In a move to sustain and build upon the achievements of the Bangsamoro peace process, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher M. Iqbal convened on April 28, 2026. The meeting, held in Manila, focused on accelerating and enhancing the implementation of the Normalization Process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Key Discussions and Commitments
During the meeting, both officials acknowledged the challenges and opportunities facing the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF in executing the Normalization Program. They pledged to collaborate closely to address these concerns effectively. Iqbal stressed the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue between the GPH and MILF as foundational principles to fulfill their commitments under the CAB.
Sarmiento, who assumed his role on April 22, highlighted the significant progress achieved in the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly in improving the socioeconomic conditions of MILF members, their families, and communities. He urged continued involvement, stating, “Now more than ever, let us be involved. It is time for our people to focus on economic and development activities working together towards a more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive country.”
Citizen Participation and Positive Peace
The peace adviser emphasized that responsible citizenship is crucial for a progressive nation, citing Article XIII of the Constitution, which encourages active citizen participation in governance. He noted that when people are involved, growth becomes more inclusive and meaningful. Sarmiento described this proactive mindset as central to “Ang Bagong Pilipinas,” underscoring that “Sustaining peace is a shared responsibility” where “Each of us plays a role in building positive peace.”
He explained that positive peace requires a well-functioning and accountable government, rule of law, a fair justice system, low levels of corruption, strong institutions, and social cohesion. Additionally, for genuine peace to take root, there must be equitable distribution of resources, respect for others’ rights, and access to education and economic opportunities.
First Official Meeting
This meeting marked the first official gathering between Sarmiento and Iqbal since the former took office. Sarmiento expressed gratitude to Iqbal, noting that government becomes more effective when it works with the people rather than simply for them. He reaffirmed President Ferdinand Marcos’s commitment to the Bangsamoro leadership and its people, stating, “Together, as directed by PBBM, we aim to build a progressive BARMM, where its people take pride in their region and in being Filipino.”
Sarmiento brings extensive experience as a former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary under the late President Benigno Aquino III, a former House of Representatives member, and a three-term Calbayog City mayor. He has long advocated for inclusive, accountable, and transparent governance, emphasizing the empowerment of local government units to shape their own futures.
