WHEREAS , on December 6, 2000, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa - Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB) entered into a Peace Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the œPeace Agreement , on the basis of a mutual interest in pursuing a peaceful settlement of armed conflicts under the principles of honor, dignity and justice for all, and to hasten the progress and development of the country and the equal enjoyment of the fruits thereof by all citizens of the Republic of the Philippines;

WHEREAS , pursuant to the Peace Agreement and by virtue of Executive Order No. 335 dated January 4, 2001, a Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee was constituted to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Peace Agreement and a Reintegration Fund was created;

WHEREAS , on February 26, 2002, the GRP and the RPMP/RPA/ABB executed a Clarificatory Document to the Peace Agreement;

WHEREAS , there is a need to reconstitute the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee and provide for the effective management of the Reintegration Fund.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO , President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Reconstitution of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee . - The Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC), constituted under Executive Order No. 335 dated January 4, 2001 to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Peace Agreement, is hereby reconstituted as follows:

a. Two (2) members representing the GRP to be designated or appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines;

b. Two (2) members representing the RPM-P/RPA/ABB to be nominated or designated by the said group; and

c. The fifth member to be chosen by the representatives of both the GRP and the RPM-P/RPA/ABB from a list of persons of established integrity, impartiality, ability, and patriotism.

The JEMC shall elect from among themselves a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The JEMC shall fix the terms of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) shall provide overall support in the management and operation of the JEMC.

The JEMC may create Local Monitoring Teams, technical working groups and other similar bodies, and designate technical advisers, as it may deem necessary to provide assistance in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and in the performance of their functions.

SECTION 2. Functions and Responsibilities . - The JEMC shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

a. Formulate and issue the Guidelines for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;

b. Formulate and adopt the schedules, work programs and plans for the implementation of the provisions of the Peace Agreement;

c. Coordinate and synchronize the programs and projects undertaken by agencies of the Government in implementation of the Peace Agreement, as well as those undertaken by units and components of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB, in accordance with existing laws and with the participation of local government units, non-governmental organizations and local communities;

d. Create, supervise, and define the functions and responsibilities of its Local Monitoring Teams, technical working groups, and other similar bodies tasked with providing assistance in the implementation of the Peace Agreement;

e. Resolve conflicts and problem areas which may arise in the process of implementing the various provisions of the Peace Agreement;

f. Gather relevant data, conduct investigations, generate reports and direct proper authorities to undertake appropriate actions on any substantial breach or violation of the terms and conditions of the Peace Agreement;

g. Conduct free and honest ground-level consultations with major stakeholders and affected communities on issues and concerns arising from the implementation of the provisions of the Peace Agreement;

h. Disseminate proper and timely information on the progress of implementation of the Peace Agreement through an officially-designated spokesperson;

i. Call upon the concerned agencies of the Government for such assistance as may be necessary in the performance of its functions; and

j. Perform such other acts or take such other measures as may be necessary to ensure the proper and effective implementation of the Peace Agreement.

SECTION 3. Reintegration Fund . - A Reintegration Fund is hereby created for the implementation of programs and projects that will assist alleged political offenders (APOs) who may be released from imprisonment under the Peace Agreement. Specifically, the Reintegration Fund shall be utilized to support the reintegration to mainstream society and other development undertakings of APOs who were former members of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB. The Reintegration Fund, which shall amount to Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00), shall be sourced from the President ™s Social Fund.

The JEMC shall formulate the necessary guidelines for the management and utilization of the said Fund which shall be consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 4. Support . - All agencies of the Government are hereby directed to provide the support necessary to ensure the timely and effective implementation of development projects and programs as identified in the Peace Agreement, and in accordance with the policy thrusts of the Administration on the peace process and the national agenda on poverty alleviation.

SECTION 5. Secretariat and Office Space . - The OPAPP shall provide the JEMC a permanent Secretariat which shall render technical and administrative support to the JEMC. The OPAPP shall likewise provide the JEMC with adequate office space and facilities.

SECTION 6. Funding . - The Department of Budget and Management is hereby directed to release the amount of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P7,500,000.00) from the President ™s Contingent Fund to initially cover the operational expenses of the JEMC and its Secretariat. Fund requirements of the JEMC and its Secretariat for the succeeding years shall be included in the OPAPP budget.

SECTION 7. Repeal . - Executive Order No. 335 dated January 4, 2001 is hereby repealed. All orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity . - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

City of Manila, August 20, 2002.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary