Government, MILF strengthen peace mechanisms ahead of BARMM polls

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have turned to two existing peace-process mechanisms to help keep the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections peaceful and orderly.

The agreement was signed at Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main headquarters in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento, who chairs the Government Peace Implementing Panel, led the government delegation. He met his MILF counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal, as the parties advanced implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The sides first signed guidelines for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group. The guidelines cover ceasefire-related functions during the Sept. 14, 2026, parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sarmiento and Iqbal also signed a pledge of commitment to a peaceful, orderly and credible election. Sarmiento thanked MILF Chair Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim and members of the MILF Central Committee for welcoming the delegation.

“This is another important demonstration of our shared commitment to coordination, cooperation, and a peaceful and orderly first BARMM parliamentary elections,” Sarmiento said. The delegation included Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ricky Bunayog and Police Brig. Gen. Jemuel Siason, deputy director for administration of the Police Regional Office-BARMM.

The CCCH and Ahjag were established under the GPH-MILF peace process. The new guidelines are intended to prevent misunderstandings between government forces and the MILF while the region prepares for the vote.

“

This is another important demonstration of our shared commitment to coordination, cooperation, and a peaceful and orderly first BARMM parliamentary elections.