies/ units.
d) Identi$r operating units and lor a.rea of
operations.
e) Communicate information to counterparts,
provide time frame and other essential information. Identifii targets and provide
copy of list to counterparts.
f)

Except for operations against high priority

targets, a list of which shall be provided by the GPH Panel to the MILF Panel,
the AHJAG shall inforrn the GPH and MILF CCCH at least 24 hrs prior to the
conduct of AFP/PNP operation in order to allow suflicient time for the
evacuation of civilians and to avoid armed confrontation between the GPH and
MILF forces.
g) In hot pursuit operations in MILF
areas/communities, the AFP/PNP commander shall coordinate with the AHJAG.
Pursuit operations by the AFP/PNP against criminal elements shall not exceed
seventy-two (72) hours and can be extended upon consultation with the AHJAG.
Paramilitary/irregular forces shall not be allowed to engage in hot pursuit.
h) In cases of implementation of search warrants,
rescue of kidnap victims and other law enforcement operation within MILF
areas/communities, the AFPIPNP forces shall inform at least 24 hours prior to
the operations the GPH AHJAG who will subsequently inform MILF AHJAG.
In cases wherein the coordination of GPH
il
AHJAG Core and Teams are not honored and not acted upon by their MILF
counterparts, the unresolved issues shall be elevated to the GPH-MILF Peace
Panel.

Phase I ends when the validation from the MILF is

received and information is passed on to appropriate agencies/units.
Page 5

of 11

2l

Phase

II ( During Law Enforcement Operationl

Phase II begins when tJ,e validation from the MILF is

received and information is passed on to appropriate agencies/units.

a)

Establish direct linkage with GPH forces

operating in the area.

b) In case armed confrontation is about to

happen or is happening between the AFP/PNP and MILF forces as a result of
law enforcement operations coordinated by AHJAG, the GPH AHJAG Tms shall
simultaneously inform GPH AHJAG Core and CCCH components to resolve the
situation.
c) If conflict escalates, refer the matter to higher
authorities.
d) Monitor operations timelines and remind
concerned commanders on its observance.
Phase

II ends when GPH forces' operation in the area

Phase

III I After law Enforcement OPerationl

Phase

III begins when GPH forces' operations in the

is terminated.

3)
area is terminated.

a) Receive and document apprehended

personalities for eventual turn over to duly constituted GPH authorities.
b) Document turn-over.
c) Prepare after AHJAG Team operations report.
Phase III ends when AHJAG Team has rendered an
AHJAG
Core Group.
the
report
to
official

f.

Tasks:

1)

GHQ AFP and IWIQ PIIP

a)

OJl, AFP and DPRM, PNP shall

issue
appropriate orders for AFP and PNP personnel for detail to the GPH AHJAG,
upon recommendation of GPH AHJAG to the GPH Peace Panel through
channels for accreditation.
b) OJ2, AFP and DI, PNP shall jointly develop the

system, preparations, procedures and regular update of the Wanted list for
periodic submission to AHJAG.
c) OJ3, AFP, AFP PPO, and DO, PNP shall
monitor and support alllaw enforcement operations of the GPH AHJAG.
d) AFP PPO and DO, PNP shall request for the
regular submission of reports from GPH AHJAG for submission to the CSAFP
and CPNP respectively. They shall likewise furnish said reports to the concerned
StaJf of the AFP and PNP respectively.

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"-

2l

Area Police OIIice, PROs and

PPtOs

a)

Submit list of one oflicer each from the areas

identified to compose tJ:e GPH AHJAG Tms for issuance of detail orders:
1: Maguindanao' North cotabato'
located,hr."f
Bukidnon and all cities
o Tm 2: Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and
all cities located therein.

-;

Jr-"r1."'*:ffi%*:tJ";:; 1ffi::X-:f

sur, Zantboarrg Sibugay

seamless operations, GPH AHJAG Tm
tawi as part of its area of operations.

del

3 shall include Basilan, Sulu and Taui-

o' sultan Kudarat' South

cotabato'

rocated;r#
. Tm 5: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur,

sarangani and all cities

Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and all cities located therein.

b)

Establish linkage with AHJAG prior, during

and after operations.

3)

EASTMTNCOM/WESTMTIICOM

a) Submit list of names of Deputy Brigade

Commanders of AFP units deployed in the provinces of the five (5) team areas:
1: Maguindanao' North

Bukidnon and all cities

cotabato'

rocated,n.r.f
o Tm 2: Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and

all cities located therein

del Sur, zatnbo',rga sibugay

.,o lrT.f;"3T3":ffi%3::J"ff; 'r#:X-:f

seamless operations, GPH AHJAG Tm

taui as part of its area of operations.

Sarangani and all cities

3 shall include Basilan,

Sulu and Taui-

ot sultan Kudarat' south cotabato'

located;rff
. Tm 5: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur,

Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and all cities located therein.

b)

Monitor and provide support to all AHJAG law

enforcement operations.

4)

GPH AIIJAG Core

a)

Administer, coordinate, supervise, control and

monitor GPH AHJAG Teams.

b) Establish a Secretariat to monitor the AHJAG

Teams and GPH Forces Law Enforcement Operations as well as attend to the
day to day activities of AHJAG.
c) Systematize efforts with respective subordinate
teams.
d) Develop TTPs and SOPs.
e) Coordinate with counterparts to synchronizn
efforts.
Establish linkage with GPH forces at all times.
0
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""y

with the AHJAG Teams.

g)

Establish redundant Lines of Communication

h)

Conduct information dissemination

to

GPH

forces on the mission and functions of AHJAG.

In coordination, with OJ3, AFP, AFP PPO, and

i)
DO, PNP develop Primers to create awareness on AHJAG mission and functions.
j)
Establish linkages with GAs, LGUs and
concerned NGOs.

g.

Coordinating Instmctions:

1) At all levels of law enforcement operations, GPH

AHJAG and GPH CCCH shall be in constant communication. They may likewise
maintain close coordination with other concerned agencies as necessary.
2l Other 1aw enforcement operations outside of the
operations of the AFP and PNP, such as operations of PDEA, NBI, BID, BOC,
etc., shall be coordinated with the PNP.
3)

GPH AHJAG Core and Team members sha1l adhere to

the highest standards of efficiency with due respect to human rights and dignity
to the fulfilment of their mandated responsibilities.

4l

In the performance of its tasks,

GPH AHJAG Core

and ?eam members shall ensure that interest of the Peace Process is given
primordial consideration and utmost importance.

5)

GPH AHJAG Core and Teams shall identiSr respective

requirements and submit a Joint Requirements List to OPAPP for appropriate

action.

6)

The designated members of the GPH AHJAG Core

and Teams shall provide their respective staff and administrative requirements.

7l

GPH AHJAG Teams shall direcfly render reports to

the GPH AHJAG Core.

GPH forces' operation is diverted
from its original intent, the GPH AHJAG Team shall imrnediately communicate
to the GPH AHJAG Core for advice in order to prevent the occurrence of a new
conflict and to preserve the credibility of the GPH.

8)

In the event that

9) GPH AHJAG Teams shall maintain close coordination

at all times with commanders in the ground on the updates of the GPH forces'
operations in order to have a real-time monitoring and anticipate issues that
may affect the peace process.

GPH AHJAG Core and its Teams can recommend

joint operations particularly in limiting its scope to
prevent confrontation between the GPH and MILF forces and extending its
duration to al1ow t]le GPH Forces to achieve its mission.

10)

changes

in the conduct

of

11) As necessary, tlre GPH AHJAG Core and Teams shall

participate in the regular updating of the Joint AFP/ PNP Wanted list.
Page 9

of 11

GPH AHJAG Core membership is concurrent to ttre

posidon of the Deputy Commanders of the Unilied Commands (EASTMINCOM
and WESTMINCOM) for the AFP and the Deputy Directors, DIPO - Western and
Eastern Mindanao for tl:e PNP.

t2l

13)

Replacement of members to GPH AHJAG Core and its

Teams shall be done in coordination with ttre GPH Peace Panel. The AFP and
PNP shall recoutmend their respective replacements.

Alternate members shall be designated to fill- in the

GPH AHJAG positions when principat members are not in their respective
AORs. Such designation shall take effect only during the absence of the
principal.

l4l

These guidelines provide the direction for all law

enforcement operations of AFP/PNP forces within MILF areas/communities.
Commanders are expected to adhere to the provisions set forth in these
guidelines and any conllict arising from its interpretation shall be resolved in
furtherance of the peace process.

15)

9)

REPEALTIIG CLAUSE

Directives, policies and similar issuances inconsistent with these

guidelines are hereby rescinded or modified accordingty-

10)

EFI.E'SrIVTTT

This Joint AFP-PNP Guidelines shall take effect upon signing by

the CSAFP and CPNP and notation by the Chair, GPNP for Talks with the MILF.
Done this 23.a day of July 2O13 at Quezon City, Philippines.

PT'RISItr[A
General

EM

General

Atr'P

, PNP

Chief of StqS, AFP

Signed in the presence of:

:/vil"^ V^1V,,PROFTSSOR MIRIAM CORONTI-FERRTR

Chair, GPNP for Talks with the MILF

Page 10 of 11