CAMP LUCERO, CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO (May 5) — Base commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed a Pledge of Commitment on April 30, affirming their support for the peaceful, orderly, and credible conduct of the upcoming midterm elections.
The signing followed a peace dialogue organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), where MILF commanders shared concerns and insights on the Bangsamoro peace process.
During the dialogue, OPAPRU Director Farrah Naparan of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Implementing Panel Secretariat provided updates on peacebuilding and socioeconomic programs being implemented in MILF communities. She also discussed the National Amnesty Program, detailing the application process for MILF members and the issuance of safe conduct passes.
Open and Interactive Exchange
GPH Peace Implementing Panel Chair and OPAPRU Presidential Assistant Cesar Yano encouraged MILF commanders to openly voice their concerns.
“Gusto lang naming marinig ang inyong mga hinaing. Malaya kayong magsalita. Kung mayroon kayong gustong sabihin, ipapaliwanag namin,” Yano said.
Commanders raised questions particularly on legal and security implications of applying for amnesty. Their queries were addressed by Yano, Naparan, 602nd Brigade Commander BGen Ricky Bunayog, GPH-CCCH Chair BGen Patricio Ruben Amata, and MILF-AHJAG Executive Director Anwar Alamada.
Strong Messages of Support
PCol. Julhamin Asdani, Director for Operations of the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, urged MILF commanders to fully support the implementation of ceasefire protocols during the elections.
“We can foster a safer environment where citizens can vote freely, without fear or intimidation,” Asdani emphasized. He encouraged continued participation in efforts promoting peace and security.
Similarly, PCapt. Godofredo Tupas II, Deputy Chief of Police of Kidapawan Police Station, expressed full institutional support for the initiative.
“We see this pledge not just as a ceremonial act, but as a sincere commitment to uphold the democratic rights of our people,” Tupas said. “Today’s event reflects the progress achieved through dialogue and cooperation between the government and the MILF.”
Concrete Steps to Safeguard Peace
GPH-CCCH Chair BGen Patricio Ruben Amata announced the activation of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), composed of representatives from both the government and MILF. These teams will monitor and respond to any election-related incidents.
“Nag-organisa tayo ng mga QRT na magbabantay at magreresponde sa anumang insidenteng may kinalaman sa ceasefire,” Amata noted. “Nawa’y patuloy pang lumalim ang ating komunikasyon upang mapalitan ang dating hidwaan ng pagkakaisa.”
Atty. Joyce Moran, supervising lawyer for the Special Geographic Area (SGA) under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), echoed these sentiments.
“Sana patuloy nating bigyan ng tsansa ang kapayapaan — hindi lamang tuwing eleksyon, kundi sa araw-araw,” Moran said.The event concluded with the ceremonial recital and signing of the Pledge of Commitment, led by Col. Joel Mamon (Ret.), Head of the Joint Secretariat of the GPH CCCH and AHJAG.
