PHILIPPINE Army troops assemble during a send-off ceremony for two provisional battalions deployed to Lanao del Sur. The additional military units were dispatched to bolster security and maintain peace and order ahead of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on 14 September.
photograph courtesy of 1st Infantry ‘TABAK’ Division
Government officials, military officers and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered to sign a landmark agreement establishing ceasefire protocols ahead of the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections set for 14 September.
The ceremonial signing of the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding took place at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, bringing together key representatives from the Government of the Philippines, the MILF and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.
The signatories included Police Brig. Gen. Jemuel F. Siason, chairman of the government’s AHJAG, and director Anwar Alamada, chairman of the MILF-AHJAG, alongside senior officials from both peace mechanisms.
Military and government leaders in attendance included Mel Senen Sarmiento, presidential adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF; Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command and Maj. Gen. Patricio Ruben P. Amata, chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
Also present were Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, acting commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central; and Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, assistant division commander.
Police personnel, army brigade and battalion commanders, and other key stakeholders also attended the event.
The pact serves as a mutual commitment to maintain the ceasefire, improve operational coordination and foster mutual understanding.
It aims to prevent misunderstandings and resolve potential disputes peacefully to ensure a safe, stable and credible environment for the upcoming regional elections.
Bunayog voiced full backing from the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, noting that the agreement will play a vital role in sustaining peace and stability while supporting the smooth conduct of the polls.
Meantime, Cagara stressed the critical timing of the signing ahead of the region’s first parliamentary vote.
“Our continued dialogue and coordination are essential in achieving a peaceful, orderly and credible election,” Cagara said.
“The Western Mindanao Command wholeheartedly supports this effort, and we remain committed to maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and fairness as we fulfill our duty to protect the people and ensure a safe and peaceful electoral process,” he added.
