Group signals re-engagement as Bangsamoro deal enters crucial phase
COTABATO CITY (April 24) — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has welcomed the appointment of Mel Senen Sarmiento as the country’s new peace adviser, signaling readiness to re-engage as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a decisive stage.
In a statement, MILF Peace Implementing Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal described Sarmiento’s appointment as an opportunity to advance the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark deal that ended decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.
“The moment before us is clear… what remains is the harder, less visible work,” Iqbal said, pointing to normalization, governance, and development challenges.
From peace deal to governance
Forged in 2014, the CAB paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2019 under Republic Act 11054, replacing the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
With key milestones already in place, including initial decommissioning of combatants and the establishment of Bangsamoro institutions, the process is now transitioning toward civilian-led governance, reconciliation, and socio-economic reintegration.
Malacañang described Sarmiento’s appointment as part of this shift, emphasizing the need to consolidate gains and move toward long-term stability.
Re-engagement after tensions
Sarmiento takes over from Carlito Galvez Jr., whose tenure saw major breakthroughs but also reported strains in coordination with MILF leadership.
The group had previously paused participation in parts of the normalization process, citing concerns over engagement protocols and alleged interference in Bangsamoro institutions—issues that observers say created friction within the peace process.
Despite this, the MILF expressed gratitude for Galvez’s role, particularly in advancing the Bangsamoro Organic Law and initiating decommissioning efforts.
The “final stretch”
Iqbal emphasized that the next phase will be the most challenging, requiring stronger coordination and mutual trust between government and MILF leaders.
Key priorities include:
- Completing the final phase of decommissioning
- Strengthening fiscal and governance capacity in BARMM
- Ensuring credible first parliamentary elections
- Delivering development to conflict-affected communities
