Malacañang on Tuesday announced the retirement of retired General Carlito G. Galvez Jr. from government service, with former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento appointed as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said the President expressed gratitude to Galvez for his leadership of the OPAPRU, particularly in advancing the implementation of signed peace agreements and sustaining gains in the Bangsamoro transition.

“His contributions, first as a soldier and later as a peacekeeper, reflect a lifetime of service to the Republic, and the nation owes him a profound debt. Secretary Sarmiento’s appointment marks a progression of the country’s peace work. With security and normalization milestones largely in place, the process now enters a phase that calls for civilian leadership — centered on reconciliation, local governance, and socio-economic reintegration,” Castro said.

She added that Sarmiento’s appointment comes at a critical time as the Bangsamoro region moves toward its first parliamentary elections and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement. His background in local governance and public administration, she said, equips him for the role.

“The administration reaffirms its abiding commitment to a just and lasting peace and calls on all peace partners, stakeholders, and communities to support Secretary Sarmiento as he takes on this vital responsibility,” Castro added.