GENERAL SANTOS CITY— In a significant step toward strengthening peace and solidarity across Cotabato province, local government executives and officials from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) have agreed to expand their collaborative peacebuilding efforts.

The initiative aims to foster continued religious and cultural harmony among the region’s diverse Muslim, Christian, and non-Moro indigenous communities.

The consensus to deepen their peace efforts was reached during a dialogue held recently at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Major General Donald Gumiran, the newly-appointed commander of the 6th ID, as well as various municipal and provincial officials.

Gumiran, who took command of the 6th ID in December 2024, had previously served as the commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, which oversaw several towns in Cotabato. During his tenure at the 602nd, Gumiran had played a pivotal role in overseeing peace and security operations in the province. His appointment to the 6th ID marked a new phase in the region’s peace initiatives, which he emphasized during the 28 February meeting.

The event at Camp Siongco also saw the participation of several key figures, including Jessie Enid Jr., Executive Secretary of Governor Mendoza, Matalam Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael, and Mohammad Kelie Antao, a member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro regional parliament.

In a statement on Sunday, March 2, Gumiran expressed his gratitude for the support from local officials, stating, “We are grateful to all of them for their continuing support to our community-based peacebuilding activities in Cotabato province.”

A key achievement of the region’s ongoing peace efforts has been the successful reintegration of former combatants into society. Under the leadership of Gumiran while he was commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, over 200 former members of armed groups such as the New People’s Army, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and their allies in the Dawlah Islamiya, surrendered to the military. Local government units in Cotabato played a crucial role in facilitating the reintegration process, ensuring that these former fighters were given opportunities to rebuild their lives peacefully within their communities.

Governor Mendoza, who also serves as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council for Region 12, announced that LGUs under her office will be working closely with the 6th ID to launch special outreach programs during the upcoming Islamic Ramadan fasting season.

Ramadan, which is a period of fasting from dawn to dusk observed by Muslims, is seen as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, self-improvement and reparation of wrongdoings. The outreach programs will specifically target predominantly Muslim areas of Cotabato, with the goal of deepening interfaith cooperation and understanding, as well as addressing the unique needs of these communities during the holy month.

“These outreach programs will serve as a platform to engage with Muslim communities, fostering goodwill and understanding,” Mendoza said. “We aim to create a stronger foundation for peace and unity, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.”