Gov’t, MILF reaffirm ceasefire ahead of BARMM polls
Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and strengthened coordination ahead of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on 14 September.
Representatives of the government, MILF, military, police and peace mechanisms signed the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding on 31 August at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The agreement covers ceasefire-related functions in connection with the upcoming elections and seeks to prevent misunderstandings and resolve potential conflicts through peaceful means.
Officials said the guidelines would strengthen coordination among the parties and contribute to safe, orderly and credible elections in the Bangsamoro region.
Among those present were Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Mel Senen Sarmiento, MILF Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Western Mindanao Command acting commander Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, GPH Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities chairman Maj. Gen. Patricio Ruben Amata and 6th Infantry Division acting commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog.
Police Brig. Gen. Jemuel Siason, chairman of the government Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and MILF-AHJAG chairman Anwar Alamada were among the officials who signed the guidelines.
Bunayog expressed the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central’s support for the agreement, saying it would help sustain peace and stability during the election period.
Cagara stressed the importance of continued dialogue and coordination among the government, MILF and other stakeholders.
“Our continued dialogue and coordination are essential in achieving a peaceful, orderly, and credible election. 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,” Cagara said.
The 14 September polls will mark the first parliamentary elections in BARMM, making coordination between government security forces and MILF peace mechanisms critical to maintaining the ceasefire during the electoral process.
