The MILF commanders also took part in a peace dialogue organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) wherein they raised concerns as well shared insights on the Bangsamoro peace process.
OPAPRU Director Farrah Naparan of the GPH Peace Implementing Panel (PIP) Secretariat gave updates on the peacebuilding and socioeconomic initiatives being carried out by OPAPRU in MILF communities.
Naparan also explained the national government’s Amnesty Program, especially how MILF members can apply for amnesty, as well as the issuance of safe conduct passes to individuals who are availing of the program.
*Interactive Exchange*
OPAPRU Presidential Assistant Cesar Yano, Chair of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Implementing Panel encouraged the MILF commanders to express their concerns.
“Gusto lang naming marinig yung (mga hinaing dito). Libre lang tayong magsalita. Sabihin niyo lang [ang inyong mga problema]. Kung mayroon kayong sasabihin, ipapaliwanag namin,” Yano said.
In particular, the commanders asked about legal and security issues that may arise once they apply for amnesty.
Yano and Naparan, together with 602nd Brigade Commander BGen Ricky Bunayog, GPH-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Chair BGen Patricio Ruben Amata, and MILF-Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) Executive Director Anwar Alamada, responded to the issues raised.
*Messages of Support*
Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office Director for Operations PCol. Julhamin Asdani, called on the MILF commanders to fully support the implementation of ceasefire- related guidelines during the midterm elections.
“We can create a safer environment where every individual can exercise his or her right to suffrage freely without fear and intimidation,” Asdani said.
“Also, I encourage everyone to continue supporting this initiative and actively engage in effort[s] that promote peace and security in our community,” he added.
PCapt. Godofredo Tupas II, Deputy Chief of Police of the Kidapawan Police Station, expressed his organization’s full support to the guidelines’ implementation.
“We recognize the importance of today’s pledge not just as [an] act but as a genuine commitment to the democratic rights of our citizens and ensure that every vote cast is a voice heard,” Tupas said.
“This event is a clear manifestation of the gains we have achieved through dialogue and cooperation between the government and the MILF,” he stressed.
*Assurances of Peace*
GPH-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Chair BGen Patricio Ruben Amata announced the official activation of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) that will be tasked to respond to election-related concerns that may arise.
“Nag-organisa din tayo ng Quick Reaction Teams na binubuo mula sa ating gobyerno at sa MILF na i-dedeploy natin na magmo-monitor at magresponde kung meron man mga ceasefire-related incidents na mangyari,” Amata said.
“Sana lalo pang lumakas ang ating komunikasyon at interaksyon [para] yung dating mga hidwaan ay mapalitan ng pagkakaisa at [ang] anumang alitan ay mapalitan ng unawaan,” he added.
Atty. Joyce Moran, supervising lawyer for the Special Geographic Area (SGA)-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remarked, “Sana patuloy nating bigyan ng tsansa ang kapayapaan. Hindi lang sa election. ‘Yung tuloy-tuloy na.”
To culminate the event, Col. Joel Mamon (ret), the Head of the Joint Secretariat of the GPH CCCH and AHJAG led the recital of the Pledge of Commitment, followed by the signing of the document.
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